At 2,962 meters, the Zugspitze is not only Germany's highest point, but its proximity to Munich also makes it an extremely attractive excursion and hiking destination in the Munich area.

Just up the mountain about a one-hour drive from Munich is the lovely medieval hamlet of Garmish-Partenkirchen. Although that seems like a long name for us Americans, it’s actually quite fun to say.

The 18-year-old German resident was one of a group of three young men who took the mountain railway up the Zugspitze late Sunday afternoon and then continued to the summit, which is a climb of ...