Eckbauer Summit - A ski lift going down a snowy mountain
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Eckbauer Summit

4.5
·205 reviews·Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Ascend to breathtaking Bavarian Alps vistas via a scenic cable car or a challenging hike. Enjoy a cozy cafe and stunning panoramas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Eckbauer Summit - A ski lift going down a snowy mountain

Eckbauer Summit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend to breathtaking Bavarian Alps vistas via a scenic cable car or a challenging hike. Enjoy a cozy cafe and stunning panoramas.

4.5
(205 reviews)

"Felt great to get to the top, enjoy the views, and then head down the shaded zig-zagged path to the gorge."

Vertical photo
TIP

💪 Hike with Caution

The hike up is very steep and challenging. The cable car is a much easier option for most.

🚠 Enjoy the Gondola

Even if you're scared of heights, the cable car ride is a great experience and offers amazing views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Views

Summit Views

Eckbauer Summit

Panoramic vistas of the Bavarian Alps and surrounding valleys. Breathtaking scenery awaits!

Cable Car Ride

Cable Car Ride

Base to Summit

A scenic and swift 10-minute journey offering stunning aerial perspectives of the landscape.

Gorge Hike

Gorge Hike

Descent from Summit

A shaded, zig-zagging path down to the gorge, offering a different, refreshing perspective.

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Planning Your Visit

Cable Car vs. Hike

While the cable car offers a quick 10-minute ascent, hiking up is a challenging, steep endeavor. Consider your fitness level and time constraints before choosing your route to the summit.

Weather Preparedness

Mountain weather can change rapidly. Pack layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in warmer months, especially if you plan to hike. Check forecasts before you go.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here are some things I wish I knew before going to the Summit One Observatory! #summitone #summitonevanderbilt #travelvlog #NYCexperiences @sad girl shan
@sadgirlshan
94K likes • 1.2M views

💪 Hike with Caution

The hike up is very steep and challenging. The cable car is a much easier option for most. Reddit

🚠 Enjoy the Gondola

Even if you're scared of heights, the cable car ride is a great experience and offers amazing views. Reddit

Best Insta spot in NYC Vlog 📍SUMMIT One Vanderbilt #Nyc#summitonevanderbilt#summitone#summitnyc#summit#nycinstagramspots#traveltips#nyctraveltips#nyctravelvlog#travelvlogs#traveltiktok
@katecuppy
45.6K likes • 1.8M views
3 Tips for your visit 😉🗽 @SUMMIT One Vanderbilt 1. The first floor is the MOST crowded but has the best views so def worth the wait to get your photos 🤣 2. Make sure you see everything on each floor because you won't be able to go back if you miss anything 😉 3. Book your visit time around 6-9PM! The sunset behind the Empire State building is absolutely beautiful 🥹🫶🏽 📍45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10...
@autieee
30.8K likes • 331.7K views

🍺 Cozy Cafe & Beer

There's a lovely terrace with a playground and a cozy cafe serving great food and beer at the top. Reddit

🥾 Descend via Gorge

The shaded, zig-zagged path down to the gorge is a beautiful and less strenuous way to descend. Reddit

Here are my top five tips if you are planning to check out Summit One at One Vanderbilt Tickets during sunset time slots are $10 more expensive but in my opinion it’s totally worth it and its often the first time slots to sold out on the website so get yours early if you plan on going👀 #onevanderbilt #summitone #onevanderbilttips
@chendesigns
16.7K likes • 485.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💪 Hike with Caution

The hike up is very steep and challenging. The cable car is a much easier option for most. Reddit

🚠 Enjoy the Gondola

Even if you're scared of heights, the cable car ride is a great experience and offers amazing views. Reddit

🍺 Cozy Cafe & Beer

There's a lovely terrace with a playground and a cozy cafe serving great food and beer at the top. Reddit

🥾 Descend via Gorge

The shaded, zig-zagged path down to the gorge is a beautiful and less strenuous way to descend. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(205 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Eckbauer Summit for its stunning panoramic views and the enjoyable cable car ride. The cafe at the top is a hit for its cozy atmosphere and refreshments. While the hike up is considered very challenging, the scenic descent via the gorge path is a pleasant alternative. Some find the cable car ride a bit short, but overall, it's a beautiful mountain experience.

"I thought I’d be clever and hike up the path instead of riding the cable car. Oh my, it was insanely steep in places and really hard work! Still, felt great to get to the top, enjoy the views, and then head down the shaded zig-zagged path to the gorge."

Tom Beck

"This is beautiful stop while in Garmisch- Partinkirchen. The cable car ride up is barely 10mins. And very next to the Olympic ski stadium"

Abha Bhosekar

"A few restaurants on the way and lovely terrace and playground at the top. Was a lovely hike. There is also cable car access."

