Wank Mountain
Verdant peak offering sweeping alpine vistas, popular with paragliders, accessible by trail or Wankbahn cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hike
Wank Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Verdant peak offering sweeping alpine vistas, popular with paragliders, accessible by trail or Wankbahn cable car.
"Amazing views in the distance, nice wooded paths and greenery, and great once you reach the top with a nice restaurant."
Check Wankbahn Status
Confirm cable car opening dates before your visit, as they can change!
Pack Smart Snacks
Bring bananas or similar for energy on the steep ascent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of the Zugspitze and surrounding Bavarian Alps await.
Wankhaus & Tannenhütte
Summit
Enjoy refreshments and a meal with unparalleled mountain scenery.
Paraglider Launch Site
Summit
Watch thrill-seekers take flight against a stunning alpine backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Mid-April can still see some snow near the summit, so be prepared for varied conditions.Hiking Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Wankbahn Status
Confirm cable car opening dates before your visit, as they can change!
Pack Smart Snacks
Bring bananas or similar for energy on the steep ascent.
Consider a Round Tour
The full loop offers varied scenery and a rewarding experience.
Book Train Tickets
Purchase Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen train tickets in advance.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Need Some Hiking Advice
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Wankbahn Status
Confirm cable car opening dates before your visit, as they can change!
Pack Smart Snacks
Bring bananas or similar for energy on the steep ascent.
Consider a Round Tour
The full loop offers varied scenery and a rewarding experience.
Book Train Tickets
Purchase Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen train tickets in advance.
Summit Dining
Food is available at the top, so no need to overpack lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Wank Mountain's summit, calling the ascent rewarding despite its steepness. The presence of the Wankhaus and Tannenhütte at the top for refreshments is a significant plus. Some note that the cable car's opening dates can be variable, and the hike requires good stamina.
"For me this was fantastic, amazing views in the distance, nice wooded paths and greenery, and great once you reach the top with a nice restaurant. The path up from mittelstation to the summit is hard going but not that long and very rewarding"
Russell King
"It took a while, but I still finished. Jokes aside, a solid hike and very rewarding views at the summit. Food is also available so there is no need to take too much up"
Ashok Kannan
"Climbed this October 3. A bit of snow at the side near the summit but there was no need for crampons or microspikes. Finished in 3.5 hours but it was quite steep. You are almost always ascending. Recommend bringing bananas and other similar food to avoid cramping up."
Mackeyboy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take a train from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From there, you can access the Wankbahn (cable car) or begin your hike. It's recommended to purchase train tickets in advance to ensure availability.
Yes, you can reach the base of Wank Mountain via public transport by taking a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and then local buses or walking to the Wankbahn station.
There is likely parking available near the Wankbahn base station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but it's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability.
The train journey from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
While not always advertised, local buses in Garmisch-Partenkirchen often connect to popular trailheads and cable car stations like the Wankbahn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Wankbahn can vary. It's best to check the official Zugspitze or Wankbahn website for current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, purchasing Wankbahn tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, can save you time waiting in line.
The Wankbahn's operating hours are seasonal and can change. Always verify the current schedule on their official website before your visit.
There is no specific entrance fee for Wank Mountain. The costs are associated with using the Wankbahn cable car or if you choose to hike up.
Sometimes, regional tourist passes or combined tickets might be available that include access to the Wankbahn and other local attractions. Inquire locally or check tourism websites.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike can be challenging with a significant ascent, often described as consistently steep. It's rewarding but requires good stamina.
A typical round trip hike can take around 6 hours, depending on your pace and any stops.
Yes, the Wankhaus and Tannenhütte are located at the summit, offering food and drinks with stunning views.
Expect spectacular panoramic views of the Zugspitze and the surrounding Bavarian Alps.
The blue route is considered easier and suitable for beginners, or as a good season-opening hike. The ascent from the middle station to the summit is steeper.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of the Zugspitze. Also, capture the paragliders launching from the peak for dynamic action shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues.
Drone regulations can be strict in mountainous and protected areas. Always check local drone laws and obtain necessary permits before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant peaks or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Look out for the quirky 'I love Wank' merchandise for a humorous photo opportunity, or capture the vibrant colors of paragliders against the blue sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as sun protection. While the summit has dining options, having your own provisions can be helpful for younger children. The novelty of seeing paragliders take off can also be a highlight for kids, providing exciting visual entertainment.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
+1Solo travelers can also find the Wankhaus a welcoming place to refuel and perhaps chat with other hikers. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, consider booking a tandem paragliding flight for a truly unforgettable solo adventure from the summit. Remember to always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essential safety gear.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and a telephoto lens to zoom in on distant peaks or wildlife.The vibrant colors of paragliders launching from the peak create fantastic photographic opportunities, adding a sense of movement and excitement to your shots.
Capture their colorful canopies against the blue sky or the dramatic mountain backdrop. Don't forget to look for unique details, like the quirky 'I love Wank' merchandise, for some fun and memorable shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Wank Mountain: Trails and Tips
+1Many visitors opt for a round tour, which allows for a more varied experience of the mountain's landscapes. This often involves taking the Wankbahn up or down for part of the journey, or completing a full circuit on foot. Regardless of the chosen route, the consistently ascending nature of the paths means you'll be working hard, but the payoff is immense.
Community insights suggest that while the hike is challenging, it's highly rewarding. The views from the top are consistently praised, and the presence of the Wankhaus and Tannenhütte at the summit provides a welcome opportunity to rest and refuel. Planning your hike during the weekdays can also enhance the experience by avoiding larger crowds.
The Wankbahn Experience
When planning your visit, be aware that the Wankbahn's operating hours are seasonal and can vary. It's always best to consult the official Zugspitze or Wankbahn website for the most up-to-date information on operating times and any potential closures. While not always mandatory, purchasing Wankbahn tickets in advance can be a wise move, particularly during peak tourist seasons or on weekends, to minimize waiting times.
For those who enjoy a bit of humor, the Wankbahn and its associated merchandise, like the 'I love Wank' socks, offer a unique and memorable aspect to the experience, often sparking amusement among visitors.
Paragliding and Aerial Views
The consistent updrafts and open launch areas make it an ideal location for both experienced pilots and those looking to try tandem flights.If you're an adrenaline seeker, consider booking a tandem paragliding flight. This provides an unforgettable perspective of the Wank mountain range, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen valley, and the distant Zugspitze. The feeling of soaring through the air, with the wind beneath you and the world spread out below, is an experience many describe as breathtaking and liberating.
Even if you're not flying, the presence of paragliders adds a dynamic element to the summit experience. You can observe their preparations, their graceful take-offs, and their silent glides across the sky. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, capturing vibrant colors against the vast alpine scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit