The Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee

The Zugspitze is Germany's highest peak at 2,962 metres, on the Austrian border above Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The fastest way up is the Zugspitze cable car, opened in December 2017 from the Lake Eibsee station. It holds three world records, chief among them a height difference of 1,945 metres in a single section, covered in about 10 minutes.

At the top, viewing terraces look out on clear days over the peaks of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Below the summit is a glacier plateau where snow lasts into early summer, reached by a small cable car, with snow activities for children in season.

Back down, give an hour or more to Lake Eibsee at the foot of the mountain, with its clear green water and small islands. You can walk part of the shore or hire a rowing boat.

The summit is far colder than the valley, so bring a coat even in August. We pick a clear day from the forecast and arrange an early start before the crowds.