Looking for an unforgettable weekend getaway in Germany or Austria without booking a flight? Our road trip to the Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain – combined nature, adventure, and fairytale castles in just three days.
In this post, I’ll take you through our exact route: from a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle, snowboarding on the Zugspitze glacier, a peaceful morning at Eibsee, and exploring medieval ruins at Ehrenberg Castle in Reutte.
Friday – Road Trip Begins: Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles
We left at 11 am on Friday morning from the Kaiserslautern area and headed south by car. On our way to Tirol (Austria), we stopped near Füssen at 4:30 pm to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and take some photos there. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. Just next door sits Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent his childhood.
Pro Tip: Reserve tickets to Neuschwanstein online in advance. They sell out quickly on-site, especially on weekends or holidays.
After exploring the castles, we continued across the border into Austria. Our final destination for the night: Ehrwald, a beautiful alpine village nestled at the foot of the Zugspitze.
→ Read my post about Neuschanstein Castle and Hohenschwarngau Castle here
Saturday – Snowboarding on the Zugspitze & Relaxing in the Alps
Breakfast, Zugspitzbahn cable car and off we go!
We started the day with a hearty breakfast and drove to the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn cable car. For €63.50 per person, we bought a round-trip ride including a ski pass for the Zugspitzplatt ski area. A day ticket for the parking lot cost €5. In less than 10 minutes, the cable car takes you to Germany’s highest point: 2,962 meters above sea level. It’s also possible to get to the Zugspitze and the ski area from Germany with the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn. Here, the ski pass is also included in the round-trip ticket for €66. What’s special, however, is that on the German side, you can take the round trip to the Zugspitze with three cable cars. That was our original plan, but the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn was just 10 minutes from our hotel, so we changed our minds.
Our plan for the day: learn to snowboard.
But first, we had to get used to the view! For Mark, it was his first time in the Alps. His only experience with peaks was Mount Teide in Tenerife (3,715 meters above sea level). But the Zugspitze in the Wetterstein Mountains simply blows you away! A view everyone has to see with their own eyes!
It was our first time on a board – and to be honest: It was a real challenge, and I was a little sad I hadn’t rented skis because the slopes looked so beautiful.
Hot tip: If you’re stationed nearby (Ramstein, Baumholder, etc.), this makes for a great winter weekend activity.
Since neither of us had ever been on a snowboard before, we practiced on a small “through slope” next to the ski and snowboard rental shop. Unfortunately, it was much more difficult than expected, and even after four hours, we didn’t feel confident enough for the blue slope. Don’t be as careless as we were; book a course in advance. For example, with the Zugspitze Grainau Ski School. Then you’ll definitely enjoy the view and the whole atmosphere even more.
Renting equipment on-site? No problem – there are several rental shops with a good selection right at the valley station. You can also rent everything right at the top of the Zugspitzplatt, even sleds! We rented our snowboard equipment from Skiverleih Zugspitze, and it was only €5 more expensive than if we had rented it down in the valley.
In the afternoon, we returned to the hotel and treated ourselves to pure relaxation in the wellness area: sauna, whirlpool, and a delicious dinner – the perfect way to end a day in the Alps.
Tip: Be sure to stop by the Igloo Village on the Zugspitze! It’s so romantic… and hasn’t everyone dreamed of sleeping in an igloo as a child? You can do that there too 🙂 Expect prices starting at around €200 per person.
Sunday – Morning hours at Eibsee & visit to the Ehrenberg castle ruins
We checked out at 9 am and drove back toward Germany, stopping first at Eibsee, a crystal-clear alpine lake located right below the Zugspitze. In the early morning, it was quiet, serene, and perfect for photos or a peaceful walk.
Eibsee – pure natural idyll
Lake Eibsee is located directly below the Zugspitze and is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Bavaria. As we arrived early in the morning – the sun glistened in the turquoise water, and it was almost deserted. Ideal for a relaxing stroll. Note: Lake Eibsee fills up from 11 a.m., so get there early!
Tip for early risers: If you arrive before sunrise and up until about an hour after, you’ll have the most impressive photo opportunity ever! While the sun is still behind the mountains, the mountains are reflected in the mirror-like water, the peaks are illuminated by the golden-red sun, and a light mist hangs over the lake. Dreamy! Unfortunately, I didn’t want to get up at 5 a.m. on my 30th birthday, so we didn’t start our walk until 9:30 a.m.
Ehrenberg Castle ruins near Reutte in Austria
On the way back, we stopped at the Ehrenberg Castle ruins. The complex is enormous – and the highlight is the Highline 179, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world.
Tip: If you don’t suffer from vertigo, dare to walk across the bridge. The view is incredible – especially in autumn, when the valley is awash with color.
FAQ: Visiting the Zugspitze & Tirol by Car
Take the A6 and A7 south toward Füssen, then cross the Austrian border to Ehrwald. Make sure you buy an Austrian vignette (road toll sticker) at a gas station or online for driving on Austrian highways.
Yes! There are ski schools at the glacier that offer snowboard lessons for beginners. You can rent equipment on-site too.
Absolutely. In summer, it’s perfect for SUP, kayaking, and even swimming (though the water is cold!). In winter, it’s more of a peaceful hiking and photography spot.
The Highline179 is a 406-meter-long suspension footbridge connecting Ehrenberg Castle and Fort Claudia in Reutte, Austria. It’s one of the longest in the world!I
Yes! Castles, cable cars, snow fun, and nature – kids will love it. Just keep in mind the Highline179 may be too much for very young children or those afraid of heights.
Conclusion: The Perfect Weekend Escape
Whether you’re stationed in Germany or just exploring the region, this 3-day itinerary is a great way to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation – all within a few hours’ drive. No plane ticket needed.
