Hercules Column view

Viewpoint/viewing tower
The Pillars of Hercules are striking rock towers in the Bielatal valley.


The Große and Kleine Herkulessäule are located in the upper Bielatal between Schweizermühle and Ottomühle. Both are considered prominent sandstone needles in the Bielatal climbing area. A hiking trail marked with the "yellow dot" leads past them.

The hard labiate sandstone rock of the Hercules Columns creates overhanging summit heads, which gives the columns their characteristic silhouette. The large one is around 20 m high, the small one rises on a high valley base.
The first ascents were made in 1904 and 1905; the routes range from IV to VIIIb according to the Saxon scale. New routes are not permitted.

Non-climbing visitors experience the Hercules Columns as a vantage point surrounded by other rock formations.

Good to know

Openings

The Hercules Pillars are in principle always open.

Price info

There is no entrance fee to pay when visiting the Hercules Pillars.

Payment methods

Entrance Free

Directions & Parking facilities

Only accessible on foot.

Our recommendations

The castle-like tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Fortress is enthroned on a steep, snow-covered rock.

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