Echelles de la Mort Via Ferrata | Via ferrata | Swiss Alpine Club SAC
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Echelles de la Mort Via Ferrata Belvedère Echelles de la Mort 657 m

  • Difficulty
    K4
  • Ascent
    2 h, 110 m
  • Mountain Experience
    1 / 4
  • Power
    3 / 4
  • Endurance
    2 / 4
  • Psyche
    3 / 4

The deep valley of the Doubs, which forms the border between France and Switzerland in the Jura, is a wild area. Once lined with industry, the banks of the river here were partially transformed into concentration camps; today only ruins remain, such as those of the Moulin de la Mort. Smugglers also knew this place: they tried to escape the customs officers via the dangerous "Echelles de la Mort", sometimes with a calf on their backs! Later, climbers discovered the area too, with its limestone cliffs and the Aiguille de la Mort, the highest freestanding monolith of the Jura. With the construction of the Echelles de la Mort via ferrrata in 2008, you can now admire this close up. This tour can be extended by the following: take the narrow gauge railway from La Chauxde-Fonds to La Ferrière (1005 m) and the Combe de Biaufond - and in the second half of the gorge ascedn three massive ladders (one almost vertical with 45 rungs!), then follow stairs and bridges down to Biaufond. Turn left, or (crossing the river below the Aiguille and the Moulin de la Mort!) turn right towards the "Kraftwerk Refrain" (power station), take the Todesleitern to the "Grottes des Moines", then to the "Barrage du Refrain" and return to one of the pubs at Biaufond. 6 hours in total - bonne balade and bon appétit!

Route description

Les Echelles de la Mort
The route begins with a wooden ladder and a large rock step, followed by a wooden bridge. Continue downstream on the calcareous wall on various ironmongery and along a wooden beam before climbing steeply up a corner. This is followed by a vertical ladder, which only one person may use at a time. Higher up the trail changes direction - now it goes up river. If you've already had enough, you can leave the main route and head up left to the Echelles de la Mort. The next wooden bridge is long - and quite shaky (but it gets worse!). Back on the rock, the route descends to an earthy ledge, often the scene of traffic jams. This is due to the following, long suspension bridge which only one person can cross at a time. Below, the old rusted iron "Echelles de la Mort" can be seen, which you'll be using on the return. Take a deep breath on the other side, considering the alternative exit. But have courage: its more exciting to continue climbing up and down along the limestone wall, as on the Hinterstoisser Traverse in the Eiger North Face, only better secured and in a greener environment... Another rope bridge - this time its a breeze. A normal ladder and a telegraph pole provide further variety. And then you come to the third junction in the safety cables: on the left is the Tyrolienne, on the right is your escape.

Additional information

Character

Classic sporty via ferrata. The route leads along a mostly vertical rock face, over a length of 500 m. Some places are slightly overhanging or protruding. When traversing you often have a lot of air under the soles. Various (shaky) rope bridges to cross; ladders of all kinds to climb. At the end is an optional Tyrolienne (a pulley must be brought along for this!).

Time

Total: 2 hours 20 min.

Approach: 5 min.

Climb: 2 hours

Return: 15 min.

Signalisation

Well secured

Author

Daniel Anker

Daniel Anker is a Bernese author and photographer. The historian has written around 40 ski tour, hiking, via ferrata and mountain bike guide books as well as detailed monographs on individual peaks in Switzerland.

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