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SUCCESS STORY OF THE BAYERISCHE ZUGSPITZBAHN

An overview of the most important stages in the fascinating history of Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG.

ZUGSPITZE DEVELOPMENT – A REVOLUTION

The first ascent of Zugspitze by Lieutenant Joseph Naus in 1820 marked the beginning of the development of Germany’s highest mountain. The vision of making it possible for everyone to visit the Zugspitze began here.

The idea of a mountain railroad leading up to plateau Zugspitze first emerged at the end of the 19th century. However, it was to take around 30 years before this project could actually be implemented. The reason: lack of funding and the turmoil of the First World War.

In 1930, however, the time had come: With the maiden voyage of the cogwheel train, the opening of the Schneefernerhaus Hotel and the summit cable car a year later, Zugspitze and plateau Zugspite were made accessible to guests.

DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNT WANK AND GARMISCH-CLASSIC

Gradually, the mountain world around Zugspitze, the Garmisch-Classic area and mount Wank were developed. The Kreuzeckbahn cable car was opened in 1926 as the first cable car in Bavaria. In 1928, the Partenkirchen panorama mountain was opened up with the construction of the first Wankbahn cable car. Even back then, one or two records were broken: The t-bar lift on Hausberg was the longest and steepest t-bar lift in the whole of Europe when it first opened.

However, the Second World War also marked a turning point for the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn. It was not until 1949, with the commissioning of the Sonnenkar ski lift, that the further expansion and thus the establishment of the Zugspitze ski area could begin.

1851

First erection of a summit cross on Zugspitze on 12 August. Initiated by Pastor Ott from Peißenberg and supported by Crown Princess Marie of Bavaria.

1899

First concession application for the construction of a railroad to Zugspitze. Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria rejects it on the grounds that there is no need for such transportation.

1907

1820

First ascent of Zugspitze on 27 August by Lieutenant Joseph Naus with the aim of taking topographical photographs.

Lokalbahn AG München is the first to be awarded a two-year project planning concession. In the same year, the Dresden engineer W. A. submitted a very detailed project with a memorandum, the preparatory work of which dates back to the turn of the century. However, Müller does not manage to raise the necessary money.

1909

The Austrian engineer Josef Cathrein receives the planning concession for a cable car from lake Eibsee over the Riffelwand. The clause requiring proof of financing remains unfulfilled, so that the concession, which is extended in 1911, loses its validity.

1914

A concession application submitted to Prince Regent Luitpold in 1913 by a consortium of Swiss engineers, including engineer Cathrein, is approved by King Ludwig III. The First World War prevented the construction of the planned cogwheel train. The concession is extended for up to two years after the conclusion of peace. Then inflation and economic crises thwart the realization of the railroad.

JOSEPH NAUS | 1820

1925

Start of construction work on the Kreuzeckbahn cable car.

In the same year, construction of the Austrian cable car from Ehrwald-Obermoos to Zugspitzkamm (2,804m) begins.

Engineer Cathrein is awarded the concession again, but again fails due to the difficulty of raising funds and has to let the concession lapse for the second time at the end of 1927.

1926

Commissioning of the Kreuzeckbahn cable car on 28 May. It is the first cable car in Bavaria. Its conveying capacity is 150 persons/hour. With a route length of 2,342 m, it overcomes a difference in altitude of 880 m.

On 5 July, the Austrian Zugspitzbahn starts operations.

COGWHEEL TRAIN STATION GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN | 1929

1928

Granting of a concession for the construction and operation of a mixed adhesion and cogwheel train to the consortium Allgemeine Lokalbahnund Kraftwerke AG Ges. Berlin, AEG Berlin, and Süddeutsche Treuhandgesellschaft AG Munich: The company foundation of Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG takes place on June 18.

Foundation of Wankbahn AG on 26 July by the market town of Partenkirchen. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 15 July, after the required capital of 1 million Reichsmark had been raised.

GLACIER | ZUGSPITZE | 1890

1929

Commissioning of the first section of the cogwheel train between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and lake Eibsee on 19 December.

Handover of the Wankbahn cable car with a transport capacity of 125 people/h to public transport.

1930

Opening of the Eibsee – Schneefernerhaus cogwheel train route on 8 July after only two years of construction and construction costs of 22 million Reichsmark.

Construction of the pedestrian tunnel between the former Zugspitzkamm mountain station of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn and the Schneefernerhaus.

1931

Commissioning of the Gipfelseilbahn cable car and opening of the Hotel Schneefernerhaus on 20 January.

1937

Takeover of the majority of shares in Österreichische Zugspitzbahn AG by Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG. The company is renamed Tiroler Zugspitzbahn AG and placed under the management of Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG.

1939

Construction and commissioning of Europe’s longest and steepest t-bar lift up the Hausberg through the market town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

1940

Transfer of the Hausberg t-bar lift from the market town to Wankbahn AG.

1945

Effects of war: Bombing of the Schneefernerhaus and destruction of the valley hotel of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn. The Austrian cable car is expropriated as German assets abroad after the end of the war. The American occupying forces confiscate the Hotel Schneefernerhaus.

1949

The Zugspitzplatt receives the first large Sonnenkar ski lift. In addition, a small cable car (the old Hangbahn cable car) to Schneefernerhaus and short ski lifts on the Schneeferner glacier were built in 1950.

1952

Inauguration of the Hotel Schneefernerhaus, which reopens on 13 December after extensive renovation.

The Hausberg t-bar lift is being converted into a chair lift.

1954

Purchase of four modern light trains, which reduce the journey time on the Grainau – Schneefernerhaus cogwheel train line from 75 to 60 minutes.

1956

Construction of a t-bar lift to the Schneefernerkopf and construction of the new terrace café in the Hotel Schneefernerhaus.

Construction of a small cable car to Eckbauer by Wankbahn AG.

GIPFELSEILBAHN CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 1930

SKIING | PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1930

CHAIR LIFT | HAUSBERG | 1952

EXPANSION & INNOVATIONS

In the 1960s, Germany’s highest mountain was finally made accessible from the valley with the Eibsee cable car. Major projects were also implemented in the Garmisch-Classic area and on the mount Wank in the following years: For example, the passenger cable car from the Kreuzeck valley station to the Osterfelderkopf, the Olympialift on the Olympia route, the Kreuzwankl chair lift and the first t-bar lift on mount Wank.

FIRST WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS AS A DRIVER OF INNOVATION

Being awarded the contract to host the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1978 meant a further innovation boost. For example, the starting point for the Kandahar downhill run with the new Kreuzjochbahn and the ski area on mount Wank have been significantly expanded.

In addition, the single-track cable car between Schneefernerhaus and plateau Zugspitze was completed. The electricity supply in the areas was expanded and additional catering establishments were opened.

Further extensions and modifications to the lifts and cable cars followed:

Thanks to the construction of the Rosi Tunnel, guests now traveled directly to plateau Zugspitze by cogwheel train – without having to change trains.

The Gletscherbahn cable car was the first to connect plateau Zugspitze with the summit Zugspitze and still serves today as a practical connection for the cogwheel train.

1960

Opening of the third Weißes Tal t-bar lift on plateau Zugspitze.

Granting of a concession on 27 August for the construction of a cable car from Eibsee to the summit Zugspitze with a length of around 4,500 m, a difference in altitude of around 2,000 m, and 2 cabins for 44 + 1 passengers each.

Increase of the Wankbahn cable car capacity from 125 to 210 persons/h.

1961

The construction of the Kreuzwankl chair lift is the first step towards a ski operation on Hausberg.

1962

Inauguration of the Eibsee cable car on 1 December.

1963

Final opening of the Eibsee cable car for the public on 15 May.

1964

Start of operation of the 2nd section of the Tyrolean Zugspitzbahn as a connection between the Zugspitzkamm and the west summit Zugspitze. Opening of a summit hotel the following year.

COGWHEEL TRAIN | 1956

GLETSCHERBAHN CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 1966

1965

Serious avalanche accident on 15 May, on the terrace of the Hotel Schneefernerhaus. A total of 10 people were killed and 24 injured.