Mariam

What People Like

Spectacular summit views
Scenic cable car ride
Cozy cafe and beer

What People Dislike

Very steep hike
Cable car ride short

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Eckbauer Summit is accessible via a cable car from the base station near the Olympic ski stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You can also hike up, but be prepared for a steep and challenging trail. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the base station of the Eckbauerbahn cable car. It's conveniently located close to the Olympic ski stadium. Reddit

Yes, you can reach the base station of the Eckbauerbahn by local bus services from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It's a well-connected area for public transport users. Reddit

The cable car ride to Eckbauer Summit takes approximately 10 minutes, offering a quick and scenic ascent. Reddit

The hike up is described as 'insanely steep in places and really hard work' by visitors. It's recommended for experienced hikers only. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the Eckbauerbahn cable car can vary. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. Check with the cable car operator for any applicable discount programs. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking cable car tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee your spot. Reddit

Operating hours for the Eckbauerbahn cable car typically vary by season. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating schedule before your visit. Reddit

The summit area itself is generally free to access once you've reached it via the cable car or hike. The cost is primarily for the cable car ride. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps, relax at the terrace cafe, and let children play at the playground. Reddit

Yes, besides the challenging hike up, there are trails for enjoying the summit views and a specific zig-zag path down to the gorge. Reddit

Yes, there is a lovely terrace with a cafe that serves food and beer, providing a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Yes, the summit has a playground, and the cable car ride is often an exciting experience for kids. The cafe also offers a pleasant spot for families. Reddit

You can expect stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Bavarian Alps, including the Zugspitze massif and the valleys below. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings often offer clearer skies and fewer crowds for photography. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks. Reddit

The main viewing terrace offers the most iconic shots. The cable car itself provides unique photographic opportunities during the ascent. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos from the cable car, but be mindful of reflections on the windows and the speed of the ride. Reddit

Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale to the vast mountain landscape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Eckbauer Summit is a fantastic destination for families. The Eckbauerbahn cable car ride is an exciting adventure for children, offering thrilling views as you ascend. Reddit At the summit, a playground provides a dedicated space for kids to burn off energy while parents enjoy the scenery. The cafe on the terrace is also family-friendly, offering a relaxed spot to refuel with food and drinks. Reddit

While the hike up is very strenuous, the cable car makes the summit accessible for all ages. The descent via the shaded gorge path can also be an enjoyable walk for families, offering a different perspective of the natural beauty. Reddit Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and check the weather forecast to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.

🚶 Hikers & Adventurers

For those who love a challenge, the hike up to Eckbauer Summit is a rewarding, albeit demanding, experience. Described as 'insanely steep in places,' it's a true test of endurance. Reddit Once at the top, you can explore the summit area and then opt for the scenic descent via the zig-zagged path to the gorge, offering a varied hiking route. Reddit

Experienced hikers will appreciate the opportunity to connect with the Bavarian Alps on foot. Ensure you have appropriate footwear, plenty of water, and are prepared for the steep inclines. The cable car remains an option if fatigue sets in or if you prefer to save your energy for exploring the summit itself. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ascent: Cable Car vs. Hike

Choosing how to reach the Eckbauer Summit is a key decision for visitors. The Eckbauerbahn cable car offers a swift and comfortable 10-minute journey from the base station near the Olympic ski stadium. This is the preferred option for most, providing stunning aerial views as you ascend. For the adventurous and physically fit, hiking up is an option, though it's described as 'insanely steep in places and really hard work.' Reddit This challenging ascent is best suited for experienced hikers who want to test their endurance and enjoy a more immersive mountain experience. Reddit

Regardless of your chosen method, the reward is reaching the summit, where a beautiful terrace awaits. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic vistas, relax at the cafe, and even find a playground for children. The descent offers a choice: retrace your steps via the cable car or take the shaded, zig-zagged path down to the gorge, which provides a different, refreshing perspective. Reddit

Experiencing the Summit

Upon arrival at Eckbauer Summit, visitors are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps. The expansive scenery, including glimpses of the Zugspitze massif, makes it a prime spot for photography and quiet contemplation. Reddit The summit area is equipped with a lovely terrace that hosts a cafe, serving food and beer, making it a perfect place to unwind after your journey up. Reddit This cozy atmosphere, combined with the stunning backdrop, creates a truly 'gemütlich' experience, a German term for cozy and comfortable.

For families, the summit offers a playground, ensuring that younger visitors are entertained while adults soak in the views. The cable car ride itself is often a highlight for children, adding an element of excitement to the visit. Reddit Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails or a relaxing afternoon with a view, Eckbauer Summit provides a memorable mountain escape. Remember to check the weather and dress in layers, as mountain conditions can change quickly. Reddit

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