The Zugspitze is considered to offer some of the most spectacular views in the Northern Alps and is a popular hotspot for rock climbing.
The western slopes of this 2,962-metre-high mountain are home to two climbing areas, while the southern slopes of the Plattenspitzen offer an even greater range of sport climbing and multi-pitch routes. Most of the climbing in this region is on south-facing rockfaces, which means that the season here often begins earlier than elsewhere.
The region has a number of traditional huts such as the Coburger Hütte and the Wiener Neustädter Hütte, which serve as good starting and resting points. The Coburger Hütte is situated near the idyllic Drachensee lake and has two challenging but well-secured via ferratas leading through spectacular landscape. Not far away is the Zugspitz Arena itself with many climbing areas near the valley floor, tall frozen waterfalls ideal for ice climbing in winter and a large indoor climbing and bouldering centre in Ehrwald for wet weather days.
Sport climbing in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
The "Alte 4er-Stütze" near the cable car is one of the most well-known climbing areas in the Arena. It is currently being expanded to more than 100 routes. The southern slopes of the Plattenspitzen also offer excellent climbing for intermediate climbers. Finally, the steep Klettergarten Hanger near Ehrwald has a wide selection of routes for all abilities.
All sport climbing routes at a glance
Multi-pitch climbing routes in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
This region is one of the best in Tirol for multi-pitch climbing. The best destination is the southern section of the Plattenspitzen, where there are routes catering for all abilities. Expert climbers will enjoy the climbing on the Wampeter Schrofen near Biberwier. Another popular destination is the area near the Wiener Neustädter Hütte hut, while the nothern face of the Grünstein mountain has good climbing with great views of the Drachensee lake.
All multi-pitch climbing routes at a glance
Via ferrata climbing routes in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Three of the four most beautiful via ferrata climbing routes in the region are for experts only. The Coburger Steig is steep and has no emergency exit option, but it can be combined with another challenging via ferrata: the Tajakante-Klettersteig. Closer to the valley floor next to a waterfall is the recently opened Seeben-Klettersteig. The only via ferrata in the region suitable for beginners is the "Zugspitze-Stopselzieher". However, this also takes several hours to walk to and leads up onto the Zugspitze mountain.
All via ferrata climbing routes in the region
Ice climbing in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
With a great number of tall waterfalls which freeze in winter, the Arena is a top destination for ice climbing during the cold months of the year. One example is the 230m Seebensee-Eisfall, one of the tallest and most challenging frozen waterfalls in the region. Experts only! At over 150m the Grenzeisfall near the German border is also a real challenge, just like the "Grenzgänger", an 80m mixed icefall. Beginners can learn the basics on the easier and smaller Häselgehr-Eisfall.
All ice climbing routes at a glance
Climbing park in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
A giant spider's web, a trapeze, floating obstacles high above the ground and a cable car leading over a rushing river – these are just a few of the many attractions at the Kletterwald Bichlbach. Five obstacle courses with a total of 60 stations up to 8 metres above the ground promise plenty of action. Children as young as 6 years of age can join in when accompanied by their parents.
More about the Kletterpark Bichlbach
Climbing centre in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
On wet weather days and in winter the Kletterhalle Ehrwald offers up to 100 different routes with a maximum length of 20m. As well as 1270m² of climbing, there is a separate bouldering area covering 215m². Climbing equipment can be purchased or hired in the centre. Courses are also available.