Two vacationers from the Netherlands failed to reach the summit of the Zugspitze on Tuesday. Low temperatures and snow as well as "turbulent wind conditions" prompted holidaymakers to alert the rescuers.
With a height of 2,962 meters, the ZUGspItze is the highest mountain in Germany. Several hiking routes, which can be divided into different levels of difficulty, lead to the summit. The routes have one thing in common: they are "long, technically moderate to difficult and exposed to high alpine weather and dangers," explains the German Alpine Club. Only those who are trained, properly equipped, and experienced should set out on a hike. The most important thing is footwear, emphasizes the center of gravity, and emphasizes the right height and weight for the hike, the club says. The easiest but longest route to the Zugspitze leads through the Reintal, the valley of the Partnach. Pay attention to the development of clouds during the tour in order to recognize an approaching storm at an early stage. To make the hike easier, the route can be divided into two or three days by staying overnight. The climb can only be managed if you are in good shape, writes the German Alpine Club. The group should not be too large, however, and it is important not to set off alone. The route to Berge must be climbed in the morning, especially in the summer, when it is cooler and less strenuous for climbing in the heat. It is also advisable to ask local mountain guides for their assessment for the summit day of Berge, the Alpine Club says. The best way to reach Berge is by hiking in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is usually more stable weatherwise. The most difficult part of the climb is the final climb, which is 20 kilometers and 2,200 meters in altitude.