I wanted to climb Alpspitze mountain for quite some time now, in fact after I saw it for the first time in 2009 when I was climbing Zugspitze, which is next to it. In 2011, I was in Garmisch-Partenkirchen somewhere in the second half of May and wanted to climb the mountain.
So I walked all the way up to Osterfelderkopf only to realize that the route was too much under a fresh snow that fell those days.
[J. K. Mertz, Romanze]
Consequently, I had to give up. It was too dangerous to continue because of a possibility of avalanches, and this was also pointed out to me by a person at the Osterfelderkopf lift station which I passed. As you see the mountain was still there this time, and I climbed it.
Basic data about Alpspitze:
- Altitude: 2628 m (8,622 feet).
- Latitude: 47.4333 or N 47° 25′ 48″.
- Longitude: 11.05111 or E 11° 3’
Equipment
This is only for the route I followed, and for the summer time. For some other routes and the season of the year, you may need a different combination. Here is my short summary:
| Recommended | Essential |
|
|
For the clothing in the Alps in general, please see my another text.
My climb of Alpspitze
I drove from Belgium overnight and arrived at Kreuzeckbahn parking at 3 am. I took a nap till 4:30 and then started my walk at 5. I was following the path toward Kreuzeck, it was through the woods so I used a torch. From Kreuzeck I continued toward Hochalm and then toward Schongange (Schongänge).
A few words about Schongange. This is a part of the north-east wall of the Alpspitze complex, and it represents the shortest possible approach with a ferrata installation. The length of the fixed cables is probably around 100-150 meters. The ferrata (eisenweg in German) is not hard and you can manage it without equipment (harness and Y-shaped lanyard).
Though, I did attach myself to the cables because I did not feel focused enough after the sleepless night.
You will easily notice Schongange: if you are somewhere in Hochalm area and you see the north-east wall of Alpspitze in front of you, Schongange is the pass which you see on the left.
Once you have passed Schongange, you are on the ridge which you will follow roughly in the west direction all the way to the summit. Somewhere in the middle of this ridge section you will have fixed ropes again, but here definitely you will not need to attach yourself to the cable. I met just a few people on my way up. They all were descending, they climbed the mountain from the north side following the ferrata route.
One particular couple made my day. They had full camping stuff and I asked about it. They replied that they spent the night camping on the summit itself! They said that they had a perfect sunset and a rather pleasant night except for a lot condensation from the air in one part of the night. I was delighted with their experience. They were in a great mood. I told them about my site and said I would add their photo.
You can see them in one of the photos above. I hope they shall visit my site. Later, when I descended, I saw them again at Osterfelderkopf. Here below are a few more photos which I took on the upper part of the route and on my descent.
I was on the summit at 10:45 am, so I made the climb in 5 hours and a half. There were many people on the summit, obviously, all of them came from the ferrata route on the north side. I could see several groups in the rock below, they were coming up.
I descended partly following the same route and then continued toward Osterfelderkopf, through the man-made tunnels.
There are several short and simple sections with fixed cables in this part as well. There were tens, if not hundreds, of people in the rock on the north-east face.
In the end to say that this is indeed a popular mountain but there are hard sections where you must be careful. So do not climb Alpspitze if you have problems with vertigo, or if you are completely inexperienced in rock climbing.
Regarding accommodation, this is a very touristic region of the German Alps, so if you plan to stay, do make a reservation well in advance. I have used Booking.com many times in the past and can fully recommend their services.
Please leave some comments in the box below, I shall be happy to read them and to answer any question.
Related texts on German Alps:
Margot says
Jovo, Thank you that you created such a site! I hike regularly in the mountains and am in a very good shape. But I do it very often alone; therefore, I have to “study” the mountain that I chose well before I climb it. So your reports on Triglav, Weissmiess, and other higher mountains are precious for me, because I can see what’s in store for me. You are really helping people like me!
Thank you for your great help!
Margot
Jovo says
It is so great to hear from you Margot. So you climb in the Alps, and you do it solo, not so wise but we are in the same club, as you see I am doing it the same way. So same here, I also have to search a lot and get informed when I go to the mountains. This is why it must be a first-hand experience what I read, and also what I write myself here in the site.
I assume you have seen my invitation for guest authors, so if you have the desire to share something many will be grateful to read about your personal experience.
The season is coming, to slow I would say, the Alps are still under snow, can’t wait to go again.
