Best time to visit Bavaria

Wendelstein Rack Railway (Wendelsteinbahn) in Bavaria

Enjoy a spectacular alpine view and explore numerous highlights on Wendelstein mountain

Best time: May–November

Wendelstein Rack Railway (Wendelsteinbahn)
Wendelstein Rack Railway
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Want to enjoy panoramic views from the top of the mountain, but it looks too difficult to climb? Just use a train! This 48-tonne cogwheel train, having been operating for more than a hundred years, will take you up to the top of Wendelstein. It's a 6,030-foot-high (1,838-m) mountain and the main attraction in the Upper Bavarian Limestone Alps.

The whole 30-minute ride is done at a speed of 12,5 miles (20 km) per hour, ensuring you have some time to enjoy the scenic route. The ride is 4,7 miles (7,6 km) long and takes you through seven tunnels, twelve bridges, beautiful alpine meadows, gorgeous woodlands, and massive rock formations. The final station is located at an altitude of 5,653 feet (1,723 m) above sea level. The railway operates every day from 9 am to 3 pm.

What to do at the top of Wendelstein

At the top of the mountain, you can find various things to do. For instance, you can visit the university observatory, a geopark, or the highest church in Germany. Another option is to explore an impressive cave or just enjoy the alpine view on 200 mountain peaks. The best view can be found at Gacher Blick—a spectacular platform with an unforgettable panorama.

The best time to visit Wendelstein Rack Railway

Some of the highlights, like the cave, operate only from May till November. Special events are held during this period as well. October is the driest month, while July is the wettest. During the winter months, there can be around 3 feet (1 m) of snow. Thus, if you want to explore every part of this majestic mountain top, the most suitable period is from May until November.

Practical info

When is the operation of Wendelstein Rack Railway?

The Wendelstein Rack Railway operates daily and takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit with an elevation of 5,653 feet above sea level. Passengers can admire various scenic beauties, including seven tunnels, twelve bridges, alpine meadows, impressive woodlands, and massive rock formations. The service schedule runs from 9 in the morning until 3 pm. Show more

What is available at the end of the Wendelstein Railway?

The last destination station of the Wendelstein Railway sits on top of the mountain with the summit at an altitude of 5,653 feet above sea level. At the mountain top, visitors can find an array of things to do, including the university observatory, geopark, Germany's highest church, an elegant cave, and the Gacher Blick - a platform that showcases a majestic view of 200 mountain peaks around the area. Show more

What are the highlights of the Wendelstein's summit?

The summit of Wendelstein presents several highlights, including the best-known university observatory, a geopark, Germany's highest church, an elegant cave, and the Gacher Blick, a platform with an incredible view of 200 mountain peaks. Visitors can explore every highlight and take pleasure in the scenic views from May to November, coinciding with the operating season. It is noteworthy that some highlights will not operate in winter, so plan accordingly. Show more

What is the perfect time to come to Wendelstein to miss the snow?

May through November is the best time to enjoy the Wendelstein Railway without the snow. In this stretch, visitors can explore the highlights, including the cave, and discover every corner of the mountain summit. It's important to note that the mountain summit has roughly 3 feet of snow in the winter, making exploration impossible at that time. Show more

Where is the most breathtaking view of the mountain peaks available?

The most breathtaking view of the mountain peaks of the Wendelstein is attainable at the Gacher Blick. The Gacher Blick is a spectacular platform that showcases a 360-degree panorama view of the alpine landscape, a stunning and unforgettable experience for visitors. While visitors take in the breathtaking views, they can explore all the highlights on the mountain top, attend special events from May to November, and make the most of their experience. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin