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Europe

Watching the sunrise from the Zugspitze

By Keith Jenkins
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Watching the sunrise from the top of any of the mighty peaks in the Alps is a popular activity for both locals and tourists in the Alpine countries. There are many spots where you can do this but one of the most spectacular spots has to be from the peak of the Zugspitze, at 2,952m, Germany’s highest peak. Located on the border with Austria (map), the peak can be reached via the Zugspitzebahn (cable-car) from the Austrian side or by railway from the German side. Whichever way you choose to get to the peak, dress warm and get there early – you’ll be rewarded with arguably one of the most magical sights in the Alps.

Sunrise from Zugspitze in the Alps

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5:45am: the spectacular colours as we took the cable-car up.

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6:00am: the first reddish/orangy glow.
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Viewing the sunrise from the Zugspitze observation deck.
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A wooden sculpture by famous architect, Mario Gasser, atop the Zugspitze at sunrise.
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The surrounding peaks of the Alps bathed in pink.
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It’s possible to climb to the peak (a pretty harrowing undertaking).
 

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I climbed the last 20-odd meters to the peak for an unobstructed view.
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The view from the top of the Zugspitze.
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The peaks surrounding the Zugspitze.
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The Zugzpitzebahn, an engineering marvel!

Seeing the sunrise across the Alps from Zugspitze is an absolutely amazing experience! And while you’re there, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast while you admire the stunning view. You can even choose if you’d like to sit in Austria or Germany!

Read more about things to do in Tirol Zugspitz Arena in the summer.

Read more about Austria on Velvet Escape

Note: A big thank you goes to the Tirol Zugspitz Arena Tourism Board for hosting us and for the lovely hospitality.

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7 Responses

  • Hi Venus, I’m with you – definitely not a morning person. I dragged myself out of bed at 4:30am – one of the toughest things to do 🙂 – but the reward was pretty phenomenal!

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • Just breathtaking. Being on top of a mountain by 5:45am doesn’t sound like an easy feat (not for me, at least!) but I think witnessing this would probably be more than rewarding. Thanks Keith, yet again, for all the inspiration!

  • […] Read the accompanying post: “Watching the sunrise from the Zugspitze“. […]

  • Thanks! The scenery was so spectacular, getting a good shot wasn’t too difficult. 🙂

    Cheers,
    Keith

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