Photos

A grueling full day hike in the Alpspitz. Duration of hike to Kreuzeck is between 4–6 hours. Another 2-3 hours to Garmisch-Partenkirchen via Parnachklamm & ski stadium. By the time I got to Parnachklamm (an impressive gorge) it was already getting dark & raining and no more picture taking. Starting point is the top station of the Alpspitz cable car. From there a marked trail leads upwards toward the Nordwandsteig, a steep route. You get your initial taste of this route when you come to the first two big boulders, leaning against each other. To get through you climb a few steps up an iron ladder secured into the rock. If you had no problem with this sort ascent you may continue on this beautiful hike without qualm. This trail continues to climb up across rocky Alpine terrain and turns left at the Ferrata trailhead, another route to the peak of Alpspitze. After passing through two tunnels, built int the face of this mountain (don't forget to take glimpses through the openings) you continue climbing and hiking along a narrow trail. It is secured with metal ropes to hold onto. Next, you arrive on a wide green saddle which you cross to continue your hike to the top. Turning left you will see a marker leading you across rocks and soon you come to green meadows spreading beneath the impressive Bernadein wall. Now your eyes can bathe in the green waters of a small mountain lake, called Stuibensee, situated in the middle of this pristine world. To continue, the trail leads downward, leaving the lake at your right and winds through rocks, dwarf pine and Alpine roses to a crossing pointing your way to Kreuzeck.