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Rhineland and its via ferratas

VanSims9. 05. 2013 21:30:15

A few days after being on Ajdna I was already in Germany in central Rhineland. More precisely south of Koblenz somewhere between Bingen and Boppard I was wandering around. Even on the Rhine hills (famous for renowned Rhine Riesling) in recent years they started equipping climbing routes. Besides, of course, a bunch of arranged walking paths offering endless trip possibilities.

Visited three climbing routes in one day. From easiest to hardest. Accesses and ferratas themselves short so it just fitted. mežikanje

Path descriptions:

http://www.klettersteig.de/klettersteig/oelsberg_klettersteig/1453

http://www.klettersteig.de/klettersteig/rabenacksteig/1758

http://www.klettersteig.de/klettersteig/mittelrhein_klettersteig_boppard/1452

1. In the morning headed to Oelsberg above Oberwesel. Path marked at start with 'mit alpinem character' but actually hiking secured here and there, I'd rate it 'partly demanding' per hribi.net. Left via ferrata set in car, didn't miss it. Maybe recommended for kids and real beginners first time with 'iron' on path. Comparison to Ajdna climb few days ago: one level easier.

Path is loop, interesting return through nicely tended vineyards. Really nice walk. Or back same way of course.

2. Then drive to St. Goar opposite Rhine bank. Options: via Koblenz over bridge or pay ferry. Feels like they didn't build enough bridges on purpose so ferry guys make money. jezen

In St. Goar park at station, past cemetery, after 10-15 min ascent ferrata starts. Actually missed start, got to hilltop (Rabenack) did it reverse (it's loop). Ascent to view balcony same either way, toughest part somewhere.

This one not too hard, bit harder than previous, say demanding level. Comparison Ajdna: something like it! Had set but experienced don't need, obligatory for kids beginners here though.

3. Then drive back opposite Rhine bank. No, won't catch me ferry this time as Boppard (last ferrata start) halfway from Koblenz to ferry landing, go around bridge.

Arrive Boppard park and go. This hardest. Well really only SLIGHTLY harder. Hardest at end (see first pic description above link).

Path to 'big' finale end not much harder previous. Ladders bit higher, peg sections longer, exposure even less. End gets really interesting. Traverse pegs around rocks then steep pegs rope up. Only part all three paths pumped adrenaline. Descended ferrata itself, normal path return possible too.

Maybe due last part conditionally 'very demanding', my opinion only part reaches B level classified. Set obligatory here at least last part, experienced ok without otherwise. Ajdna comparison: slightly harder or not, except finale maybe one level harder.

Warning: access path to ferrata (prohibited) cyclists speed from hilltop cable car arrival.

At Aral pump traditional beer then. Per above portal rent via ferrata kit this ferrata 5 EUR there.

Whoever around visit beautiful Rhine hills, sure some numerous walking paths plenty.