AlpspiX Viewing Platform

The AlpspiX is a steel viewing platform that is attached at an altitude of about 2050 m on the Osterfelderkopf, a 2057 m high secondary summit of the Alpspitze. The walkable, free-floating arms of the AlpspiX are covered with gratings and provide a view of the Höllental, about 1000 meters below. The construction is about 20 meters above the mountain station of the Alpspitzbahn and has been open to the public and free of charge since July 4, 2010. At the same time as the Alpspix, a 700-meter-long circular trail, the “summit adventure trail”, was opened in the vicinity. According to the operator, it is an entertaining nature adventure trail that is also suitable for families, senior citizens, and less sure-footed guests. [1]

The AlpspiX
AlpspiX Viewing Platform
General information
LocationOsterfelderkopf, Wetterstein, Bavaria, Germany
Coordinates47°26′21.9″N 11°3′1.0″E
Opening4 July 2010 (4 July 2010)
AlpspiX from below

Construction

The AlpspiX consists of two 24 meter long steel frames that swing freely about 13 meters above the rock in the Höllental, whereby the floor is transparent through the grating; at the end there is a slanted pane of glass at the end of the path, to allow a panoramic view when it is not dirty. The total weight of the construction is around 30 tons. The individual components, which weighed up to 1.4 tons, were transported up the mountain in 60 helicopter flights. According to a spokesman, the costs were in the low six-digit euro range. The name is a word-formation from the components “Alpspitze” and “X” because the crossed arms running over each other create an X-like construction.

Controversy
AlpspiX and the mountain station of the Alpspitzbahn seen from the Alpspitz Ferrata

At the opening, the head of government of Upper Bavaria, Christoph Hillenbrand, asserted that the new platform would do much to increase the attractiveness of the Wetterstein Mountains and offer prospects. The spokesman for the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn (as the operating company of the Alpspitzbahn) made a similar statement and combined this with the information that e.g., B. Even wheelchair users can enjoy the intoxication of heights. Tourists were also enthusiastic, e.g., B. through corresponding entries in the summit book or posts in internet forums.[2] On the other hand, the German Nature Conservation Society opposed the AlpspiX because it defaced the beauty of the mountains.[3] The extreme climber Stefan Glowacz took part in protests against the AlpspiX.[4] He expressed his rejection in a particularly media-effective manner at the opening ceremony by roping together with a partner below the platform and holding a banner with the inscription: “Our Mountains don't need flavor enhancers.” The actions took place with the participation of the German branch of the nature organization Mountain Wilderness.[5][6] The German Alpine Association points out that experiencing the mountains and not just the tourist attraction should be the focus. In the opinion of the German Alpine Association, local authorities and those responsible for tourism should develop more up-to-date offers for those looking for relaxation, mountaineers that meet the growing needs for authenticity, and closeness to nature. The association cites the creation of themed trails as an example of such contemporary offers.[7]

References
  1. AlpspiX viewing platform
  2. "Aussichtsplattform AlpspiX - Aussichtsplattform AlpspiX, Garmisch-Partenkirchen Reisebewertungen" (in German). Tripadvisor.
  3. Stefan Sessler (2010-07-02). "Alpspix-Eröffnung: Höhenrausch für alle" (PDF) (in German). Merkur.
  4. "Demo gegen Funpark im Wetterstein". Alpin (in German). 2009-06-23.
  5. Climbing de Redaktion (2010-07-11). "Protestaktion gegen AlpspiX-Eröffnung". Climbing.de (in German).
  6. Marlene Weiß (2011-11-05). ""Ich dachte, dass ich unsterblich bin"" (in German). Süddeutsche Zeitung.
  7. "Alpen dürfen nicht zur Kulisse werden" (PDF). DAV. 2010-06-30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
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