1966

Establishment of a local avalanche commission on the Zugspitze and construction of extensive avalanche protection facilities, such as avalanche blasting tracks and avalanche protection structures, to prevent future accidents. One year later, the Bavarian avalanche warning service is founded.

Construction of the Gletscherbahn cable car from the Hotel Schneefernerhaus to plateau Zugspitze.

1967

Conversion of the Schneefernerkopflift on plateau Zugspitze into a double t-bar lift system with a transport capacity of 2,000 people/h.

1968

Commissioning of a double t-bar lift on the Adamswiese on Hausberg.

SNOW GROOMER PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1967

HAUSBERGBAHN CABLE CAR | 1969

SKI SCHOOL | PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1966

1969

Commissioning of the Hausbergbahn cable car with cabins for 70 people and a travel speed of 10m/s in December. This replaces the previous chair lift. With a route length of 2,000 m and a height difference of 600 m, the transport capacity is 700 persons/hour.

1972

On mount Wank, the 200 m long Sonnenlift t-bar lift and the 400 m long Trögllift on Hausberg are now in operation. Each of the lifts has a capacity of 1,000 persons/hour.

1973

1970

Granting of a concession to build a passenger cable car from the Kreuzeck valley station to Osterfelderkopf with a height difference of 1,300 m and cabins for 80 people as well as a passenger cable car from Osterfelderkopf to Hochalm on 14 February.

The overall development also included: 5 t-bar lifts and the necessary construction of downhill runs and hiking trails. Commissioning of the Längenfelderlift I in winter.

The Olympialift is being built on the upper section of the Olympia downhill run: Length 960 m, height difference 270 m, transport capacity 1,200 persons/h.

Commissioning of the Alpspitzbahn and Hochalmbahn cale car in January.

Conversion of the Kreuzwankl chair lift into a combined lift: During the summer months, the lift operates as a chair lift and in winter as a double surface lift.

1975

Opening of the Nordwandsteig via ferrata through the Alpspitznordwand and completion of several hiking trails in the Alpspitz area.

Construction of another double t-bar lift directly next to the Kreuzwankl chair lift.

The Adamswiesenlift will be replaced by a new facility and extended to the top station of the Hausbergbahn cable car.

In the same year, Garmisch-Partenkirchen in San Francisco was awarded the contract to host the 1978 Alpine World Ski Championships.

1976

With the contract to host the Alpine World Ski Championships, the starting area for the Kandahar downhill run is made accessible with the new Kreuzjochbahn. The double chair lift has a length of 760 m, overcomes a height difference of 310 m, and has a transport capacity of 800 persons/h.

Opening of construction and operation of the fourth t-bar lift Gletschersee on the Schneeferner glacier with a capacity of 2,400 persons/h.

Completion of the expansion measures on the Hochalmweg in the Alpspitz area, which, as a ski trail, contributes to a significant improvement in the connection to the Kreuzeck.

ALPSPITZBAHN CABLE CAR | 1976

KREUZJOCH CHAIR LIFT

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 1978

HANGBAHN AND GLETSCHERBAHN CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 1971

ALPSPITZ-FERRATA

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 1978

DOUBLE T-BAR LIFT GLETSCHERSEE PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1976

1977

Completion of the single-track large cable car between Schneefernerhaus and plateau Zugspitze.

Reinforcement of the electrical supply in the Zugspitze area: New construction of the Höllental substation, conversion of the Eibsee substation, voltage conversion from 8.5 kV to ultimately 20 kV.

Appointment of mount Wank as a World Championship replacement course for the giant slalom. Three t-bar lifts (Esterberg, Roßwank and Gipfellift) will be built. The Esterberg lift is 950 m long and the other lifts are each 450 m long. The difference in height is 380 m at the Esterberglift, 130 m at the Rosswanklift, and 80 m at the Gipfellift.

1978

Organisation of the Alpine World Ski Championships from 29 January to 5 February.

Commissioning of two further light trains to enable a half-hourly timetable on on the Grainau – Schneefernerhaus cogwheel train line.

In September, opening of the new Alpspitz via ferrata through the north face of the Alpspitze.

