Ehrwald
The largest village at the foot of the highest mountain in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.
Holidaymakers can expect a variety of leisure activities in summer and winter as well as numerous sights.
Discover the village of Ehrwald now!
Facts & figures
- Location: right at the foot of the Zugspitze
- Elevation: 1,000 m
- Districts: Obermoos, Ehrwald-Schanz, Oberdorf, Unterdorf, Schmiede and Weidach
- Neighbouring towns: Biberwier, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau, Lermoos and Mieming
- Highlights:
- Zugspitze
- Golf course
- three ski resorts: Zugspitzplatt, Ehrwalder Alm, Wettersteinbahnen
- Indoor climbing gym
- 3D archery course
Where is Ehrwald located?
Let the Zugspitze guide you! If you visit the Tyrolean side of the mountain, you’ll sooner or later end up in Ehrwald. Because the region’s biggest village is located right at the foot of the Wetterstein range – to which the Zugspitze belongs. The Loisach river, which flows through the Lermooser Moos (mossland), separates the communities of Ehrwald and Lermoos.
What about its name? It most likely comes from the Old High German word “erro wald”, which means something like “the entrance to the forest”. Others believe the name comes from “alter Wald” (old forest) or maybe even “Erzwald” (ore forest), which seems plausible given that there several ore deposits nearby.
The history of Ehrwald
In 1274, Ehrwald was mentioned in an official document for the first time. Until the beginning of the 20th century, mining was the primary reason for people to move to the area from nearby Imst. Later on, the production of barrel staves became an important source of revenue for the town. And in the 20th century, tourism finally benefitted from increasing popularity on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze as well. As the federal state’s second cable car, the Tyrolean Zugspitzbahn in Ehrwald was ceremoniously inaugurated in 1926. Since then, the municipality has become one of the most important two-seasonal tourism destinations of the region – alongside Lermoos.
Summer in Ehrwald
In summer, it’s all about spending time in the mountains. The splendid panorama of Tyrol’s summits accompanies you on leisurely walks through the valley, beautiful hikes along mountain pastures or on high-alpine tours. Several via ferratas and the state-of-the-art Ehrwald indoor climbing gym provide climbing enthusiasts with additional challenges. Mountain bikers will appreciate the diverse landscape of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena as well.
Tip for those who’ve always wanted to play golf in a breathtaking mountain setting: On the nine-hole golf course in Ehrwald’s valley, golfers enjoy stunning scenic views of the Zugspitze.
Winter in Ehrwald
In Ehrwald, winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to three ski areas – the Ehrwalder Alm, the Wettersteinbahnen and the Zugspitzplatt ski resort. Cross-country skiers enjoy the many groomed trails at the foot of the majestic Zugspitze. Those who prefer to be off the slopes will find numerous opportunities for snowshoe and winter hikes in Ehrwald. In addition, Tyrolean evenings , ice stock (Alpine curling) or horse-drawn sleigh rides are great fun during the winter holidays. Ehrwald also offers unique winter sports activities at night.
Ehrwald for families
The biggest town in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena offers countless opportunities for summer activities – from the 3D archery course at the Wetterstein lift to playgrounds, a minigolf course and the “Zugspitzi am Gaisbach” water adventure trail. Another special highlight is the digital adventure trail Cora.
When temperatures start to drop, winter sports enthusiasts become more and more excited about the approaching winter season. And what’s even better, families can look forward to ski holidays full of variety in Ehrwald: snow and fun parks, practice lifts, child-friendly ski school offers, … you’ll be amazed!
Culture & attractions
Hiking, skiing, or getting a taste of the local culinary offers: Ehrwalder Alm is an important cultural asset of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena and well worth a visit year-round. The same holds true for the famous mountain fires that take place every year around the time of the summer solstice and St. John’s Day. If you’d like to find out about the history of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn cable car, you can do so at the Fascination Zugspitze Experiental World. Of course, the picturesque Seebensee lake is also an absolute highlight.
Images of Ehrwald
