Zugspitze operators seek vandals after summit cross sticker incident

The Zugspitzbahn (BZB) is seeking two men caught on camera applying stickers to the summit cross of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. The cross had recently undergone an expensive restoration and regilding process, which involved being airlifted to the valley to remove hundreds of previous stickers.

Operators have labeled the act as criminal property damage rather than a harmless prank. In addition to the damage to the landmark, stickers have been found covering essential safety signage, including telephone numbers for avalanche control information, which poses a direct risk to hikers.

The BZB has issued an ultimatum via social media, stating that if the individuals do not come forward by August 31, the footage will be handed over to authorities for criminal prosecution. To mitigate the issue, a replica of the cross has been placed at the mountain station specifically for visitors to use for photos and stickers.