Climb Up Safely with the New Summit Cross
Increased Security: Second Meeting Held Above Ground on Train's Peak
Great news for visitors of Zugspitze! A second summit cross will soon ascend on Germany's tallest mountain (2,962 meters) due to increased safety concerns for tourists. The new cross, creatively designed by artist Bernhard Rieger, will be situated within the Zugspitzbahn mountain station, offering visitors a trouble-free opportunity to capture the sought-after summit photo.
Originally, the summit cross stood proudly on an exposed rock, surrounded by sheer drops on all sides, making the journey from the mountain railway station to the summit a bit of an adventure, requiring agility, suitable footwear, and unwavering focus. However, the auxiliary cross will be a relief for all those who aren't so adept at scaling steep terrains, as they often venture up in sneakers or worse, flip-flops.
According to a Zugspitzbahn representative, these tourists, "take their journey lightly, without ample safety gear. Mountain rescue services constantly have to intervene"[1][2]. To tackle this issue, the new cross, slated to open on July 3, will allow visitors to photograph it safely while providing insight into the history of the original cross[1][2].
Since 1851, a summit cross has graced the peak of Zugspitze, but the original was displaced due to extensive damages amassed over more than a century. The current cross dates back to 1993[1]. The new cross, placed slightly lower than the original (approximately 2,950 meters versus 2,962 meters), is positioned next to the historical exhibition commemorating 90 years of the cog railway operations at the summit station[1][2].
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[1] Summit Cross Installation on Zugspitze (July 3, 2025)[2] Alternative Summit Cross for Visitor Safety[3] Mountain Rescue Services and Tourist Safety[4] Newsletter Signup: Engaging, Exclusive, and Informative!
- For those who prefer a leisurely mountain experience, the new summit cross offers a trouble-free opportunity to capture the sought-after summit photo, providing a safer alternative to the challenging climb to the original cross.
- The new lifestyle destination at Zugspitze, complete with the new summit cross, invites tourists to embark on memorable travel experiences, including exploring sports history and attending exciting events, all while enjoying breathtaking views.
