Fearless climber tackles 450ft-tall frozen waterfall – PHOTOS

This is the terrifying moment a daredevil climber dices with death as he scales a gigantic frozen waterfall.

The stunning photos capture Walter Hungerbühler ascending the Al Kaida route in the village of Wolfenschiessen, central Switzerland.

The 450ft-tall frozen waterfall is rated as Wi6 - one of the toughest grades.
Walter, who lives in the village, has scaled many frozen waterfalls before. He seized the opportunity to climb the Al Kaida route during a cold snap. But he ran the risk of ice breaking and melting.

Walter said: 'During the ascent, the whole icefall 'settled' (released tension) with 'whoom'-sound; scary when you are climbing but a good sign you are safe.

'I wanted to climb it again however two days later, the icefall was gone. So, there was no chance to go back again. That's life!'

Photographer Rainer Eder added: 'The icefall is not far from where my home in central Switzerland, so I noticed it a while ago when passing nearby.

'It is such a bold line. Pretty exposed with several sections of free standing ice columns, but it takes the reference of a climber to show it's whole majesty.'

Wolfenschiessen is nestled in the mountains above Lake Lucerne. The region is famous for its majestic vistas.

Lucerne made its fortune as a major stop on the trade route over the Alps between the 13th and 19ths centuries.


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