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| wnab1q | Feb 11th, 2004 08:10 AM |
Zugspitze - Bavarian Alps
Wondering who has taken the Eibsee cable car and/or the cog-wheel train to the summit of the Zugspitze.
We would love to hear from anyone that has experience it or chickened out.
Are winter coats needed in June?
| USNR | Feb 11th, 2004 08:15 AM |
We went up via cable in June on a clear day. Jackets, yes. Not a scary ride at all. Nice place on top for drinks & lunch.
| JMM | Feb 11th, 2004 10:21 AM |
Took the cable car - fantastic views - worth it even though I am terrified of heights. Just bring a sweater.
| Snoopy | Feb 11th, 2004 11:16 AM |
Yep, took the cable car in June as well and it was chilly up top. Some clouds blew by and for about 20 minutes the entire peak was enveloped in a fog. It was great!
| nytraveler | Feb 11th, 2004 11:19 AM |
Just make sure you have pants and a sweater or jacket - no winter coat. We went at the same time as a couple wearing shorts and tank tops and they were turning blue by the end.
| Patrick | Feb 11th, 2004 05:42 PM |
On June 23 last summer we did a full day of it. Took the cog wheel train up, the cable car back down to Eibersee, a train the short distance to Aulealm, a cable car up to Osterfelderkopf, had lunch up there, took a cable car a short way down and then hiked to Kreuzeck, a small gondola down to the train, and the train back into Garmisch. We started with the 8:15 train from Garmisch in the morning and got back about 5. And yes, although we had light jackets we nearly froze on top the Zugspitze (about 40 degrees F), couldn't stay outside very long. But we nearly died of the heat hiking lower down late in the afternoon.
I'm curious what you meant by "chickened out". What would one chicken out from?
| jewelldday | Feb 11th, 2004 06:17 PM |
We took the cog train up and the cable car down when we were there a couple of years ago in March. I have a slight fear of heights, but I'll tell you it was so worth it! It was a clear beautiful day. You could see forever. We stayed at the Eibsee Hotel after our trip down. Woke up to a view of the Zugspitze. It was perfect!
| wnab1q | Feb 11th, 2004 08:24 PM |
I've never been a big fan of ski lifts and small boxes that dangle you in mid air. I was afraid I might take a look at it and chicken out, but all the rave reviews here have convinced me to take the chance and enjoy it. Thanks!
| Melnq8 | Feb 11th, 2004 09:31 PM |
Yep, I've done it three times now - can't seem to visit Garmisch without going to the Zugspitz. Personally, I prefer the Eibsee cable car both ways, vs taking the train, as alot of the train journey is spent in a tunnel. If you've never done it before though, I'd suggest you take the train one way and the cable car the other for the full Zugspitz experience.
I was up there in December 2003 and it was beautiful. I had my down jacket, but didn't really need it. Having said that, I was there in December two years ago and just about froze my butt off, so do go prepared!
I have no problem with heights, but I guess the cable car might be considered a bit intense for some. It's a great experience though, so if you can handle the height, GO!
| xxxx | Feb 12th, 2004 03:36 AM |
I share your feelings about "small boxes that dangle you in mid-air." I'm not fond of heights, but never doubted making the trip and am glad we did. There were just a few times that I made sure I didn't look down!
| _jinx_ | Feb 12th, 2004 07:44 AM |
I skied the Zugspitz several years ago. Took the cog railway both ways and enjoyed the ride.
Regards,
Jinx Hoover
| Underhill | Feb 12th, 2004 03:54 PM |
Chickened out is just what I did: I took one look at the cable car and the cable up the mountain and changed my mind. I had really hoped to conquer my fear of heights enough to make the trip, but it was not to be. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching my husband go bobbing up the mountains, and he had a wonderful time while I sat on a comfortable bench among the pine trees. There's more way than one....
| PJI | Feb 13th, 2004 03:02 AM |
We did it in September when we were in Germany for Ocktoberfest. We simply loved it! It made for a wonderful day. The cog-wheel train is quaint and the ride is beautiful. The cable car is not scary (at least it wasn't for us). Its quite lovely. If you are afraid, just close your eyes and hang on to the side rails and wait until you get to the top - its definitely worth the trip! Of course if you have some terrible fear of heights and you will freak out or something - you should't do it, you wouldn't enjoy it.
Definitly carry an extra layer (jacket/sweater)!
| JonJon | Feb 13th, 2004 04:46 AM |
As long as some fool-ass US military hotdogger helicopter pilot doesn't swoop in and sever the cable car lines you'll be OK...it has happened before, you know....
| wnab1q | Feb 13th, 2004 08:34 AM |
Thanks JonJon!
I remember when that happened. Was this the place???
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