The Kronthal (large cliff and lion rock) is a major climbing site in Alsace.
The Loewenkopf or Lion Rock
It is a climbing rock located in the Kronthal pass, between Marlenheim and Wasselonne. It is less known than the big climbing cliff, but it also has advantages!
The Loewenkopf is more accessible to beginners and children. It is lower (between 4 and 15m) than the "Kronthal" and its routes have a more accessible level of difficulty (5b to 7a).
The possibility of equipping the tracks from the top of the rock also facilitates practice with beginners.
In strong heat it is a preferred solution because its walls are well shaded ;-)
The Kronthal or large cliff is visible from the RD 1004. It is an old quarry which was used for the construction of the cathedral of Strasbourg.
With around 130 routes (from 5 to 9a), this pink sandstone bar with a super-adherent grain of around 30m high, will require you to physically climb in movements with scarce and distant grips.
The site is more suitable for climbers who already have a good base up to experienced climbers.
Facing south, it is ideal in spring or autumn. In summer it can be very hot and the sun beats down hard. However in case of rain, a dozen routes (level 7 and above) are perfectly sheltered by a rock overhang.
For those who would like to diversify their climbing, different climbing sites are accessible by car around Wasselonne: the rock of the Brotsch cave (18min), the Spille (18min), the Geisfels (37min), the Muhlberg (20min).