Fancy a new mountain experience? For beginners and sporty families, the Schützensteig on the Jenner is the first choice.
Young, sporty, mountain-loving: Sophia and Emeran enjoy being out and about in the mountains. After their first experience in the climbing garden, the two want to try their hand at a via ferrata for beginners. On the small Jenner mountain near the Jennerbahn mountain station, the two made their first ascent on the Schützensteig – and discovered a new passion.
You can hire via ferrata sets from the sports store in the Jennerbahn valley station. “The advice and the sets with the perfectly fitting climbing harness were important, so we always felt safe when climbing the route,” was the conclusion of the climbing newcomers. The via ferrata sets can be reserved online in advance.
The Jennerbahn takes you first to the mountain station, from where you descend for about 15 minutes. The signpost to the start of the via ferrata is clearly visible next to a bench. On nice days, paragliders also take off in the immediate vicinity. The Schützensteig with difficulty levels A/B to B is ideal for beginners and children from the age of approx. 8 with parents who are experienced via ferrata climbers. Sophia and Emeran cross the forest to the actual start of the via ferrata. Both carefully feel their way around the well-positioned kicks and handles. After a few meters, the movements become more routine: “Climbing along a wall and holding on to iron pins and steel ropes is quite unfamiliar, but now, after a few meters, I feel safe and am totally thrilled,” says Sophia happily. The two of them have particular fun on the zip wire, the Flying Fox, which can also be bypassed if you don’t dare. In between, they both take time to enjoy the magnificent view of the Königssee and the mountains of the Berchtesgaden Alps. The suspension bridge and the steps of the final pillar are another small challenge that Sophie and Emeran enjoy mastering: “For us, the Flying Fox and suspension bridge were actually the best part of the climb. But we saw that there is also an emergency exit after the bridge. That wasn’t an option for us, but it’s really helpful if the last few steps are too airy.” After about an hour, Emeran and Sophie have mastered the via ferrata and are beaming: “The Schützensteig was perfect for us to test out via ferrata climbing and have a lot of fun at the same time. We definitely haven’t done it for the last time. Now we treat ourselves to a drink on the terrace of the Jenneralm before taking the cable car back down to the valley.”
Note: Gloves make it easier to grip the via ferrata. The via ferrata should not be attempted in wet weather.
For experienced climbers, the Laxersteig with difficulty level C is the big brother of the Schützensteig. The entrance is about 10 minutes from the Schützensteig and is signposted accordingly.
Rental equipment: the sports store is open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 6 pm, and is also open on Sundays for rental.
