Kramerspitz (or Kramerspitze, 1985 m) raises above Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps in Germany, in the northwest direction from the city. It is a relatively low mountain but to get to the summit you will have to climb the height difference of around 1285 m, which is far from easy. Here I describe the route which starts directly in Garmisch.
Kramerspitz can be climbed directly from the city within 4 hours. The approach is from the east side. At the altitude of 1028 m, you will pass St. Martin hut, and continue through the woods generally in the west direction.
In many places, you will have nice views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and of the highest German mountains on the south side of the valley. These include Alpspitze and Zugspitze and mountains in the group.
Here are a few photos from my trip.
Equipment
You do not need any special equipment to climb the mountain. Any hiking shoes or boots will be good enough. Here is a short summary:
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For the clothing in the Alps in general, please see my another text.
My climb to Kramerspitz
For me, this was a solo tour. I was attending a conference in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and one Wednesday afternoon there was a conference excursion for participants to some of the nearby places. So instead of going on the trip, I decided to use the time to climb Kramerspitz.
It was late May but the mountain was under fresh snow. The weather was unstable but I decided to go. It was pleasant and quiet, I met only one person on the mountain that afternoon. The fresh snow only contributed to the great feeling in those hours, just see the photos above. It took me 3 hours and 45 minutes. The summit was in clouds and no views at all, but I had enough good views from the lower part of the route.
Going to Kramerspitz is a typical example of mountaineering in its best sense; a beautiful environment so typical for Bavarian Alps, nice paths through the woods, perfect views when you are in the upper part of the route, and a simple walk-up. You will need no special equipment for this mountain.
If you have time, you may continue and traverse the mountain in the western direction. This is a long whole-day tour.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a very popular touristic destination, with a lot of possibilities to find an appropriate accommodation. I have used Booking.com many times in the past and can fully recommend their services.
Hikr says
I advise any non or „light“ experienced hikers not to underestimate this tour. Some sections are steep and secured with steel ropes and may require basic climbing abilities, a safe step, and head for heights. If you decide to do the round trip from the east (via St. Martin) to west (via Stepbergalm) you will also need a good physical condition. If you have all of that, you will love the tour. I just want to point out that this is not a walk in the park (sometimes tour descriptions seem to be aimed at „mountaineers“ only).
Jovo says
Thank you. I am sure my readers will appreciate your comment. No tour in the mountains should be underestimated. Wish you all the best.
Aditya says
Thank you so much for the detail information. After reading it I am inspired to go to Kramerspitze. It will be my find hiking experience in the Alps. Hence I want to ask you whether is it safe to also go here during winter?
Jovo says
Hi Aditya, thank you for the kind words.
As for the winter hiking, it will depend on the snow situations. I am a bit skeptical. This is just a walk up, no scramble at any section but if there is snow on the ground it may be difficult. There are many web cameras around so have a look. Also check weather conditions this is a popular touristic zone in all seasons so such information is widely available.
Peter says
This looks like a fantastic hike. I’ll be visiting Bavaria in September and had considered hiking Zugspitze, but you’ve changed my mind. Thanks for the detailed information!
Jovo says
Hi Peter, Kramerspitz is a truly beautiful mountain and I am sure you will enjoy the tour. You can traverse it if you have time. Zugspitze is very different, but I just wonder what changed your mind.
David says
I used to hike although I was never fortunate enough to hike such a beautiful mountain.
I’ve done part of the Appalachian Trail in the US but that was years ago when I was younger and had stronger legs and a better back! I’ve seen parts of the Alps and it’s foothills in Switzerland and Salzburg Austria but never was able to do any hiking there unfortunately.
But, after reading your article and watching your videos I feel like I have.
Thanks so much for a wonderful write-up!
Jovo says
Most welcome David. Kramerspitz is indeed very beautiful, a typical mountaineering environment, just walk up, nice views, nothing technical. Just on the other side of the valley you have the highest German mountains that look quite different, like Zugspitze and Alpspitze.
Michael Hills says
I love this page. Nice descriptions, great photos and videos too. Once lived in Germany, and spent time in Switzerland. I love how some mountains have churches on top of them, or cows grazing on the side.
I can’t believe you only met one person on the mountain that day.Sounds like where I live now in the Canadian Rockies. I remember always lots of people everywhere in Europe, even in the mountains.
Is this your favorite hike?
Jovo says
Hi Michael, thank you for visiting my site. It was unstable weather and that is why the mountain was so deserted. Those mountains are indeed usually full of walkers. I climbed Alpspitze just 2 days ago, which is opposite to Kramerspitz, and there were hundreds of people everywhere around.
Jay says
Hi Jovo, although I walk and run most days it’s been quite a while since I went hiking. Seeing all the beautiful scenery in the photo’s you’ve posted it would be worth getting back into it it.
I’m a big fan of mountains and scenery, I especially like the images with the snow, it looks peaceful and tranquil. I hope that one day I get to see the beauty of the Bavarian Alps for myself.
Thanks for sharing this, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jay
Jovo says
Hi Jay, great to read your comment, many thanks. That was a particular day, with late snow in May, so the scenery was indeed special.
Peggy Menke says
Another awesome review, Jovo. Great videos, I love to see the wildlife. You really have valuable information to share. Thanks!
Jovo says
It makes me happy to realize that you like my story. Thanks for visiting my site. Jovo