Ice climbing near Oberstdorf: Frozen waterfalls in the Allgäu

When the waterfalls in the Oberallgäu freeze over, their rocky steps are transformed into glittering walls of ice. With crampons on your mountaineering boots, ice axes in your hands and a rope for safety, you make your way upwards step by step. When ice climbing near Oberstdorf, you’ll experience the winter mountain landscape from an unusual perspective.

Ice climbing for beginners at the Gaisalpfälle

The Oberstdorf Alpine School offers a one-day ice climbing course at the Gaisalpfälle in the Oberallgäu. Under the guidance of state-certified mountain guides, you’ll learn how to move along the frozen waterfall using crampons and ice axes. It almost looks as though you’re strolling up a vertical wall in ‘winter mode’.

The course is aimed at beginners, but requires a good level of fitness, sure-footedness and a love of spending a long day in wintry terrain. During the ascent to the waterfalls, you’ll cover an elevation gain of around 420 metres. Once there, you’ll practise basic climbing techniques and learn how to assess ice conditions, as well as how to set up belay stations and secure yourself. Climbing takes place on easy waterfall routes of up to one pitch.

Heading into the frozen terrain with the right ice-climbing kit

Crampons, ice axes, a climbing harness, a helmet and avalanche equipment are provided by the Alpine School. You’ll need, amongst other things, suitable mountaineering boots, warm and weatherproof clothing, gloves, as well as food and plenty of drinks. You can find out exactly what personal kit you should bring from the organiser’s packing list.

As the condition of the ice changes daily, the course can only take place in suitable conditions. You should therefore enquire about your preferred date directly with the Alpine School. They will also let you know whether the course can go ahead as planned.

Travelling by train to go ice climbing near Oberstdorf

Take the train to Oberstdorf. The railway station is right next to the coach station, from where services run to the surrounding villages. Bus route 45 runs from Oberstdorf towards Reichenbach, where the starting point for the Gaisalpe is located.

The current ice climbing course starts early at the Gaisalpe car park in Reichenbach. Before booking, please check with the Alpine School how to reach the meeting point at the agreed time. Depending on the date, it may be worth staying overnight in Oberstdorf or Reichenbach. That way, you’ll start the next morning feeling well-rested and ready for a day on the ice.