The climbing forest at the foot of the Wank in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular destination for adventure seekers. The climbing forest allows families and groups to have fun together and support each other.

With various courses, surrounded by mountain scenery, the climbing forest offers an opportunity to experience nature and also to grow beyond its limits. The courses are marked in various levels of difficulty and colors so that every visitor can easily find their way around.

Reasons why you too should visit the climbing forest:

• Unique nature show
• Movement high in the trees
• Recreational fun
• Family experience
• teambuilding
• Strengthens self-confidence

Trip to the climbing forest

Guest post by Chrissie Buchwieser

The time has come today. A little adventure home with my sister is coming up. It's off to the climbing forest. Since the weather forecast has still predicted nice weather, nothing stands in the way of our planned sibling day.

12:30 p.m.: After I've picked up my sister in the center of Garmisch, we head to the climbing forest. To reach the climbing forest, I drive towards the Wankbahn and follow the approx. 2 km long road through the forest landscape to the first parking spaces. Even from the street, you can see the whole of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A breath-taking view! Once you reach the end of the road, you can already see the climbing forest. Colourful flags flash through the many large trees again and again. I park here. On arrival, we are warmly welcomed and informed that the safety briefing starts in a few minutes. There is a lot of anticipation and to bridge the time, we are already watching the first climbers who had already started before us.

1:00 PM: Safety is paramount in the climbing forest, which is why all participants are thoroughly briefed and equipped with safety equipment before starting climbing. From putting on safety equipment to rules of conduct on the course, everything is explained in detail. Experienced guides are available for each group to help with questions, uncertainties or problems.

1:30 p.m.: After a friendly, young guide has been assigned to us and we have been divided into small groups, it's time to start. Before we go on the larger courses, our guide recommends that we carry out a training course first. The training course is short and is only a few meters above the forest floor. I also decide to do a short training session first to warm up and build up a feeling for climbing. Everyone will soon finish their training session and so it's on to the more demanding courses. It's finally time to really get started!

2:00 p.m.: We walk to the next station full of joy and good humor. The first obstacles are a real challenge, but every time I overcome them, my confidence in my climbing skills grows. As a group, we support each other and encourage each other. Not that easy if you're used to solid ground and don't float in the trees every day. As I climb from tree to tree and overcome obstacles such as suspension bridges, zip lines, and climbing walls, I notice a sense of tension and excitement. The challenging courses are varied and challenge both my physical and mental strength. I can see that other climbers are also struggling with the challenges, but everyone seems happy and satisfied. Sure, there are moments of tension and doubt, but also moments of joy when you successfully complete a difficult task. All of this is also training for self-confidence.

Should the course become too difficult or if you run out of strength, you can let yourself be abseiled by your group guide at any time. No one has to finish a course. Safety and wellbeing are paramount.

A view from above

What makes the climbing forest in Garmisch-Partenkirchen so special is the breathtaking surroundings. On every course, I have an impressive view of the mountains and forests. Time and again I feel the sun's rays kissing my face. Pure nature! The feeling of floating high above the ground and breathing in the fresh mountain air is indescribably beautiful. Birdsong and forest noise also serve as further delights.

4:30 p.m.: After several hours of fun and adventure, it is time to leave the climbing forest. Exhausted but happy, we take off our equipment and head to the adjacent sun terrace. With a coffee in hand and the warm rays of sunshine on our face, we finally enjoy the beautiful view and the sounds of nature.

5:00 p.m.: After drinking our coffee on the beautiful sun terrace, we say goodbye to the friendly climbing forest team, the climbing forest with its wonderful views and slowly make our way to the car. As we descend into the valley, we enjoy the view from above for the last time and think about which venture we want to embark on next.

conclusion: A visit to this climbing forest is worthwhile and we would definitely come back! For me and my sister, it was an unforgettable natural experience. The combination of adventure and scenic attractions allows you to relax from everyday life. The feeling of community among visitors also makes this place something special.

Tips & info:

• Garmisch-Partenkirchen climbing forest: Prices, opening times & detailed information
• Arriving by public transport From Hotel am Badersee: take the Zugspitzbahn from Grainau train station to Zugspitze station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Change to the bus line towards Wankbahnstation. From here, another 10 minutes on foot.
• Arriving by car: Paid parking spaces are available at the Wankbahn station.
• The climbing forest offers 13 courses of different levels of difficulty. There are a gigantic 130 climbing elements up to 17 meters high and 15 cable cars up to 90 meters long, including 1 children's course, 2 easy courses, 3 moderately difficult courses, 4 difficult courses, 2 very difficult courses and 1 partner course. Duration of the entire climbing forest approx. 3 hours.
• Want more climbing fun? The Zugspitze region with the Zugspitzarena in Tyrol offers alpine sport climbers a variety of rock massifs, climbing gardens and via ferratas of all degrees. Discover climbing gardens in Zugspitzland in our Leisure guide.

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