Zugspitz Ultratrail is a 100km ultra marathon in Grainau, Germany. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 5,400m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 55/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 30h. Surface: trail. Established 2013.
Zugspitz Ultratrail
Grainau, Bavaria, Germany
"Circle Germany's highest peak on a 100km alpine loop through two countries."
A technically demanding 100km mountain ultra circling the Zugspitze with 5400m of climbing through German and Austrian Alps.
The Course
A spectacular 100km loop around the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak (2962m). The course traverses alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and passes through Austria before returning to Grainau. Technical terrain at altitude with significant exposure.
mountainous
loop
8
2,720m
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Zugspitz Ultratrail is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
10°C
070%
45%
Alpine summer weather. Warm in valleys, cold and windy at altitude. Thunderstorms common in afternoon. Snow possible above 2500m even in June.
Stats & Records
2013
400
20:00:00
11:02:34
Hannes Namberger (2022)
13:45:12
Ida Nilsson (2019)
Entry
€145
November
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Zugspitz Ultratrail runs through the Bavarian Alps around Germany's highest mountain — the Zugspitze (2,962m). The course starts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (the 1936 Winter Olympics host) and traverses the Wetterstein range through terrain that combines Austrian-style alpine severity with Bavarian Gemütlichkeit — mountain huts serve Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) and Weißbier to runners. The race has become one of the most popular in the German-speaking Alpine world.
- ▸ The course circles Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze at 2962m, passing through both Germany and Austria.
- ▸ ZUT has become one of Germany's most prestigious ultra trail events since its founding in 2013.
- ▸ The Supertrail (106km) is the flagship distance, but the event also offers shorter options down to 25km.
- ▸ Night sections through alpine terrain with headlamp required make navigation challenging despite good markings.
- ▸ Established in 2013.
Starting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, running to Germany's highest point — the Zugspitze Ultra is Bavaria's crown jewel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Zugspitz Ultratrail? +
Zugspitz Ultratrail is a 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 5,400m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Zugspitz Ultratrail? +
Zugspitz Ultratrail is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 55/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 30 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Zugspitz Ultratrail? +
Average temperature is 10°C with 70% humidity and a 45% chance of rain. Alpine summer weather. Warm in valleys, cold and windy at altitude. Thunderstorms common in afternoon. Snow possible above 2500m even in June.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Zugspitz Ultratrail? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Zugspitz Ultratrail? +
The men's course record is 11:02:34 set by Hannes Namberger in 2022. The women's course record is 13:45:12 set by Ida Nilsson in 2019.
What is the average finish time for Zugspitz Ultratrail? +
The average finish time is 20:00:00. About 400 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
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