The Echelles de la Mort, or “Ladders of Death,” is a thrilling Klettersteig in western France, just across the border from Switzerland. This route offers a mix of challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery along the cliffs of the Doub River, which forms the natural border between the two countries. It takes its name from a historical path smugglers used to climb the cliffs.
The Approach: Navigating to the Start
The journey to the Echelles de la Mort begins with a drive through the scenic Jura mountains. Don’t be fooled by the short distance; the last 40 kilometers are on small, windy, one-and-a-half-lane roads that slow you down significantly. Trust the timing on your GPS to ensure you arrive on schedule.
The start of the klettersteig is an easy five-minute walk from the parking lot. However, there are no facilities at the parking lot or the Klettersteig, so plan accordingly.
The Climb: A Mix of Challenges and Thrills
The Echelles de la Mort is rated K3/4, and I completed it in about one hour and twenty minutes, though I would have preferred to take a few minutes longer. I had an absolutely stunning late spring day, perfect for enjoying the scenery and the challenge of the route; however, there was a constant flow of people. It was never overly crowded, but I also never felt like there was a good opportunity to take an extended breather.
The route is 500 meters long with a 110-meter ascent, traversing mostly vertical rock faces and featuring several inverted, protruding, and overhanging sections. The klettersteig begins with a series of rope ladders in a nod to its name and to set the tone for an exciting adventure.
The route is 500 meters long with a 110-meter ascent, traversing vertical rock faces and featuring multiple inverted sections. Along the way, you’ll encounter climbing trees, wooden footbridges, and various types of bridges, including three-wire, two-wire, and suspension bridges.
The bridges were often attached directly off the cliff’s vertical face without a natural ledge, creating more demanding transitions than other klettersteige I have been on.
My arms felt the strain during my climb, especially after tackling some of the inverted sections. However, this may be partly related to this being my second Klettersteig of the weekend.
The Experience: A Day to Remember
The last feature of the kletterstig is a long Tyrolean traverse, which requires bringing your own rollers and the necessary experience to complete. I did not have a roller with me, but that was no problem, as there is an exit before the Tyrolean traverse, which I took. The route is still well worth doing without this final challenge.
After finishing the klettersteig, the return hike is an easy 15-minute walk back to the car park. The exit route follows the historical smugglers’ “Echelles de la Mort” path. However, there are now modern, sturdy metal stairs for the descent. This path takes you under one of the klettersteig suspension bridges, adding a final touch of history and adventure to the experience.
The Return: Scenic and Serene
On my way home, I stopped at the border to capture photos of swans swimming in the river and to take in the stunning gorge with its lush greenery before making my way to BFM Brasserie (http://www.brasseriebfm.ch/) in Saignelégier for a late lunch on my way home. It was a perfect ending to a day filled with adventure and natural beauty.
Details
Arriving: Drive through the Jura mountains to the parking lot near the start of the Echelles de la Mort. Be mindful of the narrow, winding roads that will slow your pace.
Gear & Guide Options: There are no shops to rent equipment at the trailhead, so ensure you bring your own, including rollers for the Tyrollean traverse, if you plan to complete it.
Length: The klettersteig covers 500 meters.
Elevation Gain: 110 meters
Time: Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the climb and 15 minutes for the return hike.
Difficulty: Rated K3/4