FOR HIKERS AND LOVERS OF MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The Wank near Garmisch-Partenkirchen: hike up, ride down
Reach the top on foot, enjoy the views and glide back to the valley: the Wank combines a substantial mountain hike with scenic trails across the summit plateau.
Your day on the Wank
The Wank rises to around 1,780 metres opposite the Zugspitze. From the top, views open across Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding ranges. Keen uphill walkers can combine an ascent with a cable car descent. Plan backwards from the last departure, allowing enough time for the climb, a summit walk and a meal.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Wank at a glance
Key information for your hiking day: walk up, explore the top and return by cable car.
1,780 m summit
Enjoy views over Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding mountains.
Walk to the top
According to the cable car operator, the ascent via the southern slopes and Eckenhütte takes around four hours.
Return by Wank cable car
Combine your ascent with a one-way descent. Check operating hours and the last departure beforehand.
Panorama trail
The official summit circuit covers around 4 km and 250 metres of ascent, with rest stops and far-reaching views.
Esterbergalm route
Via Daxkapelle, Esterbergalm and Roßwank: around 9.6 km and 1,038 metres of ascent.
Food and drink near the summit
Sonnenalm and Wankhaus offer places to stop. Check their individual opening hours before your hike.
Walking up the Wank: two routes
Via the southern slopes and Eckenhütte
Start at the lower Wank cable car station. The route passes the climbing forest and continues along the southern side towards the Eckenhütte, then follows zigzags towards the summit. The operator estimates around four hours for the ascent. This is a longer mountain hike: pace yourself and carry enough water.
Via Esterbergalm and Roßwank
An alternative starts at the lower cable car station and leads via the Daxkapelle to the Esterbergalm, then follows signs over the Roßwank to the summit. GaPa Tourismus lists around 9.6 km, 1,038 metres of ascent and 3¾ hours, graded moderate. Walking times are estimates and exclude breaks.
Explore the summit plateau at your own pace
After the climb, take time to explore the plateau. Signposted high-level paths lead to changing viewpoints. Choose a short circuit or combine several sections according to your fitness and the time remaining before the last cable car.
Towards Ameisenberg and Eckenberg
Paths lead north from the summit area towards Ameisenberg and Eckenberg. Enjoy views across the Alpine foothills as you walk. Follow the signs and return to the upper station in good time.
Towards Roßwank
The plateau continues southeast towards the Roßwank, offering further mountain views. If you ascend via the Esterbergalm, you will already encounter this side of the mountain on your way up.
Panorama circuit around the summit
The official summit circuit covers around 4 km and 250 metres of ascent, so expect some uphill and downhill walking even at the top. Rest areas and the open-air “nature cinema” between Sonnenalm and Wankhaus invite you to pause and enjoy the view.
Take the Wank cable car back to the valley
One-way tickets are available for the descent. Before setting off, check current operating hours and the last departure. Wind, weather or scheduled closures may stop services. The cable car must be part of your route planning; a return ride is not guaranteed at all times.
View current Wank cable car tickets → · Check operating information & mountain weather →
Pause, refresh and enjoy the view
Sonnenalm and Wankhaus are possible stops near the summit. Check their opening hours before your hike. Allow time for a break and for returning to the upper station. Sturdy footwear, suitable clothing and an up-to-date map are essential, even on a popular panorama mountain.
Gschwandtnerbauer: a break with mountain views
You do not always need to reach a summit to enjoy a wonderful mountain day. The Gschwandtnerbauer at around 1,020 metres is a traditional mountain farm on the Wank slopes, serving Bavarian specialities with wide views of the Wetterstein and Karwendel ranges. A walk followed by good food and mountain scenery makes a rewarding outing.
Getting there: From Partenkirchen, the path via Hasental and Pfeifferalm takes around 1½ hours to reach the Gschwandtnerbauer. For the shorter option, start at the small car park below the inn and follow the forest road for around 30 minutes uphill. These times are for the outward walk; allow extra time for returning and stopping for a meal. The farm is below the Wank and is a separate walking destination, not an inn beside the upper cable car station.
Current notice: The operator has announced a seasonal closure from 26 October to 24 December 2026 inclusive, with reopening planned for 25 December. Check current opening hours and path conditions before setting off.
Directions to Gschwandtnerbauer → · Current opening hours & notices →
AFTER A HIKE ON THE WANK
Your holiday base for walking on the Wank
After a rewarding day on the Wank, Alpspitzherzl awaits. Our holiday apartment in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers 62 m² of space for up to four guests – with two bedrooms, a spacious south-facing balcony and mountain views.