Autumn, I have to admit, is definitely my absolute favorite time of year alongside spring, winter and summer. This is primarily due to the falling temperatures - the heat is finally over. But it's also due to the stable areas of high pressure that often prevail over Central Europe after the end of the thunderstorm season. The seemingly endless visibility, the lower sun, the intensified color spectrum, the squeaky yellow larch forests, the ripe chestnuts, the morning dew. Simply everything.
It is not for nothing that the month of October has earned the laudable nickname "Rocktober": There is simply no better time for climbing. November can still be exceptionally good and stable, and Climbers Paradise is a far cry from a premature onset of winter depression. Here is a selection of climbing gardens with a focus on easy routes, which are particularly beautiful in the fall.
1st Grauwand climbing garden, Achensee
In the fall, it gets really quiet up on the high plateau of the Rofan mountains. When the hiking tourists from the summer vacations have left again, when the light becomes flatter, when the sun is pleasantly warm again ... then, exactly then, is the perfect time for the Grauwand! 37 routes from 5c to 8a, all in perfect Rofan limestone, slightly overhanging and technical. All routes have recently been renovated and the Grauwand is one of the most traditional climbing gardens in the Rofan.
- Details & topos: Grauwand, Achensee
- Video: Climbing on the Grauwand
2. climbing garden Moosalm, Ötztal
Not that this idyllic spot at the foot of the Brunnenkogel far back in the Ötztal isn't also beautiful at any other time of year, but autumn gives this place that certain something. The yellow splashes of color of the slowly changing larches, the south-west facing orientation, which promises particularly long hours of sunshine, the surrounding hiking opportunities - you feel at home here. Families and beginners in particular appreciate this wall, and there is also a via ferrata in the middle of the climbing garden. And the granite gneiss is of exquisite Ötztal quality.
- Topos & approach: Moosalm
3. climbing gardens on the Steinplatte
Autumn and the Steinplatte, a dream team. In spring there is often still a lot of snow on top, in summer it is mercilessly hot anyway, in winter it is inaccessible - but in autumn, the Steinplatte is perhaps the most beautiful climbing area far and wide, many even claim it is the most beautiful climbing area at all. Why?
Because the south-facing slabs at 1,700 meters above sea level are the perfect temperature for T-shirt climbing, and the rubber on the soles of your shoes also has perfect grip on the friction steps. Because from so far above the tree line you can look endlessly across to the Hohe Tauern. And because you can enjoy a leisurely coffee at the Stallenalm after sunset before heading back down into the valley with a heavy heart.
The Steinplatte is famous for its ingenious multi-pitch routes, but the baseclimbs, i.e. the climbing gardens, are also absolutely world class: for example theSt. Johanner Palven and the Minipalven or Abramakabra with its wonderfully rough and water-eroded limestone. Or the Wintergarten, which, despite its name, is outstanding in autumn and offers particularly rewarding, easier routes.
Topos & approach: Klettergärten Steinplatte
4th Wilderer Kanzel, Wilder Kaiser
Autumn is also the absolute prime time on the Wilder Kaiser. In addition to the top mover Schleierwasserfall climbing garden, the lesser-known climbing garden at the Wilderer Kanzel is also ideal for a sunny autumn day thanks to its south-west facing orientation. There are also interesting tours of up to 25 meters in length for beginners. However, you should be prepared for a full day, because you have to reckon with one to one and a half hours. However, you are guaranteed to feel warm by the time you reach the wall - and the warming rays of sunshine with you. A grandiose and lonely ambience is guaranteed up here between the Gaudeamushütte and Kleines Törl.
- Topo & approach: Wilderer Kanzel
5th climbing garden Morsbach
You can stay further down in the valley for the Morsbach climbing garden in Kufsteinerland. Somewhat hidden in the forest, despite the sunny exposure, there is still partial shade in the lower part of the routes, which is why you shouldn't choose the coolest day of the fall - but you can spend a pleasant day climbing here at a pleasant 15 to 20 degrees. Not least because the climbing garden has a long history and the routes are therefore already a little worn, you will appreciate the cooler temperatures even on the easy routes.
- Topo & approach: Morsbach climbing garden
