Via ferrata Děčín - Pastýřská stěna, Děčín D

The via ferrata on Pastýřská stěna sits right in the centre of Děčín, across the Elbe from the château, with the start on Labské nábřeží. It's run by the City of Děčín, opened in 2014 and now has 16 routes on the sandstone wall. Up top you'll find the zoo and a viewpoint over the town, the château and the river.

Grades as given by the operator (A–E scale): the easiest, Vzdušný balet (A/B), only starts at the top. From the bottom, the beginner options are Vzpomínka and Hladový poutník (both B/2+) and Karlův most (B), a 12 m steel bridge where you clip one carabiner to each of the two cables at the same time. C: Cesta do nebíčka (C/3+), Tichá tolerance, Spolčení hlupců, Adrenalin Challenge. D: Pastýř (D-), Frona, Memento HTW, Rock empire, Stříbrná vůle (D/3+). E: Pošetilost mocných, Dráteník and Pivovarská – overhangs that need serious arm strength. Most routes are about 150 m (Memento HTW and Rock empire 170 m); plan on roughly 1.5–2 hours. Some guide websites list a few routes a grade apart, so go by the board at the start.

Beginners: the operator's rules don't allow beginners and first-timers on the wall without a guide. If you've never done a ferrata, book an instructor – there are several in town. Under-15s only with a responsible adult, a backup rope and a full-body or combined harness (most energy absorbers aren't made for climbers under 45 kg).

Gear: the operator requires sturdy shoes, a harness, a via ferrata set with energy absorber, a helmet and climbing gloves. Rental shops are right by the start on Labské nábřeží, e.g. Active Point (Labské nábřeží 1716/33), who can also find you a guide; mountain guide Jiří Hovorka runs courses too (ferrata-decin.cz). Gloves are compulsory, so bring your own.

Sandstone: climbing on wet rock is forbidden and the wall closes even in summer until it has dried. The traffic light at the start shows whether it's open – that's what counts, not the forecast.

Parking: across the river below the town library on Smetanovo nábřeží (public toilets), with more parking at the nearby roundabout and under Tyršův most. From the train station it's about a 10-minute walk. The ferrata is one-way; you walk back down on the trail to the riverside. Entry is free. Closed in winter – check the operator for dates.