Travels in Geology: Atop the German Alps

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:41:58 -0500

For a taste of classic Bavaria, head to Farchant, about 4.5 kilometers from Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the German Alps. Mary Caperton Morton

The Eibsee Aerial Tramway, a glass-bottomed cable car, carries visitors to the summit of the Zugspitze. Mary Caperton Morton

Crossing to the summit of the Zugspitze. Mary Caperton Morton

The author, climbing in the German Alps. Mary Caperton Morton

The summit of the Zugspitze - also the highest point in Germany - is marked by the gold cross. Mary Caperton Morton

A viewing platform from the summit of the Zugspitze, looking out over the Eibsee Valley. Mary Caperton Morton

The glacially-fed Eibsee lake is shockingly blue and crystal-clear, and sits in the valley north of the Zugspitze. Mary Caperton Morton

The Zugspitze glacier, one of Germany's most beloved natural features, is rapidly melting. Mary Caperton Morton

Relaxing in a paddleboat on the glacially-fed Eibsee Lake, with a panoramic view of the Alps above. Mary Caperton Morton

In the time-capsule town of Farchant, Germany, many of the locals still wear traditional lederhosen and herd their dairy cows through the cobblestone streets. Mary Caperton Morton

In Farchant, Germany, the timberframe houses are painted with colorful murals and flowerboxes perch on every window. Mary Caperton Morton

Mountaineers in the “High Points Club” have a lofty goal: to “tag,” or reach, the highest elevations of every country in the world. Many of the 193 summits are best left to the professionals, but at least one, the highest point in Germany, is accessible to anybody with a train ticket. At 2,962 meters, the Zugspitze towers over the German Alps. But unlike most alpine peaks, you don’t need ropes, crampons and ice axes to stand on the summit. The Zugspitzbahn, an old-fashioned cog wheel train, will take you all the way to the top.

German Alps on EARTH Magazine

Travels in Geology: Atop the German Alps