UKC

I’m planning to re-visit the Zügspitze this summer, and to repeat the route via the Höllentalklamm and the klettersteig. Does anyone have recent experience of this route? In particular, I would like to know the state of the bergschrund between the Höllentalferner snowfield and the start of the klettersteig. 
Thanks

Don't have an answer , but joining because I'd also like to hear the replys

I did it in June 22 and conditions were perfect: firm snow on the glacier, no exposed ice, small bergschrund. Approach shoes with microspikes were fine.

I get the impression that by August the glacier is generally bare ice requiring crampons, and the 'schrund is usually a horror. The combination of that and Bavarian school holidays makes it very much a place to avoid.

The Höllental hut website has very detailed and helpful reports on current conditions during the season (although currently closed).  https://www.alpenverein-muenchen-oberland.de/huetten/alpenvereinshuetten/ho...

Useful webcams here https://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/zugspitze-sued/ (the webcams list by proximity to the displayed one) - the history will allow you to compare snow cover to previous years.  The Sonnaplin one https://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/sonnalpin/  will show when all the snow goes from the one in the ski area. The Wankhaus & Gsteig cameras look onto the Hollentalferner but are too far away really. (click the image to zoom in)

Thanks for that - very helpful. We plan to go there in July, so fingers crossed.

Steve

Thanks a lot: that's helpful. One of the webcams shows part of the snowfield in question.

Steve

Have a great time.

I did it in 2009 and had a fabulous time - a terrific varied route. I'd love to repeat it again but it never occurred to me the bergschrund might be a bit trickier now. 

Did it back in 2012 in the day with no tech gear. I found the snowfield to be quite well stepped out from the traffic but the heat of the sun did make it wet and slushy. That year there was very little snow left and we did it in July. Climate can make conditions vary from year to year.