Tiroler Zugspitzbahn, Ehrwald
Summer By cable car up the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain
Inn valley
Ehrwald
At the foot of the Zugspitze, home of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn
Ehrwald lies in the Reutte district, within the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, at the foot of the Wetterstein range and the 2,962 m Zugspitze. The village sits at about 994 m and, together with Lermoos, Biberwier, Berwang and Heiterwang, forms the Zugspitz Arena region.
The big draw is the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn: a modern cable car with two cabins for 100 people each takes you to the Zugspitzplatt at almost 2,950 m. On clear days the view stretches far, and the 'Faszination Zugspitze' experience museum is an option even in poor weather. The Ehrwalder Almbahn leads up to the Ehrwalder Alm at about 1,500 m, where popular walks begin, including the one to the Seebensee.
In winter there are pistes, a ski kindergarten and floodlit toboggan runs. A special tradition is the Bergfeuer Ehrwald around the summer solstice, on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage since 2010. From Niederau, Ehrwald is a long but manageable day trip by car. For safety's sake, always check current weather and opening information when planning your day.
- Drive from Niederauapprox. 105 min.
- Elevation994 m
- RegionInn valley
- Best forSuits families with older children who enjoy mountains and views.
What to see and do
- The Tiroler Zugspitzbahn to the Zugspitzplatt (top station at about 2,950 m), with the 'Faszination Zugspitze' museum.
- The Ehrwalder Almbahn to the Ehrwalder Alm (about 1,500 m), starting point for walks.
- The walk to the Seebensee with the Zugspitze as a backdrop.
- In winter: skiing on the Ehrwalder Alm, a ski kindergarten and floodlit toboggan runs (check current times).
- The Bergfeuer Ehrwald around the solstice, UNESCO heritage since 2010.
From Niederau
About 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Niederau, via the Inn valley motorway towards Innsbruck and on via Telfs and the Fernpass or via Mieming; plan a full day.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
Things to do in and around here
Frequently asked questions
How high does the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn go?
The top station is at about 2,950 m on the Zugspitzplatt; the summit of the Zugspitze is 2,962 m. Check the weather and current timetable beforehand.
Is Ehrwald doable as a day trip from Niederau?
Yes, but allow about 1.5 to 2 hours each way; leave early and choose one main goal, such as the Zugspitzbahn or the Ehrwalder Alm.
More places in Inn valley
Pertisau
Village on the western shore of Lake Achensee, at the foot of the Karwendel
Achenkirch
Village at the northern end of Lake Achensee, with lake, mountains and cross-country skiing
Maurach
Village at the southern end of Lake Achensee with steam railway and Rofan cable car
Rotholz
Hamlet near Jenbach with Schloss Rotholz and the Bibelweg to the Rottenburg
Leutasch
High valley in the Olympiaregion Seefeld with the Geisterklamm and Gaistal
Kirchbichl
Inn valley village with a warm mud-bottom lake and the prehistoric Grattenbergl hill
Breitenbach am Inn
Sunny Inn valley municipality with the Berglsteinersee and the Blessenberg
Angath
Small Inn valley village near Kufstein with a rich river-shipping past
Useful guides
Day trips from Niederau: 7 outings with route and programme
Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Kufstein, Achensee, Zillertal and more, with drive times and day plans.
Getting to Niederau: by car, train, plane and on the spot
Everything about the trip to the Wildschönau and getting around the valley, from motorway to ski bus.
When to visit Niederau: month by month
From ski season to autumn colours: what is open and how busy it gets, period by period.
Stay in Niederau Partner
Hotel Wastlhof, partner of Niederau.nl, is a family-run hotel with an indoor and an outdoor pool, wellness and its own riding stables, right in the village. For more places to stay and information you can also contact the Wildschönau tourist office. Personal recommendation, no payment involved.
To Hotel Wastlhof · Wildschönau tourist office · More about staying in Niederau