To the Zugspitze by train
Get in. Sit back. And get closer to the Wetterstein Mountains with every kilometer.
You can also spend your holiday at our Camping Resort Zugspitze without your own car. The train will first take you to Garmisch-Partenkirchen . From there, you can continue by bus towards Grainau. The bus stop Schmölz, Abzw. Campingplatz is located near our resort.
After your arrival, you can explore the region by bus and the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway . For destinations that are not easily accessible by these means, we have two Minis, a VW T-Cross, and a spacious VW Bus available for rent at our reception.
This is how to travel to the Zugspitze by train without complications. You need a suitable connection, easily portable luggage, and a plan for the last leg.
Take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
From many German cities, the train journey initially leads via Munich. From Munich Central Station, the Werdenfelsbahn continues to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
General travel times from Berlin, Hamburg, or Cologne are only of limited help with planning. Roadworks, transfers, and timetable changes can affect the connection. Therefore, search for a route to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for your specific travel date and allow sufficient time for transfers.
The Deutsche Bahn travel information service shows you current connections, connection times and possible alternatives.
For a relaxed train journey to Grainau, a connection with some extra time is usually more pleasant than the tightest connection. This is especially true when traveling with children, winter clothing, or multiple pieces of luggage.
The final leg to our camping resort
At Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station, you transfer to the regional bus service. You can enter the bus stop "Schmelz, Abzw. Campingplatz" as your destination when searching for connections.
Before departure, check how much time you have for the transfer and when the last suitable bus leaves. You can find the current connection in the MVV timetable information or the DB Navigator app.
If you arrive late or are traveling with a lot of luggage, a taxi from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the more convenient option. Our check-in begins at 15 pm. If you have any questions about your arrival, you can reach our reception during opening hours.
How to get to us:
1. Take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
2. Continue by bus or taxi to Schmölz
3. Check in with us and discover Grainau
What type of accommodation is suitable for a train journey?
A caravan obviously can't travel by train. Therefore, our permanent accommodations are particularly interesting for car-free camping in Bavaria .
In the Zugspitzblick area, you can book a luxurious mountain cabin , our treehouse , or a holiday apartment . Our heated sleeping barrels are available on the banks of the Loisach River. Arrival with light camping gear is also possible.
Which option suits you best depends on how much you want to bring. Our permanent accommodations already offer a safe place to sleep. Depending on the accommodation, a private bathroom and kitchen are also included.
For train travel, we recommend a rolling suitcase or a well-fitting backpack. Many individual bags make transfers and bus journeys unnecessarily tiring.
Car-free holiday at the Zugspitze
After check-in, you'll receive the GrainauCard , the local guest card. This allows you to use the buses in Grainau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, as well as the valley section of the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee, free of charge. Additional discounts are also available.
This allows you to reach many important destinations without your own vehicle.
The Bavarian Zugspitze Railway connects Garmisch-Partenkirchen with Grainau, Hammersbach, and Lake Eibsee . From there, the cable car leads to the Zugspitze summit . Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also easily accessible by bus and train.
A car-free holiday at the Zugspitze works particularly well if you plan your days around Grainau. There's plenty to discover in the Zugspitze region without having to get into your own vehicle every morning.
To the Eibsee and the Zugspitze without a car
You don't need your own car to get to Lake Eibsee.
You can reach it from Grainau using the EibseeBus or the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway. Both routes run via Grainau to the Eibsee. With a valid GrainauCard, you can use the valley section of the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Eibsee free of charge.
At Lake Eibsee, you can take the circular path along the water or head to the valley station of the Zugspitze cable car. Alternatively, the cogwheel train goes all the way to the Zugspitzplatt plateau.
This makes it easy to combine a visit to Lake Eibsee without a car with a trip to Germany's highest mountain.
The timetables for the mountain railways can change depending on the season and maintenance. Therefore, please check the current operating hours before your trip.
A rental car for individual days
Arriving without your own car does not mean having to do without it for the entire holiday.
Subject to availability, you can rent one of our vehicles directly at our reception . We offer a choice of two Minis, a VW T-Cross, and a VW Bus.
This also allows you to reach starting points, side valleys or destinations that are more difficult to reach by public transport.
Our rental car prices:
Mini: 90 euros per day or 50 euros for half a day up to four hours
VW T-Cross: 89 euros per day or 45 euros for a half day
VW Bus: 130 euros per day or 90 euros for a half day
A rental car is worthwhile, for example, for a larger shopping trip, an early start to a tour, or a day trip off the beaten track.
All vehicles are subject to availability. Please inquire at our reception early.
So you travel to Grainau without your own car and only rent a vehicle if it really makes your holiday easier.
Sustainable holidays in Bavaria
Traveling by train is a good option for a stay in the mountains.
You save yourself long motorway miles and the hassle of finding parking at your destination. Once there, you combine bus, cog railway and walking.
We also prioritize responsible energy use. We generate some of our own electricity with our photovoltaic system.
A sustainable holiday in Bavaria isn't achieved through a single action. It begins with decisions that suit your individual needs. Traveling by train is one of them.
Frequently asked questions about train travel to Grainau
Can I travel to the Zugspitze Camping Resort without a car?
Yes. You take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and from there continue by bus or taxi to us in Grainau. The Schmölz, Abzw. Campingplatz stop is a good destination for the bus.
Which accommodation is suitable for arrival by train?
Our mountain huts, treehouse, holiday apartment, and sleeping barrels are particularly convenient. You can also arrive with light camping gear.
Can I reach Lake Eibsee without a car?
Yes. Lake Eibsee can be reached by the EibseeBus and the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway. With the GrainauCard, you can use the valley section of the Zugspitze Railway between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Lake Eibsee free of charge.
Can I reach the Zugspitze without a car?
Yes. You can take the cogwheel train via Grainau and Eibsee to the Zugspitzplatt plateau. Another option is the Zugspitze cable car from Eibsee.
What are the benefits of the GrainauCard?
You will receive the guest card upon arrival. Among other things, it includes free travel on regional buses and on the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway on the valley route between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Eibsee. It also offers further discounts.
Can I rent a car at the resort?
Yes. Subject to availability, two Minis, a VW T-Cross and a VW Bus are available at our reception.
The Minis cost €90 per day or €50 for up to four hours. The VW T-Cross costs €89 per day or €45 for a half day. The VW Bus costs €130 per day or €90 for a half day.
It's best to inquire about your desired vehicle at our reception as early as possible.