Overview
Grade: A
Total time: 55 mins
Climbing time: 5 mins
Approach time: 30 mins
Exit time: 20 mins
Length: 480m
Total elevation: 160m
Altitude: 367m
Climbing the Pfaffenstein Nadelöhr, graded 'A' in the Saxon Switzerland system, isn't a technical rock climb in the modern sense but rather a unique and accessible ascent to the summit of Pfaffenstein. The 'Nadelöhr' (Needle's Eye) refers to a narrow, often chimney-like passage or gully that you navigate, sometimes involving short scrambling sections or even fixed aids like ladders or ropes in places, making it more of an adventurous hike than a vertical climb. Its Grade 'A' signifies the easiest category, typically traversable by anyone with basic fitness and a head for heights. It's a fantastic way to reach the summit, offering stunning panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains without requiring specialized climbing gear or advanced skills. It embodies the spirit of early Saxon climbing, where routes were often about finding the easiest line to the top.
