About us

160 Years of EDELRID

Climbing History made in Germany

In the meantime, 160 years have passed from the founding date in June 1863 to the present day. In the early days, Schachenmayer & Cie manufactured only strands and cords. Today, EDELRID is a global manufacturer of climbing ropes, mountaineering and work safety equipment. For 160 years the company experienced continuous ups and downs - at one moment the development of the kernmantle rope caused a revolution in mountaineering, only a few years later almost the entire production was destroyed in a major fire. In the 1970s, the seat climbing harness developed by EDELRID paved new paths in the climbing world, only a few years later a second fire ravaged the company building. Thus, disasters and successes alternated and contributed their part to the fact that EDELRID has become the company you know today.

To celebrate our anniversary, we set out to find more detailed information about the beginnings of EDELRID. We have compiled our discoveries from archives, interviews with contemporary witnesses and research beyond the country's borders for you.

Our Vision

Our Mission

This is what we are, this is what we live

Climbing is in our genes, whether at the crag, in the gym, in snow and ice, in trees, or at industrial structures. For 160 years, we have believed that it is important to push boundaries, remain inquisitive and share the joy of our vertical world.

That's why we are constantly developing our products and solutions, from climbing equipment in mountain sports and indoor climbing to personal protective equipment (PPE) for professional applications.

As a manufacturer rooted in the Allgäu region, we produce our complete portfolio of mountain sports ropes, static ropes, accessory cords, and lines for paragliders and many other industrial applications in our rope factory.

Our vision

We make ideas come to life that enable free movement in a vertical world

We want every user of an EDELRID product to have the pleasure and freedom of moving vertically. This is where our history, our expertise, and our passion for the future lie. This is what we are passionate about: whether at the crag, in a climbing gym, working at height, or in tree care—we share our knowledge, experience, and ideas with everyone who wants to experience the joy of free movement at height.

Our mission

Our mission is to understand every detail about the development, the use and the impact of our products and make it publicly available.

We use and share our knowledge to make the best product, reduce its environmental impact and help climbers* to consciously assess their risks.

*Climbers are all persons that move in the vertical space

We are motivated by our need to understand our own products down to the last details and thus become better and better—when using the materials, through the application to durability and sustainability. This enables all users of our products to better assess the risks of their actions and thus to move more freely in the vertical.

As a manufacturing company, we see it as our responsibility to share our knowledge and wealth of experience. This is who we are, and we have enshrined it in our mission.

Our values

We have a long history, a character of our own, many ideas, and great goals—we have something that defines us as EDELRID and sets us apart from others. Of course, this is a feeling of belonging, mindset, and shared values. We took a good look at ourselves and defined the values that guide us in our daily work and interactions with each other, with business partners, and with our products.

Responsibility: We take responsibility for our actions, our products, and our impact on people and the environment. We act with integrity and are accountable for our decisions.

Passion: We are passionate about climbing, the vertical world, and our products. This passion drives us to innovate, improve, and share our enthusiasm with others.

Innovation: We embrace change and strive for continuous improvement. We challenge the status quo to develop better products and solutions for our users.

Authenticity: We are true to our roots, our heritage, and our promises. We communicate openly and honestly, and we stand behind what we do.

Community: We value the climbing and outdoor community and strive to support it. We believe in collaboration, respect, and mutual support.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

For EDELRID, sustainability is not just a buzzword—it is a fundamental part of our identity and our mission. As a company with 160 years of history, we know that long-term success is only possible if we act responsibly towards the environment and society.

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint across our entire value chain: from the sourcing of raw materials to the production of our products, from packaging to shipping, and from product use to end-of-life disposal.

All our climbing ropes are made from bluesign® approved materials, and we are continuously working to increase the use of recycled and bio-based materials in our products. Our rope factory in Isny runs on 100% renewable energy, and we are working to make our entire supply chain carbon neutral by 2030.

We also take responsibility for the social impact of our business: we ensure fair working conditions for all employees and suppliers, and we support local communities through various initiatives and partnerships.

Made in Germany

Since 1863, EDELRID has been based in Isny im Allgäu, Germany—a region known for its high-quality manufacturing and engineering expertise. Our core product, the climbing rope, is still produced entirely in our own factory in Isny, where we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and innovation.

Being "Made in Germany" is more than just a label for us—it is a promise of quality, safety, and reliability. Every EDELRID product is designed and tested to meet the highest standards, and we are proud to continue the tradition of German engineering excellence in the climbing and outdoor industry.