Construction of the Gschwandtlift at mount Wank with a length of 340 m, a height difference of 80 m, and a transport capacity of 1,200 persons/h.

ADAMSWIESENLIFT | GARMISCH-CLASSIC 1971

1979

Opening of the Wetterwandeck t-bar lift with a capacity of 2,000 persons/h on 20 December. With a length of 1.2 km, it is the longest t-bar lift on plateau Zugspitze.

1980

Laying of the foundation stone for a chapel on 13 July on plateau Zugspitze.

1981

Consecration of the chapel of the Maria Heimsuchung chapel on plateau Zugspitze, now the highest place of worship in Germany, by the Archbishop of Munich and Freising, Josef Cardinal Ratzinger, also known as Pope Benedict XVI.

1982

Commissioning of a detachable single-cable circulating cable car with 4-seater cabins on mount Wank as a replacement for the previous aerial tramway. The transport capacity of this lift is 800 persons/hour.

1983

Opening of the restaurant Sonnalpin on plateau Zugspitze.

1984

New construction of the Brunntal t-bar lift on plateau Zugspitze with a length of 1,100 m and a difference in altitude of 300 m with a transport capacity of 1,440 persons/h.

1985

Blasting work for the stop of the new cogwheel train tunnel to plateau Zugspitze on 14 July. This 975 m long tunnel route enables a direct transfer to the ski area without changing trains. The tunnel sponsor is multiple gold medal winner and skiing legend Rosi Mittermaier-Neureuther

CONSTRUCTION ROSI-TUNNEL ZUGSPITZE | 1985

CONSTRUCTION CHAPEL

PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1980

WANKBAHN CABLE CAR | 1985

NEUE WELT | PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1987

HEXENKESSEL

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 1988

CONSTRUCTION STATION

PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1986

WETTERWANDECK-LIFT

PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1979

1986

Acquisition of the Predigtstuhlbahn and Kreuzeckbahn through the takeover of 95% of the limited partnership capital of Kreuzeckbahn Köllensperger GmbH & Co. KG Munich by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn.

1987

Completion of the new Rosi-Tunnel to plateau Zugspitze and start of internal traffic on 6 March. Construction of the plateau Zugspitze glacier station at the end of the new tunnel. Commissioning of two new double trains for adhesion and rack operation between the Garmisch-Partenkirchen and plateau Zugspitze stations.

Commissioning of the Neue Welt double chair lift on the 2,874 m high Schneefernerkopf on 17 April.

CONSTRUCTION GLETSCHERBAHN CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 1991

SONNALPIN WITH SNOW GROOMER PLATEAU ZUGSPITZE | 1989

1988

Official inauguration of the RosiTunnel and the station plateau Zugspitze on 15 January.

1990

Final closure of the hotel at the Schneefernerhaus. However, the restaurant will continue to operate as usual.

Sale of the Predigtstuhlbahn cable car.

Construction of the first snowmaking system on the lower Kandahar slope between the Kreuzeckbahn cable car valley station and Bödele.

1991

Construction of the Gletscherbahn cable car from plateau Zugspitze directly to the summit begins in June.

Opening of the new Hexenkessel lift at the mountain station of the Kreuzeckbahn cable car on 19 December, which was converted and extended from a single to a double chair lift with a transport capacity of 1,200 persons/h.

1992

Commissioning of the Gletscherbahn cable car on 21 December, which serves as a direct connection between the Eibsee cable car and the cogwheel train. The new system can cope with a height difference of 360 m and has a transport capacity of 1,000 persons/h with a length of 1,000 m without supports.

Suspension of public transport on the cogwheel train line to the Schneefernerhaus and permanent closure of the hotel’s restaurant.

1993

Completion of the new summit station Zugspitze. Grand opening of the summit station and the Sonnalpin conference area on 27 October.

After dismantling the original summit cross, Zugspitze receives a new summit cross on 27 October as part of the construction of the new Gletscherbahn cable car.

Construction of a snowmaking system at the Hexenkessel.

1994

Leasing of the Schneefernerhaus to the Free State of Bavaria, which is converted into an environmental research station and put into operation at the end of 1999.

