Knorrhütte

The Knorrhütte at 2,052 m is one of the most famous mountain huts in the German Alps – and for many mountaineers one of the most important staging posts on the way to the Zugspitze. As a DAV hut it lies directly on the Zugspitze normal route (Reintal approach) and is the key overnight stop before the final ascent to the summit. Anyone who wants to climb the Zugspitze from the foot of the mountain cannot bypass the Knorrhütte.

Location and Strategic Importance

The Knorrhütte stands at 2,052 m on the broad Zugspitzplatt – a high-alpine plateau below the Zugspitze summit. It is surrounded by snowfields, remnant glaciers and imposing rock faces. The Blaues Gletschergebiet and the Zugspitze summit region lie in direct line of sight.

The hut is the classic overnight stop for mountaineers taking the normal route via the Reintal: a long but scenically spectacular ascent through the Reintal, past waterfalls and alpine meadows, before the terrain becomes truly high-alpine.

A DAV Hut with Tradition

The Knorrhütte has a long history as an alpine staging post. It was built in the early 20th century and has since been extended and modernised several times. As a DAV hut it offers accommodation in various categories (sleeping rooms, dormitories) and a staffed kitchen with hot meals.

DAV members pay a reduced overnight rate – it is worth checking your membership before a mountaineering tour.

Requirements and Safety

The Knorrhütte is suitable exclusively for experienced hill-walkers and mountaineers. The approach via the Reintal is long (approx. 6 hours), but still classified as a walking route in technical terms. The onward ascent to the summit requires via-ferrata equipment and alpine experience.

Important safety notes:

• Early departure (before 06:00) for those targeting the Zugspitze summit
• Weather awareness: the Zugspitzplatt is known for rapid weather changes
• Via-ferrata equipment required for the upper section (harness, carabiner, gloves)
• Not suitable for beginners or unequipped walkers

Season and Opening Hours

Season	Mid-June – end of September
Opening hours	Daily 8:00–19:00
Dogs	Not permitted
Level	Experienced mountaineers only
DAV member	Reduced overnight rate

Getting There

Reintal approach (normal route): From Garmisch-Partenkirchen via the Reintal to the Knorrhütte. Walking time: approx. 5–6 hours. Scenically the most beautiful but also the longest route.

From the Gaistal: From the Gaistal the Knorrhütte is reachable via demanding high-mountain terrain – only for mountaineers with route-finding skills in alpine conditions. Not recommended as an entry route.

Zugspitzbahn: From the valley station of the Zugspitzbahn (Grainau/Garmisch) you can travel by rack railway to the summit and descend from there to the Knorrhütte – a sensible descent option, but unusual as an ascent.

Tips for Your Visit

• Book early: The Knorrhütte is very popular in summer – hut reservation well in advance is recommended
• Equipment: Via-ferrata set, warm clothing (sub-zero temperatures possible even in summer), head torch
• Acclimatisation: Those prone to altitude problems should spend a night at the Knorrhütte before attempting the summit
• Weather check: Weather forecast for the Zugspitze (weather station data on the DAV website)

The Knorrhütte is for all those who want to climb the highest summit in Germany on foot – and on the classic route.