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Zugspitze is located at the South border of Germany (Bavarian Alps). It is the highest peak in Germany - 2962 m. Part of it is still permanently covered with ice (former glacier).
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We choose to start the journey in a small and nice town, called Garmish-Partenkirschen.
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The initial part of the journey, to the first resting-place, the Bockhutte.
Heavy rainfalls in previous days made the canyon unsafe, so we had to choose an alternate path.
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At the shores of "Blaue Gumpe", a wonderfull lake.
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"Blaue Gumpe" - This is a natural lake, filled with glacier's clear water. This shade of blue was unbelievable!!. The water is so pure that one can see the bottom of the lake (~ 3m deep I think).
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As the altitude grew, the vegetation was sparser. These were among the last trees.
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Patches of ice were already visible. Remeber - we were in full midsummer.
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After a strenuous evening we arrived finally at Knorhutte, a mountain hotel, spartan and isolated.
Unfortunately, the fog started to cover everything.
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Next morning, we started the ascension to the peak. The fog was still with us.
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We crossed patches and patches and patches of ice.
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The "soil" was rocky, frozen, and with almost no vegetation.
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On a huge patch of ice, tired and not-so-smiling.
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Somebody from the region told me than no longer than 20 years ago, this area was entirely covered with snow in this period of the year (summer). Probably because of the global warming, now there is no more permanent ice.
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The last portion of the path was the most difficult; it was not possible to cross without chains and support. It was already very cold. A good advice: TAKE SOME GLOVES...
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Steep slopes, going and going.
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Our warm and welcoming hosts, resting on the edge of the chasm.
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Other tourists were descending, very carefull not to slide. In this portion there were no chains (nothing to be fixed on) and it was a deep chasm on the right of the photo.
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Finally, on the crest. The path was wider here (about 1.5 m) and somewhat similar with the crest-path in Iezer Mountain, Romania. The view would have been breathtaking without fog. Here is the border sign between Austria (Osterreich) and Germany.
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Finally, on the Zugspitze - a verry narrow (anf foggy) place.
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The departure from Bavaria, in Munchen Railwaystation.
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