The Wendelstein Cable Car covers 932 meters in just seven minutes. Upon arrival at the Wendelsteinhaus, situated at an altitude of 1,724 meters, visitors are greeted by a magnificent view of the Bavarian Alps as well as attractions for the whole family.
Getting There
A visit to the Wendelstein is one of the most popular sightseeing attractions near Schliersee. The cable car’s valley station can be reached via either the Wendelstein circular bus line or the Bayerische Regiobahn (the Osterhofen stop is within sight). Alternatively, it is also possible to reach the summit by cogwheel train from Brannenburg. The journey is longer – and more of an “experience” in itself – but can be trickier to reach without a car.
On top of the Wendelstein
Although the Wendelstein is open all year round, the magnificent views from the top make it a particularly nice option for a day out in good weather. From the “Garcher Blick” near the Wendelsteinhaus, visitors can enjoy the view all the way to Austria of well-known mountains and ranges, including the Wilder Kaiser, the Rofan, the Karwendel, the Großglockner, as well as the local Wetterstein mountains.
The Wendelstein House
Located at the mountain station, the Wendelsteinhaus was built between 1882 and 1883, is located approximately 100 vertical meters below the summit of the Wendelstein mountain, and is open year-round. The panorama restaurant has around 110 seats inside and accepts table reservations.
On the vast outdoors terrace there are a further 300 self-service seats available.
To the top!
An easy, well-secured hiking trail leads from the Wendelsteinhaus to the summit of the Wendelstein. Alternatively, you can take particularly scenic Panorama Trail. However, sturdy footwear and sure-footedness are required here and tt should also be noted that snow can remain at these altitudes well into early summer, meaning the Panorama Trail may still be closed into June.
In many respects, the Wendelstein summit is reminiscent of the nearby Hochfelln summit: a magnificent view, an impressive summit cross, a chapel, a restaurant with a great outlook and of course excellent accessibility via cable car.
Sightseeing near Wendelstein
Other attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Wendelstein mountain station include: Germany’s highest show cave (signposted, approximately a 40-minute walk); the Wendelstein Church (Germany’s highest church and the definitive landmark of the Wendelstein); the childrens play area featuring interactive wooden art installations; the “Centenary Exhibition” at the Wendelsteinhaus; and, last but not least, the observatory, which can be reached via the summit. Guided tours are available in summer by prior arrangement.
A day trip to the Wendelstein is a wonderful experience for all ages and is highly recommended for day-trippers, holidaymakers, and locals alike.
Opening Hours Wendelstein Cable Car
Despite being a main tourist attraction, the cable car has (more international visitors) somewhat unusual opening hours, including being completely closed during lunchtime!
First journey up: daily 09:15am, followed by a run every half an hour
Lunchtime closure: 12:15pm (last run) to 1pm (first afternoon run)
Afternoon runs: 1:15pm, followed by a run every half an hour
Last run up: 4pm
Last run down: 4pm
