The Wetterstein mountains are a mountain group in the Northern Limestone Alps within the Eastern Alps, crossing the Austria-Germany border. The Wetterstein range is part of the Bavarian Alps, which is a collective name for several mountain ranges of the Northern Limestone Alps within the German state of Bavaria. The Wetterstein mountains are a compact mountain chain between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Seefeld in Tirol and Ehrwald. The Zugspitze, the highest peak of Germany, is the most famous mountain in the Wetterstein range.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | Border between Germany (Bavaria) and Austria (Tyrol) |
Rivers | Lech, Saalach, Loisach, Isar, Kankerbach, Kranzbach, Drahnbach, Gaisbach, Ehrwalder Alm, Leutascher Ache |
Neighbouring Mountain Chains | Ammergau Alps, Bavarian Prealps, Karwendel, Mieming Chain |
Highest Peak | Zugspitze (2,962 m) |
Other High Peaks | Mt. Schneefernerkopf (2,875 m), Mt. Zugspitzeck (2,820 m), Hochwanner (2,746 m) |
Trails | Red Path of the Via Alpina, Zugspitze Via Ferrata, Schneefernerkopf Route, Alpspitz Ferrata |
Popular Starting Points for Hikes | Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Ehrwald |
Number of Named Mountains | 2,192 |
What You'll Learn
The Wetterstein Mountains are in the Northern Limestone Alps
The Wetterstein Mountains are a mountain group in the Northern Limestone Alps within the Eastern Alps. They are a comparatively compact range located between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Seefeld in Tirol and Ehrwald along the border between Germany (Bavaria) and Austria (Tyrol).
The Wetterstein Mountains are an ideal region for mountaineers and climbers, with stunning paths and huge altitude differences. The Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany, is the most famous mountain in the Wetterstein range. It is also the highest mountain in the Bavarian Alps and, at 2,962 metres, is the highest peak in the Wetterstein Mountains.
The Wetterstein Mountains are bordered by the Ammergau Alps to the west and north, the Bavarian Prealps to the northeast, the Karwendel Mountains to the east, and the Mieming Range to the south. These ranges, along with the Wetterstein Mountains, are considered part of the Bavarian Alps.
The Bavarian Alps is a collective name for several mountain ranges of the Northern Limestone Alps within the German state of Bavaria. The term is used in a wider sense to refer to the part of the Eastern Alps that lies on Bavarian state territory. However, in a traditional and narrower sense, the Bavarian Alps are typically considered to be only those ranges between the rivers Lech and Saalach (Altbayern).
The Wetterstein Mountains, therefore, fall within the broader definition of the Bavarian Alps, which includes the border parts and peaks of the mountain ranges belonging to the North Tyrol Limestone Alps.
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Zugspitze is the highest peak in the Wetterstein range
The Zugspitze is the highest peak in the Wetterstein range, rising to 2,962 metres (9,718 ft) above sea level. It is also the highest mountain in Germany. Located in the western part of the Wetterstein range, the Zugspitze has a high Alpine character, with two small glaciers and a tundra climate.
The Zugspitze belongs to the Wetterstein range of the Northern Limestone Alps and sits on the border between Germany and Austria. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria is situated south of the mountain, and the Austria-Germany border runs along its western summit. The Zugspitze was first climbed on 27 August 1820 by Josef Naus, his survey assistant Maier, and mountain guide Johann Georg Tauschl.
Today, there are several routes and accommodation options for mountaineers and climbers seeking to reach the summit. The mountain is a popular destination for tourists, offering scenic views of four countries and 400 surrounding mountain peaks. The proximity of the range to southern German population centres, its scenic landscape, and its network of cable cars and lifts make the Wetterstein mountains a frequent destination for tourists throughout most of the year.
The Wetterstein mountains, colloquially called Wetterstein, are a compact mountain group in the Northern Limestone Alps within the Eastern Alps. The range extends between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Seefeld in Tirol, and Ehrwald along the border between Germany (Bavaria) and Austria (Tyrol). The Wetterstein mountains are an ideal region for mountaineers and climbers, offering a variety of trails and fixed-rope routes of varying difficulty levels.
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The Wetterstein range is ideal for mountaineers and climbers
The Wetterstein mountains are a prime destination for mountaineers and climbers due to their proximity to southern German population centres, their picturesque landscape, and their well-developed infrastructure of cable cars and lifts. The mountains attract a high volume of tourists throughout most of the year. However, there are also secluded areas within the range that are rarely or never visited.
The Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany at 2,962 meters above sea level, is the most famous mountain in the Wetterstein range. It offers various climbing routes and is frequently climbed by mountaineers. The Alpspitze summit is another popular destination, accessible via multiple routes, including the high alpine climbing route of the Jubiläumsgrat ridge. The Blassenkamm ridge, featuring sections of UIAA grade III--, provides a challenging climb over the Innere, Mittlere, and Äußere Höllentalspitze peaks.
The region around the Oberreintal Hut, the south side of the Schüsselkarspitze, and the Scharnitzspitze offer a plethora of alpine climbing routes suitable for all skill levels. The mountains north of Leutasch, particularly the Oberreintal-Schrofen, the Scharnitzspitze, and the Schüsselkarspitze, are also highly regarded by climbers for their abundance of alpine climbing routes. The recent renovation of several alpine classics by Heinz Zak has further enhanced the appeal of this area for climbers.
The Wetterstein mountains present a unique combination of alms and rugged terrain, providing habitats for various animal species, such as chamois, Alpine marmots, Alpine choughs, Alpine salamanders, adders, golden eagles, and martens. The German Alpine Club maintains several Alpine Club huts in the range, offering overnight accommodation for mountaineers and hikers. The Via Alpina, a cross-border long-distance path through the Alps, traverses the Wetterstein mountains in three stages, providing additional opportunities for exploration and adventure.
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The Wetterstein Mountains are a compact mountain chain
The Wetterstein Mountains are bordered by the Ammergau Alps in the west and north, the Bavarian Pre-Alps in the northeast, the Karwendel Mountains in the east, and the Mieming Range in the south. The River Loisach forms the boundary of the range to the west and north, from the Ehrwald Basin to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Kankerbach and Kranzbach streams and the Isar River form the boundary to the northeast, and the Isar forms the boundary to the east.
The highest peak in the Wetterstein Mountains is Zugspitze, which, at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), is also the highest mountain in Germany. The Zugspitze is very frequently climbed using various routes, and the Alpspitze summit is also a popular destination that can be reached by several different routes. The ridge of Jubiläumsgrat is a high alpine climbing route that links these two summits. Other notable peaks in the Wetterstein Mountains include Mt. Schneefernerkopf (2,875 meters), Mt. Zugspitzeck (2,820 meters), and Hochwanner (2,746 meters).
The Wetterstein Mountains offer a wide range of opportunities for leisure and holiday activities, including hiking, climbing, and skiing. The Red Path of the Via Alpina traverses the Wetterstein Mountains in three stages, and the range also features several fixed-rope routes of various difficulty levels, including the Zugspitze Via Ferrata, the Schneefernerkopf Route, and the Alpspitz Ferrata. Popular starting points for hikes include the holiday villages of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria and Ehrwald in Tyrol.
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The Wetterstein Mountains are in both Germany and Austria
The Wetterstein Mountains are a compact mountain chain that straddles the border between Germany and Austria. They extend from Bavaria in Germany to Tyrol in Austria and are bounded by the Ammergau Alps in the west and north, the Bavarian Pre-Alps in the northeast, the Karwendel Mountains in the east, and the Mieming Range in the south.
The Wetterstein Mountains are part of the Northern Limestone Alps within the Eastern Alps. They are a comparatively compact range located between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Seefeld in Tirol, and Ehrwald. The highest peak in the Wetterstein Mountains is Zugspitze, which, at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) above sea level, is also the highest mountain in Germany.
The mountains are an ideal region for mountaineers and climbers, offering stunning paths with huge altitude differences. The proximity of the range to the south German population centers, its scenic landscape, and its good network of cable cars and lifts make the Wetterstein Mountains a popular tourist destination for most of the year. However, there are also places in the range that are rarely or never visited by people.
The Wetterstein Mountains are home to a diverse range of animal species, including chamois, Alpine marmots, Alpine choughs, Alpine salamanders, adders, golden eagles, and several species of marten. The German Alpine Club maintains several managed Alpine Club huts in the mountains, offering overnight accommodation for mountaineers and hikers.
The Via Alpina, a cross-border long-distance path through the Alps, also traverses the Wetterstein Mountains in three stages, offering hikers a unique opportunity to explore the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Wetterstein Mountains are part of the Bavarian Alps.
Zugspitze is the highest peak in the Wetterstein Mountains. It is also the highest mountain in Germany.
The Wetterstein Mountains cross the Austria-Germany border.
The Wetterstein Mountains are a great region for mountaineers and climbers. Mountain walking, hiking, and skiing are some popular activities in the area.