Justyna says
Hi! I am glad I found your page: beatiful photos and many useful information. I’d like to ask whether there is a trail to Alpspix platform and if sowhether it is a difficult one. Cheers!
Jovo says
Hi Justyna.
I have walked to the Alpspix platform in two different ways, there are several different variants. One is from the parking at Kreuzeckbahn station walk towards Kreuzeck and then follow the road which will lead you there. So this would be the route I passed to Alpsiptze. It is easy and big part is through the forest. It is also easy to follow.
Alternative is from the same place to walk to Hammersbach, it is through the flat area, you see the village in front of you (or park directly at Hammersbach). From there several options. One is to Kreuzeck and then join the previous route. Another is towards the Hollenthalklamm hut and then towards Schwartzkopf and then to the Alpspix platform. For this there is a fee for the passage. There are other routes from Hammersbach towards Schwartzkopf and then to Alpspix platform. Hope this helps.
Владимир says
Это реальные достижения,никогда не видел горы,но понимаю что это один из лучших целей на которые способен человек.спасибо что лишний раз доказываете людям вокруг о том что он может идти до конца к своей мечте.
Jovo says
Спасибо Владимир за такие добрые слова. Приятно читать строки, это очень много значит для меня. Альпшпитце действительно большая гора. Все лучшее для вас. Jovo
Glenn says
Hi Jovo, what a great website. So colourful and bright. I like the way you share your experiences on the about me page. Good job also just sticking to your niche and not wandering off to other subjects.
Jovo says
Hi Glenn, great to read your comment, it means a lot to me. Many thanks.
Darren says
Jovo, this looks and sounds like an amazing adventure and the photos are awesome! This looks like an extremely mountainous area. I’ve never been to any part of Europe, but I’ve seen many amazing photos of the mountains in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I must get over to that part of the world one day to explore and take photos. Thanks for posting this.
Jovo says
Thank you Darren, there are many pages within my site Mountains for Everybody about the Alps, just have a look around a bit. I am happy that you enjoy it. Cheers.
Richard says
Wow – well done on the climb and what a truly beautiful place. The views are amazing!
I can this is for more experienced climbers but you don’t have to be a real rock climber to summit. Would you recommend your route or the way most of the others climbed?
I have done a few great climbs including famous ones in New Zealand – Routeburn, Heaphy, Tongariro Crossing to name a few and also the Inka Trail. I have not yet done any real climbing in Europe but your site would help me a lot when I get the chance – I have visited Belgium though – racing – a few years ago lol.
Thanks for the story, pics, maps and details. A wonderful resource.
Richard
Jovo says
Hi Richard, first to thank you for the nice comment. To climb Alpspitze the route I did you need to have some experience and perhaps know to use ferrata equipment, and above all not have problems with vertigo. But in principle it is not difficult and with a little experience it is doable. You mentioned Belgium, this is my adopted country. Well, if you ever come to the Alps let me know. Best luck meanwhile in climbing at your side, I have never been there.
Kush1000 says
Hey! Great post you have created here.
I’ve seen this site before, great content for any mountaineer:) I have friend who goes to Switzerland to base jump, he’s crazy…
I’m sure many people will find this article useful and interesting as I did.
Thanks for sharing this and have a great day!
Cheers and good luck
Jovo says
Many thanks Kush. The text is intended to be useful for people who plan to climb Alpspitze.
Harry Kaelber says
You must have been in top shape to be able to climb that mountain in five and a half hours. You got some really nice pictures on this trip, looks like a nice place to visit. I think that I would be too afraid to climb this mountain, I know I would when you need to use a cable.
Jovo says
Hi Harry, thank you for the comment. It is just desire that pushes me up, though good shape helps too of course. Indeed this is not for people who have problem with vertigo.
Faith says
Five and a half hours sounds like really good time to me! The photos look so incredibly majestic, and relaxing, and you can see what a positively radiant mood the couple is in from the photo!
I live on a peninsula at or possibly below sea level, so what say you about possible altitude sickness? The times I have been in the mountains before I have mostly been fine but it has also always been a very very gradual path up on my part. Do you think I would be fine flying in and immediately going up, or would it be best to wait a day or so to get more acclimated?
Jovo says
Hi Faith, thank you for visiting my site and for the comment. Regarding the symptoms of high altitude sickness which I discussed in a separate page, I was coming from Belgium, practically from the sea level and yes I felt it. I felt it even more on Tenerife during my climb of Guajara mountain. So yes you would be fine if you do not go too high. Alpspitze is not so high mountain and you would be OK.