Kletterführer Donautal

Scope and coverage

This is a comprehensive climbing guide to the Upper Danube Valley (Obere Donau) with side excursions to Bäratal and the Zollernalb. The core Donautal section spans the area’s signature limestone towers and walls—Fuchsfels, the Zinnen (Westliche, Dritte, Zweite, Erste), Stuhlfels, Schaufels, Dachstein, Falkenwand, Traumfels, Rabenwand, and more—augmented by Bäratal’s Rabenfels and Zollernalb crags such as Lochenstein, Ebinger Schlossfels, Hexenküche, Weiße Wand, and Kapf. Single- and multi‑pitch options range roughly from 10 to 120 meters, with a broad grade spread from moderate 5s to sustained 8s and 9s.

Structure and usability

The book opens with practical sections on using the guide, ethics (“What’s not okay”), safety/Bergwacht, conservation, getting there, and geology—useful context for a protected valley with sensitive access. Each crag entry starts with GPS coordinates, aspect, sun exposure, approach notes, protection style (Bühler/Ösen/bolts and where trad gear is advised), grade distribution, and nature‑protection cautions (e.g., do not top out; descend by fixed anchors). Clear, full‑color photo-topos show numbered lines, belays, and abseil points; complex buttresses are supported by overview photos and fold-out key maps in the cover flaps. A back‑of‑book crag list and alphabetical index speed day planning.

Climbing-specific evaluation

• Topo clarity: High. Lines are legible, spacing is accurate, and multi‑pitch links are easy to follow.
• Protection transparency: Excellent. Entries flag mixed protection and where cams/keils are needed, a must in Donautal’s blend of sport and classic lines.
• Approach and descent: Approaches are timed and described succinctly; abseil logistics are consistently marked.
• Range and style: Strong variety—technical slabs and cracks, historic testpieces, and well-bolted beginners’ sectors recently overhauled. Summer-shaded options (e.g., north-facing walls) are highlighted.
• Conservation guidance: Prominent, pragmatic, and consistent with local regulations.

Extras and production

The fully four‑color design is polished, with action images that still leave room for information. A three‑year access code integrates the content with the Vertical‑Life app for offline topos and updates—valuable in a valley with patchy reception. The authors’ local expertise shows in route history notes and curation of “must‑do” and “hard moves” lists.

Verdict

Authoritative, meticulously organized, and field‑ready, this edition sets a high bar for German limestone guidebooks. If you’re planning a Donautal trip—from first multipitches to classic 7s and beyond—this is the guide to bring, and to keep using via the bundled app.

Details

Weight

530g

Pages

304

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag