Schulze:Climbing Elbe Sandstone Plaisir

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains southeast of Dresden are undoubtedly one of the most scenic and best climbing areas in Europe. Bizarre rock formations, romantic gorges, endless forests – even the painters of the Romantic era were fascinated by the rocky landscapes on both sides of the Elbe. A climbing tradition spanning over 150 years has preserved a rather strict set of rules here: there are only a few fixed protection rings, and no metallic camming devices or friends may be used. However, to conclude from this that climbing on the more than one thousand towers is poorly secured or even dangerous is incorrect. Many of the over 21,000 climbing routes can be excellently secured with the available rings and additional slings. In the richly illustrated guide, Helmut Schulze and Valentin Hölker have compiled a selection of over 300 of the most rewarding sandstone routes, predominantly in difficulty grades I to VII – complete with clear topos and important tips on protection. This is intended to make it easier for recreational climbers, those unfamiliar with the area, or beginners to get started with Elbe Sandstone climbing.