Schneefernerhaus: Alpine Research Hub

Perched just below the summit of the Zugspitze at 2,650 meters, the Schneefernerhaus boasts a rich history, initially serving as a hotel and the upper terminus of the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway. Opened in 1931, it quickly became a popular destination for tourists and skiers alike. The hotel even housed a cable car that ferried visitors to the very top of the Zugspitze. However, the building's role evolved over time. After being commandeered by US forces as a recreation facility after World War II, a devastating avalanche in 1965 prompted the establishment of a state avalanche warning service. As tourism patterns shifted with the opening of new facilities, the hotel eventually closed in 1992. In 1996, the Free State of Bavaria transformed the Schneefernerhaus into an environmental research station. Today, it hosts scientists from numerous prestigious institutions, including the German Met Office and the German Aerospace Center, who conduct vital research on climate change, atmospheric conditions, and other environmental phenomena. Although the original left wing of the hotel is no longer standing, the station provides accommodation for researchers and offers guided tours to the public. Visitors can learn about the ongoing scientific activities and witness the breathtaking alpine environment that makes this location so unique.