Guidebook Atlas

Book cover for Kletterführer Böhmische Schweiz

Kletterführer Böhmische Schweiz

Helmut Schulze

Scope and structure

This selective guide to the Czech side of the Elbe Sandstone range completes the author’s companion volume for Saxony, focusing on Bohemian Switzerland’s most characterful towers and walls. Across 360 photo-rich pages, Helmut Schulze curates roughly 300 routes on 132 formations, framed by concise front-matter on grading, protection seriousness (E-scale), rules and etiquette, nature protection, access, and even a handy “climbing Czech” phrase section and notes on local cuisine.

Coverage and route selection

The book concentrates on crags close to the border—ideal for day hits from Saxon bases. Areas include:

Selections balance classics and character pieces: from family-friendly Tyssa towers to the big, steep walls of the Elbe canyon (e.g., Niedergrundwächter, Wotanskegel), where noise and steep approaches are flagged. Schulze notes seasonal quirks like the “Böhmische Walze” fog and calls out kid-suitable bases or, conversely, less suitable venues.

Maps, topos, and usability

Route diagrams are clear and pragmatic: orientation, wall height, abseil points and lengths, star ratings, and E-grades sit alongside succinct text noting traps and protection tricks. Ethical specifics of Czech sandstone are well covered—rings, knot placements, and the rissspatel—so visitors don’t get caught out. Access maps are clean, public transport options are given, and QR codes supply parking and crag coordinates. A three‑year Vertical‑Life app code extends the topos digitally.

For whom it’s best

Trad-focused climbers comfortable with Saxon grades (III–X and variants) and soft gear will get the most from this; aspirant visitors will appreciate the context on style and risk. Families find good picks around Tisá; sport-only leaders seeking dense bolting should temper expectations.

Verdict

A thoughtfully curated, field‑ready introduction to Bohemian Switzerland’s sandstone—rich in local knowledge, strong on ethics and safety, and beautifully illustrated. For climbers aiming to cross the border from Saxony or discover Czech sandstone on its own terms, this is an easy recommendation.

Details

Extract
Weight
700g
Pages
360
Publisher
Panico Alpinverlag