Tips and destinations for a sustainable climbing vacation in Europe Marilou Cabatingan, 02/16/202410/18/2025 Do you remember when no tree or rock was safe from you? When had you to climb everywhere? Maybe you’ve turned this childhood passion into a hobby and are now climbing the mountain slopes of the world. If not, it’s never too late to start climbing! It doesn’t have to be an organized climbing vacation. Climbing on vacation Your vacation is not a bad way to embark on a climbing adventure. When we’re on vacation and traveling, we’re more motivated to try new things. But even if you’re a regular at the climbing or bouldering gym at home, your vacation spot is sure to offer new incentives, routes, and places to explore. Several of them have already been selected for you thanks to our local partners. Unfortunately, we have not had the opportunity to test them yet. Leave a comment if you know of any spots. Climbing vs. Bouldering The main difference between climbing and bouldering is the type of protection and the climbing height. During bouldering, you move at a high jump height (about three to four meters) and are not secured by ropes and a harness. Mats on the ground help prevent falls. The only equipment you need is a pair of suitable climbing shoes, which you can also rent. When bouldering, you’ll usually get some instruction if you’ve never done it before, and otherwise, you just try your hand. It often helps to learn a few tricks from experienced boulderers. When climbing, you are secured by ropes, carabiners, a harness, and your partner. Here it also goes much higher. Even in climbing gyms, the walls can reach heights of 10–20 meters. An introduction and a course are strongly recommended and even required in most climbing gyms. But typically, there are also trial offers to try out. Sustainable Climbing The sport of climbing has become increasingly popular recently. Not only are there now climbing and bouldering gyms in large cities, but also in small towns. As outdoor athletes, most climbing enthusiasts are aware of their responsibility, especially when they are outdoors. As with hiking and skiing, we are dependent on nature when climbing and must therefore treat it with respect. Not to mention that otherwise not only the basis of the sport but also our livelihood will be lost … Book Tip: Sustainable Climbing Guide Deniz Scheerer and Lena Müller have not only recognized the need for more sustainability in climbing. They also noticed that there was a lack of practical guidance. This resulted in the Sustainable Climbing Guide, in which the two have not only compiled lots of info, but also provide practical tips and recommendations for sustainable climbing destinations. Sustainable Climbing Vacation … … starts with the choice of accommodation. A sustainable hotel is a good place to start if you’re traveling with your family or just want to try climbing on a wellness vacation. We introduce you to a handful of our partners, and they, in turn, tell you about the climbing sports in their region. The climbing hall may be located directly in the hotel, or there may be a guide who takes you on a via ferrata in the mountains. … in Germany In the Black Forest, the Falkenstein rocks await climbing enthusiasts. The rock towers rise just under 80 meters and make even spectators’ knees go weak. The 21 routes in the Lower Group and the 25 routes in the Upper Group are marked and provided with belays, which become somewhat sparser in the Upper Group. Your hotel in the Black Forest: SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA The sustainable wellness hotel is located not far from the Falkenstein rocks. After a long day of hiking and climbing, you can relax in the wellness area, have your tired muscles massaged, and enjoy dinner made from organic ingredients in the evening. If you prefer to be independent, SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA also offers apartments. There are also numerous climbing spots and opportunities for bouldering in the Allgäu. On the Tegelberg, for example, several routes lead to the summit. Some of these are also suitable for beginners or even have integrated nature trails, such as the Gelbe-Wand-Steig. Via Ferrata are a mixture of hiking and climbing. You are secured and have to overcome various obstacles such as narrow paths along rocky slopes or vertical iron ladders. If you prefer classic climbing or bouldering, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at the Allgäu Climbing Center in Rieden am Forggensee. Your hotel in the Allgäu: Hotel Das Rübezahl Relaxation with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle and the rocks you have conquered – How can a day in the mountains end more beautifully? Perhaps with an exclusive and unique dinner in the Alpine Fusion Restaurant Gams & Gloria? The Hotel Das Rübezahl makes it possible. Erlangen is home to one of the largest bouldering halls in the world. Beginners, advanced climbers, and pros can let off steam on 3,500 square meters at Blockhelden. In addition to the walls with the various routes, there are also strength rooms, a bistro, a store, and opportunities for yoga. Oh, and there’s a co-working space, too. You will also get your money’s worth outdoors. Franconian Switzerland is one of the most popular climbing areas in Germany. Here you are spoiled for choice between the numerous spots and routes. In Obertrubachtal there is also an information center, where you can get route suggestions and insider tips. There are also climbing opportunities for children, so you can take your time with all the information 😉 Your hotel in Erlangen: Creativhotel Luise From the Creativhotel Luise, you need only half an hour by public transport to the Blockhelden. It’s about an hour to get to the Fränkische Schweiz tourism center. The Creativhotel itself is happy to help you spend your vacation as sustainably as possible. Be it climbing or a city trip. For example, you can spend the night in a “renewable hotel room” that is built from 100% biodegradable or recyclable materials. You can also discover many other initiatives of the climate-positive hotel on site. Or check out the digital Wall of Change! … in Austria The Seefeld region is a well-known paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether hiking, mountain biking, swimming, or a climbing vacation – as an outdoor enthusiast, you will not be bored here. Rather, you are annoyed at the end that you cannot stay longer … Around Seefeld there are several climbing gyms, among others in Telfs, in Imst, and in Innsbruck. Also in the mountains, many walls and via ferratas invite you to try them out. For example, the Martinswand in Innsbruck (multi-pitch), the Kaiser Max via ferrata, the Geierwand, and the Silzer via ferrata. In general, the Wetterstein Mountains and the Karwendel are fantastic destinations for climbers. So take enough time. Or drive here various times. Your hotel in Seefeld: Hotel Klosterbräu Located in a 500-year-old former monastery, the hotel has a unique philosophy that is reflected not only in its values but also in its design and decor. