The Zugspitze | Hiking Germany's Highest Mountain Via Ferrata Solo

The Zugspitze sits on the border between Germany and Austria at 2,962 m above sea level. There are 3 main routes that can be traversed to reach the summit, but in this video I travel solo up the Reintal Valley, stopping overnight at the Reintalanger Hut ( Reintalangerhütte), making the ascent two days in length. The second day has a great Via Ferrata that makes for an exhilarating climb!
It was an intimidating experience, taking a dream from imagination to reality, but the trip was one not to be forgotten in a hurry, and is certainly achievable by most with a reasonable level of fitness.
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Day One, Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Reintalangerhütte
24:10 - Day Two, Reintalangerhütte to Zugspitze Summit
- Like, Subscribe, share, and click that bell!
- Follow me on Instagram for reels, images and live sessions: @abbiebarneswild
- Want to support me making new films? Join me on Patreon: / spendmoretimeinthewild
MONEY SAVING DISCOUNT CODES JUST FOR YOU:
~ Terra Nova & Wild Country Tents: www.terra-nova.co.uk/aff/1348
Get 20% off full price tents with code: ABBIEB20
~ ZPacks Backpacks and Tents: zpacks.com?aff=146
Sadly no discount for customer but if you use this link I get a 5% kickback - thank you!
~ FREET Barefoot Shoes: freetbarefoot.com/?ref=Y1rXhP...
Get 10% off all shoes with code: Abbie10
~ CICERONE Guidebooks: www.cicerone.co.uk
Get 10% off with code Abbie10
~ TENTMEALS dehydrated meals: tentmeals.co.uk
Get 10% off with code WILD10
- Join one of my in-person events across the UK: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co...
- Check out my codes for Deals, Discounts and Outlets: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co...
- Find out more: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk
- Facebook: / spendmoretimeinthewild
- Twitter: @AbbieSongThrush
Tag: #SpendMoreTimeInTheWILD #staywild #abbiebarnes
-- Camera Kit --
Sony A7iii | Canon M50 | Rode VideoMic Pro | Rode Micro | Boya Shotgun Mic | Rode Wireless Go | GoPro Hero 7 & 8 | Manfrotto Compact Aluminium Tripod | K&F Concept Carbon Fiber Tripod | A whole bunch of different lenses
Stay WILD!

[@reneecannady9843]

I was there in the 80's. When I got to the top about 6 feet of snow. One of the most beautiful places on earth. I loved it.

[@KissFromTheWorld]

"There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they're in the mountains, and all the rest." Abbie, your heart sings :-) Cheers, Domenico.

[@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

I have been to the summit via train and cable car, the area is so beautiful!!!!! This video inspires me to go back there and hike properly some time!! My sister and I found it hilarious (since we are from the UK,) that there is a mountain nearby called 'The Wank,' and I have a leaflet that talks about 'stunning views of the Wank,'... snigger snigger!!!!

[@BeaglesBackcountryAdventures]

I stood on the top as a kid in the 70's.. and honestly had forgotten what it looked like. Congrats on the climb, and thanks for bringing me back!

[@clairejohnson7809]

Ooo yes a documentary length video, you do spoil us!

[@MagicaLucem]

As a Germanophile aged disabled Brit I applaud your venture into Bavaria. Totally totally sad and cross that some unkind troll stole your camera. All Garmish-Partenkirchen is way cool...I hope you enjoyed all the towny delights too. Lovely architecture and buildings on a fairytale scale. Sadly the only way up for me now is by train...so the only way I can experience the hiking journey is through your videos...so...many.. many.. many thanks. And pleeeese...them Germans do pronounce every letter in their words....that "e" at the end of Zugspitze...is aspirated as "uh" in English...like the "uh" sort of ending of English towns...like Winds-or and Chest-er. So saying Zugspitz...is like saying Glost...instead of Glost-er..for that city in the west of Btitain. Just a little thing from a kindly viewer...who values all your vlogs for my peace of mind. Oh to be out of my wheelchair, I'd be with you on every step..definitely way behind...but following. love and kindness always.

[@holyfox94]

You are right. We Germans pronounce every letter in a word. We are a obedient and orderly bunch of people. If there’s a „e“, we spell it😂😂😂 The inefficiency of languages who use letters but don’t spell it, is a mystery to us. Oui, je parle de vous, les français😉 Grüße aus Stuttgart.

[@a.s.auszimthausen5922]

Ond des gschrieba von em Schwob. (just mocking about our Stuttgart dialect) But yes: "Tsoog-spittseh" it is pronounced - kinda 😁

[@Combat-Mindset]

Thank you so much for these kind words good sir. All the best to you. Cheers and God bless. 🙏

[@neilAneerGAmAI]

That hike is spectacular. I did it last summer, but I have no skills and patience to make such a nice video with commentary. Bravo!

[@kyliejwhyte]

The encounter with the sheep brought me so much joy! Thank you Abbie :)

[@raktoda707]

Massive girl !!!! I saw it up and in person 1976 winter So many people cross-country skiing,more of them than cars in the road. I can't believe that the glacier is gone.... really gone ...every trace..Upside ? Leaves a good but nearly impossible trail for hiking.Your amazing to be able to climb it,talk along the way and carry a selfie stick camera too ! You must have been ravenous and wobbly exhausted when you got to your car....even that cable car ride is scary ..blowing in the wind... beautiful video Kudos !!

[@TravelwithNJSteveandSue]

Just returned from the Zugspitze and saw the hikers from the cable car. Intrigued, I've been wondering what the hike up would be like. Thanks for showing it!

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Awesome stuff!!

[@davidwormell6609]

What amazes me most about you Abi, is that you can walk so far over more than one day on so little food. Whilst I don't eat much on trail, I tend to graze rather than have set meals, when I finish a days walk, I have a huge meal!

[@lindahiggins9295]

Really enjoyed that walk with you, your journeys have helped me cope with the lockdown many thanks to you x

[@paulwerth5451]

That last 1.5hrs of ascent... INSANE! Will be there June 2023 to climb. Thanks for teaching and sharing with us Abbie! From Washington, USA

[@RufanaDenmark]

Wow! It was almost like being there -except I didn't do the hard work. Thank you.

[@CatWalking]

Watched this twice so far, Abbie... Yay all around! It’s just great! Thanks for taking us along with you! 🌞💚💙🌏💙💚🌞

[@StudioPluckyPuck]

What an awesome thing to wake up to. :D Made my day! Thanks Abbie!

[@timpagano4031]

Abbie I just want to say thanks. I lived in Germany in the 80's and climbed the Zugspitze myself. A different route but much the same feelings. I was shocked to see how much the glaciers have retreated and your journey brought back a flood of memories. When I was there the gondola existed and the one gasthaus. I remember sleeping on the summit in that brown shingled house. It was a glorious experience. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@kelstajames7319]

I love to go a wandering along the mountain track.... What a beautiful place.

[@ericathiessen9504]

Well done Abbie! It's been amazing to hike vicariously with you on this one!

[@spleeeen4it]

who needs tv when there is such high quality video on youtube such as this, totally brilliant

[@fujifatbike5793]

Dooot doo rooot doo doo do dooo...... love that sound, always make me smile!

[@TheGVlogs]

so much respect,well done.Congrats on completing the climb,

[@stevedon76]

Another brilliant video. Thanks Abbie.

[@stuartkinnear2478]

What an inspiring vid. Thanks so much.

[@BuzzardThree]

Simply stunning.

[@Prashant.Khapane]

This is the only 15 min+ video I've watched on YT, Abbie. Well done. I lived in Munich for over a decade and this place was a yearly pilgrimage.

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Fantastic video and what an amazing hike. ATB xx

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Superb Sharing! Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from Chitral Pakistan!

[@claremarco]

You are incredible Abbie! Phenomenal effort! Brava!!

[@a.s.auszimthausen5922]

Thank you so much for this awesome experience, guided so beautifully. Lovin' it 👍👍👍

[@alistairj4851]

Bloody marvellous. Thank you.

[@MrGraeme57]

I very much enjoyed that. Well done on the filming and the ascent. Great achievement.

[@kisilvan]

Fantastic to see that area again. Beautiful videos. Thank you for a much needed dose of the mountains.

[@enixamsumsare]

Loved this video! So cool to follow your journey Abbie! Thank you for sharing! X

[@MJG70]

Wonderful Video. Well made. Stunning scenery

[@jacquie313]

You are so brave Abbie, well done, loved the video, keep smiling 😁

[@martinhommel9967]

Well done, Abbey, thanks for sharing the experience :)

[@Liz-Beige]

I loved your video, thank you!!!

[@paulspinks884]

The views were mesmerising. Loved the Documentary and can't wait for your adventures in 2021

[@nigeljones8202]

Great video, as usual 👍 Stunningly beautiful mountain.. another one for the list. Well done

[@JP-lk2qs]

Yay new summit conquest!Bravo Abbie.

[@jenhanlon3840]

That was amazing...but like you was incredibly shocked when I saw all those folks!!!

[@MartinPopeFilmmaker]

Absolutely stunning walk. You are so brave tackling that by yourself. 🙂🙂

[@sulray]

Thanks for sharing loved it

[@paultilley3206]

Well done chuck. You’ve got some serious stones ! Keep it up !

[@JDRTOUR]

thanks for such an amazing inspiration!

[@anikm8003]

Love your journey and videos ❤

[@GauravMishra28]

Just have pure respect for you Abbie! I am blown away! Kudos to you! Looking forward to more such exciting journeys! We are watching and listening :)

[@martinjoy1027]

Reallu enjoyed watching your journey💙

[@daveexplore3856]

That was awesome Abbie. 👍👍

[@clairecletc9011]

Really enjoyed the video thanks Abbie. Hilarious sheep you met on the way!

[@fubardarius]

Again an great movie, thx and pls keep going. You are inspiring me. 😁

[@Flurb_Xray]

Nice to see you hiking as well in Germany. I remember I have been to the gorge as child about thirty years ago. Funny to hear Anna first time speaking German with Bavarian accent in the background ;-)

[@DjiMavicMini58]

I must admit I enjoyed every minute of that film. Amazing. Stunning scenery

[@antonybrookes8370]

Abbie you are a real inspiration. What you have overcome and what you have achieved is staggering. I have watched alot of your videos and am truly inspired. Thank you.

[@vanhelsing9342]

God, I was so relieved to see Anna again, I thought something had happened between the two of you.

[@Haze1434]

Only very recently discovered your channel Abbie. You're fantastic! These videos are really informative, quality and interesting to watch. You have a real TV presenter feel to you, which I mean in the nicest possible way. You deserve your own TV programme! Thank you for the great content and all the best going forwards.

[@paulannable3734]

That was fantastic. Also brought back memories and provoked plans for the future.

[@himanshuanjaparavanda6829]

Wow, i have been searching a lot to gather information to plan my hike up the Zugspitze and this video answers all my questions. thankyou so much. Great Job

[@anteerixon]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G....and a great video!

[@tgarnett3]

Loved this video! We had the fortune of travelling to Bavaria two years ago and stayed for a few days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to explore the area. We weren't as adventurous as you in climbing Zugspitze as we opted for the cable car to the top. However, your video brought back wonderful memories (thank you!) and hopefully, we will be able to visit this stunning area once again someday.

[@HikingDutchman]

I did part of this hike too, via Höllentalklamm to Reintalangerhütte Knorrhütte and Zugspitze. Loved is, love this video too. Thanks for sharing.

[@studiotakt3865]

I was at the summit a few days ago with my daughter which was fun, but when I saw people hiking up I felt like I needed to do that too some day! It wasn’t possible on this trip so I’m really glad I could joint you on yours! Thank you for sharing

[@Merlin-fl7vy]

Hi Abbie, found your channel a few weeks ago when searching for coast to coast videos and have been utterly enthralled by your adventures. I used to be an avid hiker and have walked much of the Lake District but 10 years ago I became disabled which left me unable to ramble much. However I recently started getting myself onto smaller walks and seem to be building my strength up again. It's videos like yours that have really spurred me on, especially how open you are with your struggles. I'll keep watching ofc but I wanted to let you know how much your channel has helped me 🙂 take care

[@AaronHowarth]

I've done that very route many of times whilst serving with the Military in Germany. Your video has brought back many great memories 👍🏻

[@Bhargavimahesh]

Just returned safely from my solo hike - same route, same hut, but no good views because of the bad weather. Your video was my biggest motivation as well as a source of mental preparation. Thank you

[@grahampayne3733]

Wow!! What a view from the top Wow!! You are one very brave girl. That last section where you were scrambling must have taken nerves of steel. Well done 👍🏻 😀

[@peterwood2104]

Fantastic video! Great achievement to have completed that - well done! I would definitely have to descend on foot though given the look of those cable cars....that's a solid 'nope!' from my anxiety lol

[@dpax100]

Fantastic Abbie, what an amazing climb and solo too. That top construction is impressive but so out of place as you say.

[@hemanit2288batman]

Beautiful Journey... I was little disappointed after seeing so much crowd on the summit but still hats of to your big heart for finding joy in that. Please try visiting Himalayas if you ever get a chance. I an assure you, you might feel rejuvenating after Himalayan trek. Wish you all the best for more journeys and treks. We will stay in touch. Bye.

[@paulhowden720]

Top effort mate,. 🤘

[@baileyboo9788]

My pup was very interested in the goats ...me Im just in awe..... amazing ❤❤❤

[@rocker34]

Great video Abbie. Look like a tough climb, amazing to see amount of people on top. No mountain walks for me this year so far, lock down to 5km.

[@neilmackinnon9667]

Stunning adventure, thanks so much foe sharing .neil

[@AdventuresandLifestyle]

Excellent story line, narration and fantastic, smooth editing! What an amazing adventure you have filmed. So sorry to hear the previous camera was stolen. Stunning water colour from your new camera. Crazy busy, but its the same in the our UK Lake District though you dont have to pay to see and enjoy nature. Its a big Like & Bell ring from us. Love 💖 from the English Lake District 👍 👌 👊 🇬🇧

[@AntonioJPaulo]

You are very brave. Wow. What a great adventure. I was there a few days ago but just visited the lake Ibsee down there. Crystal water. Walk around the lake. That was great. I’m from Portugal 😀 keep that spirit alive! God bless you 🙌😀

[@motionactivated]

Bravo!

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

You've got me checking flights to Munich! Cheers!

[@nakianakia]

You are badass Abbie!!

[@davidharris1562]

Well done 👍

[@scoobsm6994]

Hi, I just stumbled across this fantastic video from such a beautiful part of the world. You're so lucky to be experiencing it at the moment! I was there in late "19, & so want to get back there. I only did short day trips though, thanks for sharing the scenery away from the crowds. BTW, the rocks are all limestone, so there is chemical dissolution as well as mechanical erosion, hence smooth curved surfaces like at 29:50 in the clip.

[@marcorawframes5614]

Good job.....🤟👍💥

[@davidhale1568]

Cracking vid our kid, so many people at the top!. I think you might enjoy the Pico's

[@familygonewild2110]

Well done Abbie, what an incredible achievement. Very inspiring. I must admit the cramped cable car.on the way down look the worst bit. X

[@davidstewart6743]

great scenery Abbie! Think I'll pass on the mash & pretzels though.

[@andrewtugwell242]

The last few hundred metres have Ruth biting her nails but that climb at the end looked a heck lot of fun and what a reward at the top. Video made my day 🙂

[@jimkennedy95]

GREAT!

[@moonoom764]

50:16 thats actually still germany haha! loved the video!

[@flashman3962]

You climbed the Zugspitze so we don't have to. Thanks.

[@jayneread2178]

I skied from the top in the late 80's. I used to ski in Lermoos the village opposite. Erwald is at the bottom of the Zugspitze in Austria.

[@fireflyrocks1]

What an ending, engulfed in mass tourism at the top. Your climb was amazing.

[@bluecraig99]

What a beautiful climb. But such a disappointing summit. But inspirational none the less. Thanks for sharing.

[@johndubya707]

nice, i just watched the WELT docume tary about them building the new tram.

[@rolandmd73]

Really nice video and it was fun hiking with you. Too bad so many people at the top.

[@tafelsstan5598]

Have you walked this now? So end of March, beginning of April? Anyhow: fantastic to see you doing this and seeing what you saw in RL!! Thanks, Anne Watched this again and geared you say that it is August :-)

[@Luvr-wv9hv]

Thank you for taking us along on another gorgeous hike. It brought back beautiful memories of being in the area 15 years ago.

[@freddiecampbell]

Looks like you're getting a head for the steep stuff!

[@AllPRO786]

Hi Abbie, an amazing video. Will be in Germany soon, I was wondering what guide did you use for your travel? I'm looking to do this solo too in May

[@jonathongoodwin]

Wow, nice - stay Wild

[@Elfwald]

Great video. Was hoping to go the Bavaria last spring, gives me a taste of what I missed out on. Just for future reference l think Chough is pronounced "chuff"