Klettersteigen

Today was a massive day because we did the Eggstock klettersteigen (aka via ferrata) in the morning and then later on in the afternoon we went paragliding!

Eggstock looming in the cloud as we approached

Rhodri in shadow on the approach

There were a lot of people also planning to do the klettersteigen. Of course, it was the last Saturday of August with a fair weather forecast in the Swiss Alps, so its not too surprising! Both Rhodri and I felt rather intimidated on the approach to see all these other people in their climbing helmets and backpacks, thinking that they are probably better climbers than either of us.

Queuing up for the start of the climb

Rhodri on a ladder section waaay up high

Rhodri and the lower section of the route

We also saw a few different pairs of elderly people out there on the rock! There were a couple of guys who looked to be in their 70's and then later on we saw a man and woman who both looked to be in their 70's as well. We thought it was just so cool to see people of all descriptions and abilities out there spending the day climbing around in the mountains.

A really wobbly suspension bridge

Rhodri near the top of the climb

Self-take near the top of the climb

So the whole thing took about 4 hours and it wasn't too scary or difficult at all. It was actually really fun to be able to climb and feel so secure with the harness and cable system along with the generous supply of hand and foot holds that were installed on the rock. It might have been better if there was clear visibility but it was actually really cool to have cloud and mist blowing around, and for the mountains to suddenly appear in a flash of sunlight for a few seconds. We didn't do the final (3rd) section of the klettersteig because we needed to get down the hill so we could fit in the paragliding we had arranged!