Jägerlein fick dich!

The biting wind whipped across my face as I stood at the base of 'Jägerlein fick dich!' in the Ennstal Alps. The name itself was a provocation, adding a mental layer to the already daunting physical challenge. The guidebook promised relentlessly steep climbing on immaculate limestone, and the reality didn't disappoint. The first few meters were deceptive, lulling you into a false sense of security with positive holds before launching into the sustained 10-. The rock was pocketed and crimpy, demanding precise footwork and a healthy dose of power endurance. Every move felt like a small battle against gravity. I clipped the first bolt, already feeling the pump building in my forearms. The crux sequence was a blur of desperate reaches and powerful pulls, each hold meticulously planned and executed. Finding the tiny nubbin that allowed me to make the next move felt like winning a small lottery. Higher up, the angle eased slightly, but the pump was real, and the concentration required to keep pushing was immense. The satisfaction of clipping the chains after fighting my way through the final few moves was immense. 'Jägerlein fick dich!' was a worthy battle, a testament to the quality of climbing in the Ennstal Alps, and a route I won't soon forget.

Location