Bernadeinwand

Overview

The Bernadeinwand (Bernadein Wall) is a steep north-facing cliff with more gentle scree or meadow on the opposite side. It is a continuation of the East Ridge of the Alpspitze.

The wall offers a number of multipitch rock climbs of about 250 meters. It's suitable for an easy day or a brisk half-day of rock climbing, especially in conjunction with the scandalously easy approach afforded by the nearby Alpspitzebahn.

Getting There

From Garmisch the easiest way is to take the Alpspitzbahn, then follow the trail for the easiest way up the Alpspitze. This trail goes down a steep but wide gravel path (sort of a road) from the upper lift station to the southeast. After about 15-20 minutes of walking you are below the Bernadeinwand, and a secured trail called the Schöngänge leads steeply up on the right side of the steeper Bernadein Wall.

Climbs typically start to the left (east) of where the Schöngänge trail steepens.

You could also hike up from the valley a number of ways. From the parking lot for the Zugspitze Höllental ascent (at the Garmisch suburb of Hammersbach), trail leads up to the southeast to the Kreuzeck Haus (1650 meters). From there follow a broad road due south. After 1 kilometer you'll reach the Bergwachhütte, and a few minutes later you'll be standing below the Bernadeinwand just as if you came with the Alpspitzbahn.

You might also like to come up through the Höllentalklamm from Hammersbach, then follow a spectacular contouring trail from the Höllentalangerhütte to the picturesque little pass at Hupfleitenjoch, and thence via trail to the upper station of the Alpspitzbahn.

To get to Hammersbach follow the B23 for 3 kilometers out of Garmisch to the west, then turn left on Schmölzstraße. Veer right onto Zugspitzestraße after 1/2 a kilometer, then go left onto Höllentalstraße. The parking lot for the Zugspitze Höllental ascent appears shortly on your right.

Alternatively, click here to see some directions from Garmisch.

Red Tape

Parking at Hammersbach requires some coins for a parking fee. Riding the Alpspitzbahn requires paying a fee. That's all.

Camping

There is camping available in Garmisch.

External Links

The time schedule for the Alpspitzbahn is here.

A popular climbing route is highlighted in the book Alpines Genussklettern.

A complete set of the routes on the wall with topos for many of them are in the comprehensive "bible" to the Wetterstein Range: Wetterstein, by Stefan Beulke.

Images

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