Alpinkletterführer Berchtesgaden West

Scope and focus

This alpine climbing guide zeroes in on the western Berchtesgaden Alps, straddling Bavaria and Salzburg, with the Reiteralm as its beating heart. The area’s water-sculpted limestone and a wave of modern, repeat-friendly routes from the past two decades set the tone: plenty of well-bolted multi-pitch objectives alongside proud, classic undertakings on the Hochkalter and the famous Watzmann.

Coverage and structure

Areas covered:

• Lattengebirge
• Reiteralm (NW, SW, SE)
• Hochkalter – Blaueishütte
• Watzmann
• Hohlwegen – Weißbach
• Steinernes Meer

The book runs to 472 pages in a compact, durable format with a protective sleeve—typical of Panico’s “Alpin-Topo” series. Panico’s system pairs clear, full-color photo-topos and route info with take-along topo cards, an approach that has become a hallmark of the publisher. Authorship is local and experienced (Josef Brüderl and Rudi Kühberger), which shows in the density of detail.

Climbing content and usability

For climbers, the value lies in variety and clarity. The Reiteralm sections highlight long, modern lines on excellent limestone; elsewhere the guide opens doors to “plaisir” outings and bigger alpine adventures. Expect organized sector breakdowns, precise approaches and descents, and readable topos—strong points across Panico’s alpine range that ease decision-making on complex faces and longer days. The mix suits teams seeking everything from well-equipped multipitches to more traditional undertakings that demand sound judgment and gear placement.

What stands out

• A complete, long-missing compendium for this corner of the Northern Limestone Alps, unifying disparate subregions in one volume.
• Emphasis on the Reiteralm’s modern routes without neglecting the character pieces on Hochkalter and Watzmann.
• Practical production: sturdy, field-ready, and designed for frequent reference.

Verdict

Panico’s Berchtesgaden West delivers a thorough, field-tested guide to one of the Alps’ most rewarding multipitch playgrounds. If you’re planning a trip that blends well-bolted limestone with classic alpine lines—and you value clear topos and thoughtful route organization—this is the guide to pack. Availability can fluctuate; plan ahead if you need a copy before your season.

Details

Weight

700g

Pages

472

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag