Climbing: Pause classic Kingspitze northeast wall, Bernese Alps

Bernese Alps, Engelhörner: The large slab wall of the Kingspitze The Engelhörner are a serrated group of high alpine limestone at the eastern edge of the Bernese Alps; around the barren Ochsental the peaks rise high. With around 500 meters of elevation from wall base to summit and the compact slabby appearance, the northeast wall of the Kingspitze is the showpiece above the valley floor. The route from 1938 winds cleverly between the steepest zones, but demands strong gripping at some points – and often tricky movement on sideways or downward structured rock. The crux in the second pitch cannot be overcome with aid contrary to some topos and requires precise edge standing; the sixth grade (alpine, not climbing gym!) should be well mastered. For the somewhat notorious steep scree descent good preparation, alert orientation, and alpine experience benefit climbers; respect is appropriate, fear not. Otherwise, it’s better to seek another goal…