Kletterführer Göttinger Wald & Hessische Schweiz, Scharfenstein, Solling

Overview

This second edition gathers what was once a hush‑hush collection of topos and local knowledge into a single, authoritative climbing guide for the sandstone outcrops around Göttingen and the best venues in northern Hesse. Beyond a full update, it adds roughly 100 pages and documents around 250 previously unpublished routes, bringing newcomers and locals alike up to speed on a region whose access and etiquette have long relied on word of mouth.

Coverage and structure

The guide consolidates all established crags of the Göttinger Wald and Hessische Schweiz, and expands to two significant additions: the basalt of Scharfenstein—presented here as the standout venue in northern Hesse—and the little‑known Solling quarry near Fürstenberg. Expect a clearly organized layout by cliff, with fresh photography and topos that make orientation straightforward. Each sector includes concise notes on approaches and on‑the‑ground realities, so planning a half‑day hit or a weekend circuit is simple.

Covered areas include:

• Mariaspring, Knubbelwand, Hauwand, Schlageterstein
• Schaukelwand, Appenroder Wand, Rote Wand, Leuchtetal
• Die Türme, Freie Klippe, Reiffenhausen, Arenshausen
• Hessische Schweiz, plus Scharfenstein and Solling

On the rock

For sandstone, accurate line drawings and visuals matter; here they are crisp, helping with route‑finding on compact walls and towers where features can be subtle. The basalt at Scharfenstein adds welcome variety in movement and protection style, making the book useful across different preferences and seasons. The expanded route catalog meaningfully increases options at popular crags while spotlighting worthwhile, lesser‑known sectors.

Access and ethics

One of the guide’s most valuable contributions is clarity on the legal status of each cliff. Every entry flags whether climbing is permitted, tolerated, or currently prohibited, and the authors explicitly ask climbers to respect closures. In a region with sensitive sandstone and overlapping land‑use interests, this emphasis is both timely and essential.

Verdict

Comprehensive, carefully updated, and region‑savvy, this is the definitive reference for cragging around Göttingen and northern Hesse. It excels in bringing scattered information into a practical, field‑ready format, with thoughtful access guidance and expanded route coverage. Highly recommended for visiting climbers seeking a reliable introduction and for locals who want the most current picture of what’s open—and what’s worth the trip.

Details

Weight

600g

Pages

312

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag