Karwendel Cable Car
At 2,244 meters above sea level, the Karwendel Cable Car in Mittenwald offers spectacular views of the Isar valley and surrounding villages such as Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau. The Zugspitze and the Wetterstein mountains can also be seen, as well as the Alpine foothills and several mountain lakes. At the mountain station is Germany's highest nature information center, the “Bergwelt Karwendel”, which was awarded the Alpine Convention's sustainability prize in 2009. The center, which is designed in the form of an oversized telescope, aims to inform visitors about the high mountains and other endangered habitats and inspire them to protect them. Rare rock ptarmigans live in the strictly protected Karwendel pit behind the center.
Germany's second highest cable car
The valley station of the Karwendel Cable Car is located on the eastern outskirts of Mittenwald. The cable car, which was built in 1967, takes its guests up into the high mountains in just seven minutes. The gondolas, also known as the “Karwendelkristall”, offer impressive views of the steep rock faces of the Karwendel cirque and the Mittenwalder Hütte during the ride. Numerous hiking and climbing routes lead from the mountain station, from leisurely to challenging tours. The Mittenwald via ferrata is a classic and leads over eight two-thousand-meter peaks. The mountain restaurant at the mountain station has room for 80 guests inside and 200 outside on the sun terrace. Meetings, celebrations and even weddings can be held here, as the Mittenwald registry office has a branch office here. In winter, the seven-kilometre descent through the Dammkar attracts experienced skiers who want to ski Germany's longest unprepared ski route.
History of the Karwendel Cable Car
The history of the Karwendel Cable Car begins in the 1950s, when butcher's shop owner Hans Hofmann from Munich founded Karwendelbahn GmbH. The construction costs were originally estimated at DM 2.5 million, but difficult terrain and a lack of state guarantees led to construction being halted and the costs doubling to DM 5.2 million. Thanks to the commitment of the market town of Mittenwald and local citizens, the railroad was finally opened on June 7, 1967.
In the years that followed, numerous hiking trails and climbing routes were opened up, including the Mittenwald High Trail and the pedestrian tunnel into the Dammkar. In 2008, Germany's highest nature information center, the “Bergwelt Karwendel”, was opened. This building, which represents a logistical masterpiece, offers changing exhibitions about the high mountain world and other fascinating habitats.
Karwendel Cable Car today
Today, the Karwendel Cable Car offers a variety of activities and experiences for its visitors. In addition to the breathtaking views and hikes, visitors can stop off at the mountain restaurant at the mountain station or take part in the panoramic explanations, which are offered every Tuesday morning in high season.
For skiers, the descent through the Dammkar is a must, while in summer the Mittenwald via ferrata attracts adventure-seekers. In addition, the “Bergwelt Karwendel” offers informative insights into nature and promotes awareness of nature conservation. The Karwendelbahn thus combines nature experience and education in a unique way and remains an important excursion destination in the region.