1995

Opening of an art gallery on 1 July in the new summit station. Contemporary artists presented their works there. A bistro will be opened in this hall at the same time.

ZUGSPITZE | 1993

GLETSCHERBAHN CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 1992

1996

Conversion of the Längenfelderlift I in the Alpspitz area from a t-bar lift to a chair lift. Dismantling of the Längenfelderlift II and the Hirschbichllift.

Construction of a 9.5 km long sewer from the Zugspitze summit to lake Eibsee under the most difficult conditions, to which the summit station of the Tyrolean Zugspitzbahn, the Münchner Haus, and the environmental research station are connected in addition to the buildings of the summit station and the Sonnalpin.

Commissioning of an 8 km long high-pressure fresh water pipeline from lake Eibsee to Schneefernerhaus and Sonnalpin by the municipal utility company of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This single-stage system pumps water from the Grainau municipal network from 1,000 m to 2,600 m at an operating pressure of over 180 bar.

1997

In October, the municipal utility company Garmisch-Partenkirchen acquired 99.9 % of the share capital of Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG from AGIV Frankfurt.

Replacement of the two t-bar lifts at Kreuzwankl by Germany’s first detachable 6-seater chair lift, the Kreuzwankl-Ski-Express. The conveying capacity of this system is 3,000 persons/hour.

Construction of a children’s area with 3 baby lifts and a ski carousel for beginners and children at Kreuzwankl.

GARMISCHER HAUS

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 1992

HEXENKESSELLIFT

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 1997

LÄNGENFELDERBAHN

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 1996

1998

On 1 November, Bayerische Zugspitzbahn AG merges with Wankbahn AG. The new company name is: Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG, Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Expansion of the Kreuzeck pumping station with extension of the snowmaking system along the Olympia downhill run to the Olympialift valley station.

1999

Merger of Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG with Kreuzeckbahn GmbH & Co. KG on 1 November. This means that all mountain cable cars in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are now combined into one efficient company with around 270 employees and is owned by the Garmisch-Partenkirchen municipal utility company.

Expansion of the snowmaking system with a pumping station at Bödele and connection to the Olympic snowmaking system.

ALPSPITZBAHN CABLE CAR |

MOUNTAIN RAILWAYS TODAY

The recent history of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is characterized by further expansion projects and modernization work. But dismantling also took place: Skiing on mount Wank was discontinued in 2002 and the ski lifts were gradually dismantled in the following years. Investments were made in the expansion of the Zugspitze and Garmisch-Classic ski resorts. In 2011, Garmisch-Partenkirchen once again hosted the World Ski Championships. Further investments were made as part of the preparations – especially on the Kandahar downhill course.

In addition, attractions were gradually created for the summer months. Numerous hiking routes and via ferratas have been created and the viewing platform AlpspiX has created a unique viewing point in the GarmischClassic area.

WORLD RECORD CABLE CAR

In 2015, construction began on the cable car Zugspitze, which was intended to replace the Eibsee cable car. Within three years, a modern, world record-breaking cable car was constructed. It goes without saying that this alpine pioneering work as an innovative architectural and structural masterpiece was also met with great international interest.

The last major project to date was completed in December 2020. With the new cogwheel train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, not only the comfort for guests on the cogwheel train has been significantly improved. The management and administration of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn have also found a new, contemporary home here. CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 2017

2000

Collision between two trains on the valley section of the cogwheel train on 10 July. In the worst accident in the history of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn to date, 64 people are injured.

2001

Connection of the snowmaking systems Hausberg and Hexenkessel.

2002

Construction of a reservoir on the Bödele.

KREUZECKBAHN CABLE CAR | 2002

Last journey of the Kreuzeckbahn cable car after 76 years and 15 million accident-free passengers on 7 April. Its successor goes into operation on December 20: The new cable car is a detachable two-cable gondola lift equipped with 25 cabins.

Sale of the Eckbauerbahn cable car in December to Partenkirchner BergBahnen GmbH & Co. KG.

Extension of the snowmaking system Kreuzwankl to Seele.

First closure of the Wankbahn cable car and the lifts for the winter season.

Renewal of the drive and control system of the Eibsee cable car.

SONNENKAR | ZUGSPITZE | 2003

2003

Replacement of the existing Sonnenkar t-bar lift with the new 6-seater Sonnenkar chair lift. It has a transport capacity of 2,200 passengers per hour.

First closure of the Hausbergbahn cable car for the summer season.

Opening of the Kandahar 2 ski bar in the Kreuzeckbahn valley station.

2005

The igloo village is being created on the plateau Zugspitze as a place to stay overnight during the winter months.

ALPSPIX

GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 2010

HOCHALMBAHN CABLE CAR | 2000

2006

Inauguration of four new double-rail trains of the cogwheel train.

Opening of the new Hausbergbahn cable car on 21 December. The new monocable gondola lift with 66 8-person cabins transports 2,400 winter sports enthusiasts up the mountain per hour. At the same time, the train station on the local mountain is being rebuilt by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn: The vision of winter sports enthusiasts being able to travel directly from Augsburg and Munich to the Hausberg is becoming a reality.

2007

Commissioning of the new signaling system of the cogwheel train between the Garmisch-Partenkirchen and plateau Zugspitze train stations.

Expansion of the snowmaking system Hausberg with its reservoir and snowmaking on the entire Dreh and Horn runs through the market town Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

2008

Decommissioning of the mountain locomotive 11, the first locomotive of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, and handover of this and the valley locomotive 3 as a permanent loan to the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

Expansion of the Kandahar downhill run including construction of the very steep section called Freier Fall and expansion of the snowmaking system for the Alpine Ski World Championships.

FREIER FALL | GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 2008

2009

Commissioning of the 4-seater chair lift Kandahar-Express in the Hausberg area as a replacement for the existing double chair lift Kreuzjochbahn. The detachable lift system leads from the valley station of the Olympialift, with the option of an intermediate exit at the middle ski trail, to the mountain station of the Kreuzjochbahn.

Complete dismantling of the ski lifts on mount Wank.

Construction of another restaurant on plateau Zugspitze: The restaurant Gletschergarten (now Gletscher 2600) is built.

Opening of the Mauerläufersteig via ferrata in the Garmisch-Classic area.

Renewal of the drive and control system at the Alpspitzbahn cable car.

KANDAHAR-EXPRESS GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 2009

2010

The new AlpspiX viewing platform, which will be inaugurated in June together with the summit adventure trail on Osterfelderkopf, offers breathtaking views at the foot of Alpspitze.

In fall, the Genuss-Erlebnis-Trail will also be put into operation.

Construction of the filling pumping station at the Kreuzeckbahn valley station to fill the Bödele and Hausberg reservoirs.

2011

At the Alpine World Ski Championships, the world’s best ski racers battle for hundredths of a second on the legendary Kandahar in the Garmisch-Classic ski resort. Before the major alpine event, the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is making extensive investments in, among other things, slope construction and snowmaking.

Increase in the average capacity of the Kreuzeckbahn cable car to 2,000 persons/h through the purchase of nine additional cabins.

The Bayerische Zugspitzbahn takes over the entire piste service in the Garmisch-Classic area from the market town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

CONSTRUCTION CRANE CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 2017

2012

Renewal of the drive and control system of the Hochalmbahn cable car.

Replacement of the double surface lift Wetterwandeck with the new 6-seater Wetterwandeck chair lift on Zugspitze and dismantling of the Gletscherseelift.

2013

Purchase of the mountain hut Drehmöser 9 on Hausberg.

New construction of the cogwheel train station building at Eibsee.

Final dismantling of the Neue Welt chair lift on Zugspitze.

2014

Bayerische Zugspitzbahn trains the first cable car technicians in Germany.

Granting of the construction and operating permit for the cable car Zugspitze as a replacement for the Eibsee cable car by the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district office, the supervisory board of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn and the administrative board of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen municipal utilities.

2015

Opening of a themed trail on the glacier.

Starting with the construction work on the cable car Zugspitze with the erection of the construction crane on the summit.

2016

Complete renovation of the Alpspitzbahn cable car valley station with the construction of an in-house metalworking shop.

CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT CABLE CAR ZUGSPITZE | 2017

DREHMÖSER 9 | GARMISCH-CLASSIC | 2015

2017

In January, the supervisory authority granted the operating license for the new locomotive BL 19, thus authorizing the use of radio remote control for passenger operation for the first time in Germany.

In April, the Eibsee cable car is decommissioned after almost 54 years of operation and over 21 million guests transported. Opening of the cable car Zugspitze with invited guests on December 21, after a total of 3 years of planning and 3 years of construction. The new cable car has a transport capacity of 580 persons/h and has set three world records: the highest structural steel support for aerial tramways at 127 m, the world’s largest total height difference in one section at 1,945 m, and the world’s longest free span at 3,213 m.

2018

Opening of the new Panorama 2962 summit restaurant on Zugspitze on 29 June.

During a routine rescue exercise on the cable car Zugspitze on 12 September, the chain of the hoist breaks. The unoccupied recovery vehicle crashes into the unoccupied cable car cabin without braking. No persons are injured. The ropeway manufacturer Garaventa manages to build a completely new cable car cabin in just three months. Operations resume on 21 December.

Acquisition of the Garmischer Haus restaurant in the Garmisch-Classic area.

2019

Start of construction of the new station and administration building in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the associated relocation of the existing cogwheel train tracks.

2020

Opening of the new cogwheel train station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with administration wing on 23 November. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the building is completed on time and on budget.

To mark the 90th anniversary of the cogwheel train, a historical exhibition on the construction and development of Zugspitze is being created in the summit building on Zugspitze.

2021

The cable car between the valley station of the Längenfelderbahn and the Kreuzeckbahn mountain station will be replaced by a conveyor belt that runs under ground in a 90meter-long ski tunnel or gallery. It is the first passenger conveyor belt in Bavaria with indirect supervision.

2022

Take over the motorhome parking space at the valley station of the Wankbahn cable car. In addition to the sanitary facilities for the Camp am Wank, the restaurant Wankstüberl at the valley station will also be completely renovated and reopened in the summer after years of vacancy.

2023

From June, the restaurant at the Alpspitzbahn mountain station will be operated by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn under the name Osterfelder 2000.

The company’s nine restaurants exceeded the 10 million marks for the first time in the 2022/2023 financial year, with sales up 14% on the previous year.

On the valley section of the cogwheel train, the track and overhead line systems are being comprehensively modernized for a total of 2.9 million euros.

2.3 million euros are being funded by the Free State of Bavaria.

The valley station of the Hochalmbahn cable car will be comprehensively renovated in around four months and modernised both in terms of energy efficiency and construction.

2024

With nine restaurants, the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is the largest gastronomic employer south of Munich and one of the largest gastronomy companies in Bavaria. In order to optimise the complex logistics for supplying the restaurants, a new gastronomy warehouse is being built at the cogwheel train depot in Grainau.

Construction and commissioning of a small hydropower plant in the snowmaking facility on Kreuzeck with an output of 135 kW. The Kreuzeckbahn is thus partly driven by hydropower.

General overhaul of the drive, engine, gearbox and brakes of the Wankbahn cable car over a period of one year.

Redesign of the alpine theme trail in Garmisch-Classic in cooperation with the “Beweg dich Schlau!” initiative by Felix Neureuther and GaPa Tourismus. The Osterfelder nature trail is sponsored by the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment and opened in July.

Revision of the glacier trail on plateau Zugspitze in cooperation with the Schneefernerhaus environmental research station.

2025

Last trip of the Kreuzwankl-SkiExpress in March. The chair lift promoted over a million guests per season and is replaced by a modern eight-seater chair lift from the company Doppelmayr.

COGWHEEL TRAIN STATION & ADMINISTRATION BUILDING GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN | 2021

WANKBAHN CABLE CAR | 2023

HAUSBERGBAHN CABLE CAR | 2017

TRAIN | 2024

ALPSPITZBAHN CABLE CAR | 2023

Design | Concept | Publisher | Responsible for content

Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG

Images

M. Winterholler | M. Voit | Brew Media

M. Fend | M. Prechtel

COGWHEEL