The Schützensteig and the Laxersteig on the Jenner will be open from March 23, 2024.
Please note that snow fields are still to be expected in spring due to the location.

Schützensteig | The family via ferrata

Scenic and easy via ferrata for beginners with fantastic views of the Königssee and the surrounding mountains.

Also suitable for families with children aged 8 and over, as the safety rope is not too high and the via ferrata runs in crossings over longer distances.

A head for heights, sure-footedness and a good level of fitness are absolutely essential.

For safety reasons, parents should ensure that their children are additionally secured and have via ferrata experience themselves.

Via ferrata club Schönau am Königssee

Via ferrata course at the via ferrata school in Berchtesgaden

Description

From the start of the rope insurance, first follow a few meters downhill on belts to
a rock indentation, which is overcome with the Flying Fox.
Alternatively, the Flying Fox can also be bypassed (A).
Behind it, the route continues, partly exposed, via ledges and a rock crossing (A/B) to another, larger rocky indentation at
, which is crossed by a suspension bridge.
The emergency exit is located at the end of the suspension bridge.

The Schützensteig trail continues along a grassy band and leads over some steeper rocky sections to a Köpfl.
From the Köpfl, first slightly downhill and then steeply uphill following the rope protections.
The summit ascent to the Kleiner Jenner takes place on the south-west side, circling around to the summit ridge.
Over the narrow rocky ridge up to the summit – past the “Bürgermeisterbankerl”,
you arrive at the summit of the Kleiner Jenner 1,694 m like a summiteer with a great photo backdrop.

Approach to the via ferrata

The most pleasant access option starts at the Jennerbahn mountain station.
Keep left on the wide hiking trail over the Jennergrat ridge to the Kleiner Jenner (20 min.).
Descend to the left to a small saddle at the foot of the summit of the Kleiner Jenner (rest bench and via ferrata information board).
From there, descend on the narrow forest path through the forest to the start.

Family tip
The “Schützensteig” with difficulty level A/B – B is ideal for beginners and families.

Age recommendation
Children from approx. 8 years with a guide or parents with climbing experience!
Climbing is always at your own risk and responsibility.

Ascent data

Difficulty level: A/B – B
Wall height: 150 m
Via ferrata length: 330 m
Exposure: West
Climbing time: 1 – 1,5 h

Laxersteig | For experienced climbers

The former Schützensteig now has a big brother at its side.
The Laxersteig with difficulty level C appeals to all ambitious climbers on the Kleiner Jenner.
The sponsor of the climb is extreme mountaineer Thomas Huber.
In the footsteps of the “Huberbuam”, you can expect steep rocky passages, lofty heights and fantastic views of the valley – pure enjoyment for all climbers!

Via ferrata club Schönau am Königssee

Via ferrata course at the via ferrata school in Berchtesgaden

Description

Immediately after the “Einstiegswandl” and the first pillar, the route climbs vertically.
The “Lärchentraverse” offers relaxation for the muscles as well as a wonderful view of the Watzmann and the beginning of Lake Königssee.
The climbing stations “Sakrisches Eck” and “Steil bergauf” are partly exposed and offer excellent photo opportunities.
After the “Grand Finale”, you have reached the extension of the Schützensteig.
The difference in altitude of approx. 100 m is not the greatest, but the strenuous traverses should not be underestimated.
If you still have enough strength, you can climb the “Schützensteig” right afterwards.

Access to the Laxersteig:
From the Jennerbahn mountain station, follow the wide hiking trail on the left over the Jennergrat.
You will find the paragliding launch site on the left.
Then turn off and follow the signs to the access point.
First you pass the entrance to the Schützensteig, approx. 10 min.
Further on is the access to the Laxersteig.

Ascent data

Difficulty level: C
Difference in altitude: 100 m
Via ferrata length: 180 m
Exposure: south/southwest
Climbing time: approx. 1 hour
(with Schützensteig approx. 2 – 2.5 hours)
Climbing experience, surefootedness, a head for heights and good physical condition required!
Access is always at your own risk and responsibility.

Via ferrata set hire

Sport Renoth at the Jennerbahn valley station

The via ferratas are open from around the end of April to the beginning of November (depending on weather conditions).
Further information on the opening of the via ferratas on the Jenner: Laxersteig, Schützensteig

Via ferrata: how it works

Explorer Hotel Video

Picture credits: Thomas Willig