A combination of summit climbing and altitude flight is planned for today, a perfect way to get to know the mountains from their most beautiful sides. Since the temperatures get very summery until noon, it's time to go hiking early to take advantage of the cool times.

Tour profile

Difficulty level: medium to difficult
Route length: approx. 7 km
ascents: 1,050 hm
descents: 0 hm

08:00: The free parking lot on the Wankbahn is already well occupied, but there is still a spot available at this time. A mix of different leisure activists, from simple walkers to trail runners, start from here on very different tours. To climb the summit, I have planned a longer route today, which will take me via the Daxkapelle to Esterbergalm and over the Rosswank finally to the Wank summit. The trail is less frequented, for all those who would rather walk a bit away from the main routes.

8:30 a.m.: Past the climbing garden, take a wide forest path up to the Daxkapelle, always uphill. While cows graze or relax in the meadows, a number of trail runners overtake me. These are the moments in which I feel completely unfit and can only admire the people, some of whom are even older than me, and just walk past me. A few tractors also pass by, which transport provisions and the employees of the various alpine huts up the mountain. I'm playing with the idea of stretching out my thumbs and hoping for a ride. But no, after all, it should be an active sporting day.

10:31 a.m.: The trail runners turned off just before the Daxkapelle and from now on, the trail and nature belong to me alone. A bench with a fantastic view invites you to take a short break before continuing to the Esterbergalm. Until I reach the alpine pasture, I only meet two e-mountain bikers. At the lake in front of the alpine hut, I'm looking for a quiet spot for a longer break and a first snack. Even though the Esterbergalm invites you to stop off and is already open, I save my stop for the summit.

11:05 a.m.: From the Esterbergalm to the Wank summit, it's now another 2 hours to walk uphill. At first, the trail only climbs slightly uphill, then it goes further and further up to the summit in numerous bends. Most hikers come to meet me from the summit, others are on their way up with me. My muscles are screaming, but the ever more beautiful view and the idea of reaching the summit soon motivate me to conquer one curve after another. Once again I wanted a sign that would tell you how far it is to the summit. — But maybe it's better not to know, depending on what the sign says. I would also like to have a bank, but when you need one, there is never one available. I still need a break, so I lie down in the shade under a Christmas tree a little off the way to drink and give my legs a break. Hurry with a while is so nice.

1:20 p.m.: Slightly rested, the climbs have also felt easier again. At some point, the forest thins out and it becomes increasingly barren. The Rosswank has been reached. The snow hasn't completely melted away yet and it's going through several snowfields. At this time, the Wank is already very busy. Many visitors walk along the panoramic trail and use the numerous benches for delightful views. When I arrive at the gondola station, I feel wonderfully relieved because the exhausting part of today is now over. Every previously painful muscle has been forgotten, the summit has been climbed. Now comes the fun part and I'm already looking forward to my upcoming paragliding flight.

1:40 p.m.: The gondola takes you comfortably back down from the summit. The original plan was to jump from the Wank summit, but the winds are not too good and so is today's jump with the paraglide shields from Kreuzeck. Even from afar, I can see some sailors in the air. I quickly drive from Wank near Kreuzeck and meet my current paraglider pilot Tobi from Fly Garmisch at the paraglider landing site. Together with wedding guests in Bavarian costume — we couldn't sit in the gondola any more differently, we head up to the mountain station. From there, we walk a bit down to the snowfield, the starting point for the jumps.

3:10 p.m.: After Tobi has wired me, set the paraglider in the right position and the wind direction is optimal, I'm ready to go. We walk across the snowfield and a short time later we're in the air. We drift further and further upwards and soon the Kreuzalm is far below us. We climb up to almost 2,000 m and it's already pretty cool up here, so it's good that I have my fleece jacket with me. There is no longer any sign of the summer warmth on the Wank and in the valley. In return, I enjoy the views and the smooth glide through the air. My legs can relax wonderfully. The view extends ever further over the Zugspitze region and the Allgäu and Wetterstein Alps. There is hardly anything to see of the hotel on Lake Badersee. Our hotel is really very hidden in the forest, while the Eibsee is clearly visible in the background.

3:55 p.m.: We fly through the air for almost 45 minutes with 360° panoramic views. Then it's time to land. I can't even remember my last landing with a paraglider and for a moment there is a bit of panic. But Tobi reassures me and explains to me that the landing is very easy. Although we come down at a good speed, he sits down super gently on the grass. Wow, that was nice. I'm already making plans for the next jumps. There is no better way to experience the mountains than from a bird's eye view. It was once again a perfect day in Grainau.

Tips & info:

• The valley stations of the Wank & Kreuzeck/Alpspitz cable cars are also connected to public transport reachable
• There are various hiking routes up to the Wank summit. Alternatively, you can take the gondola to the summit and walk down.
• Fly Garmisch offers tandem jumps from the following peaks: Wank, Kreuzeck, Alpspitz and Zugspitze (in winter)

Paragliding - Important notice: It is quite cool at altitude, even though it was still 20 degrees or more at the summit or in the valley. Also wear sturdy shoes, even if the landing is gentle.

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