Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, has its gilded summit cross back in place for the start of the ski season. The landmark, managed by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn and the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, had become so covered in stickers that it needed an extensive restoration.
A blacksmith in Bavaria stripped, primed and lacquered the structure before applying real gold leaf to bring back its shine.
The company says it will now enforce a sticker ban under local conservation rules, with signs and a protective film to stop further damage.
Visitor numbers remain high, so a small replica near the mountain station has been set aside for tourists who still want a place to leave their stickers.
