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For the trail · alpventurer.com/alpspitze

Scaling Heights: Climbing the Alpspitze via Ferrata from Osterfelderkopf

Scaling Heights · Germany

Difficulty
Challenging

In short

The Alpspitze via ferrata starts at Osterfelderkopf mountain station in the Wetterstein Mountains. The 5 km route gains 750 m and reaches the 2,628 m summit; it is challenging and requires a head for heights and sure-footedness. The route is marked and includes sections graded B, A/B and A.

The route

Distance
5.0 km
Ascent
+750 m
Descent
−603 m
High point
2,628 m
Lowest point
2,031 m

A Osterfelderkopf mountain station: 47.43910, 11.05089▲ Alpspitze: 47.42927, 11.04768

Elevation profile of Scaling Heights: Climbing the Alpspitze via Ferrata from OsterfelderkopfStarts at 2,031 m, climbs 750 m in total to a high point of 2,619 m after 2.2 km, and finishes at 2,046 m; 4.7 km in all.2,000 m2,200 m2,400 m2,600 m0.0 km0.5 km1.0 km1.5 km2.0 km2.5 km3.0 km3.5 km4.0 km4.5 kmOsterfelderkopf mountain stationAlpspitze · 2,619 m

Walking time, without breaks

  • Relaxed5 h 25 min
  • Average4 h 20 min
  • Fast3 h 30 min

How steep

  • Under 8% 1.4 km
  • 8 to 15% 0.8 km
  • 15 to 25% 0.6 km
  • Over 25% 1.9 km

In two parts

  • Up to Alpspitze 2.2 km · +603 m
  • Back down to Osterfelderkopf mountain station 2.5 km · −591 m

What to pack

Every hike

  • Water: about 1.5 litres (half a litre an hour)
  • Food and snacks for the day
  • Rain jacket
  • A warm layer (fleece or light down)
  • Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
  • Boots or trail shoes with good grip
  • Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
  • Small first aid kit
  • Headlamp, in case it gets late
  • Some cash and your ID

For the summit

  • Hat and gloves: it is colder and windier at the top
  • Walking poles, for the way down

Chains and scrambles

  • Helmet, for falling stones
  • Gloves for the cables
  • Via ferrata set (harness and lanyard)

The guide

For adventure seekers and climbing enthusiasts, the Alpspitze via Ferrata beckons, a classic route through the captivating Wetterstein Mountains. This alpine escapade provides a blend of exhilarating ascents and breathtaking rocky vistas. With the starting point at Osterfelderkopf mountain station (2030 m) and the peak at Alpspitze (2628 m), it’s a journey that demands a head for heights and sure-footedness.

Alpspitze Alpventurer

How to get there

By Car: Drive through Oberau from the Munich-Garmisch motorway, taking the Wetterstein Mountains exit. As you near Garmisch, head left towards Alpspitzbahn (well-marked) before reaching the town’s end. Park at the valley station and take the cable car to Osterfelderkopf mountain station (33.5 EUR for roundtrip, 10/2023). If hiking, allocate an additional 3 hours for the ascent.

By Bus & Train: Board the Bavarian Regiobahn from Munich’s central station to Garmisch. From Garmisch train station, take bus line 2 to the Kreuzeck/Alpspitzbahn stop.

About the Alpspitze Climb

Alpspitze Alpventurer

The journey commences at the Osterfelderkopf mountain station, perched at an elevation of 2030 meters. As we gear up for this thrilling adventure, we are equipped with our indispensable rockfall helmet and Via Ferrata gear. The route is well-marked and involves a mix of challenging passages (B) and relatively more manageable sections (A/B and A).

The Alpspitze via Ferrata unfolds with a series of exhilarating climbs and descents. The North Face offers an adrenaline-pumping ascent with short, moderately tricky passages (B), while the descents present their own set of alpine challenges. The path through Oberkar and Nordwandsteig, as well as the descent into the Mathaisenkar, demands caution and agility.

The climb is characterized by iron aids and secured routes, showcasing the grandeur of the Wetterstein Mountains. The ascent begins with a steep entry wall (B) followed by varied terrain, including a mix of vertical walls and rock barriers (A/B). As you navigate these terrains, the summit cross of Alpspitze unveils itself, offering an awe-inspiring panorama of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Upon reaching the summit, a sense of triumph envelops you, underscored by the challenging yet rewarding journey. The descent offers several options, each providing a unique perspective of the stunning alpine landscape. Whether it’s descending via the Mathaisenkar, the East Ridge, or the Nordwandsteig, each route promises an adventure of its own.

Points of Interest: