Best of Genuss - Schweiz

Scope and focus

Best of Genuss – Schweiz is a wide‑ranging selection guide to Switzerland’s moderate multi‑pitch and well‑protected outings, curated for the “plaisir” audience from roughly French 3 to 7. Johanna Widmaier and Urs Odermatt assemble a “Swiss pocket knife” of venues and rock types: water‑sculpted limestone in the Jura and Gastlosen; crystalline slabs and cracks around Grimsel, Furka, and the Sustenpass; high‑alpine granite near the Cabane d’Orny and in the Bergell; plus the sunny gneiss of Ticino. Destinations span the Swiss Jura, Gastlosen, Entremont/Mont Blanc side, Oberwallis and Wiwannihütte, Central Swiss Pre‑Alps, Berner Oberland and Grimsel, Urner Alpen (Furka, Göscheneralp, Susten), Ticino, Bergell/Albigna, Rätikon, Glarner Alpen (Brüggler), and the Toggenburg/Alpstein chain.

Structure and usability

The book opens with a clear how‑to section: concept, symbol key, topos, protection and grading, route planning, emergency behavior, and useful contacts. Each crag entry follows a consistent template: public transport and driving options, parking notes, approach time, aspect, best season, family suitability, hut bases, and concise route lists. Region overviews combine swisstopo‑style locator maps with photo topos. The third edition expands to a larger format with 672 pages, improving legibility, especially on dense slab sectors.

On-the-rock performance

For climbing use, the topos are clean and legible, with pitch lengths, obligatory grades, and practical rack notes (e.g., 12–16 quickdraws, 50–60 m ropes, occasional small cams/keils). The authors are forthright about character and commitment: Orny’s granite is “plaisir” in quality but alpine in setting; abseiling lines and snow‑season caveats are flagged; and at Brüggler, traffic, stonefall, and descent choices are called out. Family‑friendly options and short‑approach training grounds are well covered (Sustenpass Klettergärten, Albigna Seeplatten). Historical touches—like the Gastlosen route dedicated to Xaver “Toto” Bongard—add context without clutter.

Coverage and selection

As a curated “best of,” it favors enjoyable, well‑bolted lines, while acknowledging a few spicier inclusions to keep breadth. Standouts include Grimsel’s Eldorado slabs, Furka’s Bielenhorn towers, Susten’s Steingletscherplatten and Pfriendler, Bergell’s Spazzacaldeira and Piz Badile, and the classic Brüggler plates.

Verdict

A polished, field‑ready companion for visiting and local climbers aiming at high‑quality, moderate Swiss routes. Excellent cartography, reliable access logistics, and honest, activity‑specific guidance make it easy to plan—from single‑pitch family days to alpine granite linkups. Highly recommended as a primary selection guide for plaisir climbing across Switzerland.

Details

Weight

1400g

Pages

672

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag