Overview
Grade: 7-/7
Total time: 3 hrs
Climbing time: 45 mins
Approach time: 1 hour
Exit time: 45 mins
Show topo 
Length: 50m
Rope Length: 60m
Quickdraws: 10
Climbing "Kuckucksei - Ratengrat Aufbau" (grade 7-/7) in the Ratengrat area of Saxon Switzerland is a quintessential Elbsandstein experience. This route offers demanding yet beautiful sandstone climbing, characteristic of the region. You'll encounter delicate face climbing, friction slabs, and powerful sequences that demand precise footwork and confident movement on often surprisingly smooth rock. True to Elbsandstein tradition, the protection relies on knotted slings and pre-placed rings, demanding a certain commitment and mental fortitude. The "Kuckucksei" (Cuckoo's Egg) section itself is often the technical crux, presenting a tricky sequence that fully justifies the 7-/7 grade. As the route's name suggests, the "Aufbau" (build-up/structure) implies a gradual ascent, leading to increasingly exposed positions. The ascent offers breathtaking panoramic views of the unique sandstone landscape – the iconic tables, needles, and forests of Saxon Switzerland. Completing "Kuckucksei - Ratengrat Aufbau" is incredibly rewarding, a true testament to the unique and challenging nature of climbing in the Elbsandstein.
