Kletterführer Volltrauf - Klettern an der Schwäbischen Alb

Scope and coverage

Volltrauf gathers the entire Albtrauf cliff line of the Swabian Jura between the Wackerstein and the Rosenstein into one climbing guide, consolidating material that used to be split across several books. It details 72 crags and roughly 2,500 routes across six subregions: Reutlinger Alb, Oberes Ermstal, Lenninger Alb, Filstal, Roggental, and Ostalb. Note that classic valleys like Blautal and the Große Lauter are intentionally excluded here and covered in the companion guide Steinzeit. The result is a coherent portrait of the “Blue Wall” from Aalen to near Reutlingen, with enough variety for long local seasons.

Structure and usability

Panico’s layout is clean and practical. Each sector opens with:

• Coordinates, aspect, sun/shade, wall height, protection quality, route counts, and a grade-distribution bar.
• Approach, descent, and sensitive access notes (with clear “umlenken”/lower-off guidance).
• Concise conservation and behavior guidance, plus warnings where gear is required (e.g., nuts/cams at Hockenlochfels).

Topos are crisp, hand-drawn line diagrams supplemented by action photography; QR codes and an included three‑year app code plug you into the Vertical‑Life ecosystem for on‑phone topos and updates. Front‑matter chapters explain grading, bolting, emergency procedures, and local ethics; rear flap maps and geo overviews tie the whole corridor together.

Climbing character

Expect limestone in many moods: neoclassical slabs and technical walls in Oberes Ermstal (Linke Wittlinger Felsen, Sirchinger Nadeln), family‑friendly options like the Spielplatzfels, long endurance pitches around the Rundparkplatz, and mixed‑gear training at Hockenlochfels. Filstal’s Hausener Eck and Kesselwand rival the best for sustained lines; Roggental is compact and demanding; on the Ostalb the Rosenstein remains a regional magnet. Coverage spans grades 3 to the 9s, with plentiful 5–6s for mileage.

What stands out

• One‑volume coverage of the Albtrauf—rare for the region.
• Excellent safety and access briefings with up‑to‑date conservation emphasis.
• Smart extras: “Where to go” suggestions, curiosities, tick‑lists, and non‑rope alternatives, useful for mixed groups or rest days.

Verdict

For sport climbers heading to the Swabian Jura’s edge, Volltrauf is the most complete, field‑ready companion you can carry. Clear topos, thoughtful logistics, and strong stewardship guidance make it equally valuable for first‑time visitors and seasoned locals. Pair it with Steinzeit if you plan to add Blautal and the Lauter to your trip; otherwise, this single volume will keep you busy for many seasons. Recommended.

Details

Weight

800g

Pages

512

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag