Häntzschelstiege, Via ferrata path in Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge, Germany
The Häntzschelstiege is a via ferrata in Saxon Switzerland that winds through the rocky Affenstein area and is split into two connected sections. The path runs through narrow rock crevices and near-vertical passages, all fitted with metal steps and fixed safety cables.
Rudolf Häntzschel built this climbing route in the 1960s without official permission, driven by his personal passion for climbing. The path originally carried the name of resistance fighter Herta Lindner before being renamed after its creator.
The route is named after Rudolf Häntzschel, a climber from Sebnitz who built it by hand. Walking it today means following a path that carries real meaning for the local climbing community of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
The via ferrata runs in one direction only, so the descent must be made through the Wilde Hölle gorge. Some passages are steep and physically demanding, so basic climbing experience is a good idea before attempting the route.
The Häntzschelstiege was the first climbing path in Saxon Switzerland to be fitted with steel safety cables from the very start. This was unusual at the time and set a new standard for later routes across the region.
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