Kletterführer Steinzeit - Schwäbische Alb

Scope and structure

This focused climbing guide zeroes in on three limestone valleys on the Swabian Jura: the Blautal around Blaubeuren (the core, with roughly 30 crags), the pocket-sized Eselsburger Tal, and the scenic Großes Lautertal. The book opens with concise sections on how to use the guide, safety, conservation, and local access agreements, then divides into area chapters (A–C). Each crag receives a consistent spread: approach and GPS coordinates, aspect/sun, wall height, protection status, route count with a grade histogram, family suitability, and a short character sketch. Orientation panoramas and clear symbol legends make choosing a sector quick. A helpful “Where to go” selector, “Top 10,” plus food, drink, and accommodation notes round out the planning tools. A fold-out overview map and a crag index aid fast lookup.

On the rock

Expect classic Swabian Jura “ideal limestone”: slabs, pocketed walls and short testpieces. Grades span from easy UIAA 2/3 to genuine hard routes around UIAA 10, with plenty in the 6–8 range. Standouts include Klötzle Blei, Blautalwand, Peilerturm, and the kid-friendly Katzentaler Fels in the Blautal; Jungfrauenfels and Falkenstein in Eselsburger Tal; and the characterful towers of Großes Lautertal—Mehlsack, Spitzer Stein, and Indeldom. Many sectors offer short approaches and flat bases for groups; the guide flags slower-drying faces and polished classics, and notes when to stick to lower-offs or avoid fragile tops.

Mapping, topos, and extras

Ronald Nordmann’s photo-topos and hand-drawn overlays are crisp, with bolts, anchors, variations, and sensible line spacing. Mini-maps and access descriptions are tight yet specific, including public-transport pointers to the Felsenlabyrinth above Blaubeuren. Photography is strong and illustrative rather than decorative. A download code unlocks the same topos in the Vertical-Life app for three years from activation—useful for updates and on-crag navigation.

Conservation and context

The book is unusually thorough on nature protection in this UNESCO Geopark and biosphere area. Sensitive closures are explicit; restrictions at spots like the Peilerwände are explained (rare Ice Age relict plants), and there’s a clear “what not to do” page. A short cultural thread—Stone Age caves, castle ruins—adds place and history without swelling the text.

Verdict

A polished, field-ready guide for the Ulm/Blaubeuren region: compact structure, reliable topos, and an honest take on rock quality, shade, seepage, and family logistics. Whether you’re chasing technical slabs, pocketed power, or airy summit towers, this is the one to pack for the Blautal, Eselsburger Tal, and Großes Lautertal. Highly recommended.

Details

Weight

600g

Pages

288

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag