Let's be honest – when you're standing there out of breath and covered in sweat on the slope, can you really take in and enjoy the view of the mountains? These five methods are a more pleasant way to reach the peak.
The Tegelberg mountain is situated within the former kingdom of Ludwig II, Bavaria's fairytale king, and as a result, you can expect majestic views from the top.
The cable car to the nature reserve in the Ammergebirge mountains is also ideal for sporty people. In the winter, pistes and cross-country ski trails around the mountain station are perfect for skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In the summer, you can take hiking and climbing trips in the nature reserve or learn interesting information about the ice ages, geology and culture, as well as the history of the Bavarian royal family on themed routes.
Look out from the top of the 2,224-metre-high Nebelhorn mountain and you'll enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view over 400 snow-covered peaks.
The Nebelhorn mountain also gives you a great vantage point over the Alps. After travelling with the cable railway, you have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains at the top. If the mountain lives up to its name (which means fog horn) and is enveloped in fog, don't worry. Once you've reached the peak, you'll be on cloud nine with a view of the mountain peaks and the blue sky.
Climb aboard in Mittenwald, and ten minutes later, you'll emerge into another world – 1,311 metres higher.
It's not just the coffee and cake on the sun terrace that make the mountain station so appealing – once you've arrived at the top, you can discover Germany's highest nature information centre, picturesque paths for winter walkers, crystal clear mountain lakes and rugged rocks.
Every Bavarian has to have had a ride on the Zugspitzbahn at least once in their life. It is one of four rack railways in Germany and carries tourists to the top of Germany's highest mountain.
Germany's most famous peak, Germany's most traditional mountain railway – the rack railway has been a reliable helper in transporting passengers to the top for over 90 years.
Beneath you, you'll see snow-covered forests and the idyllic Illertal valley. In front of you, you'll behold the rugged peaks of the Allgäu mountains.
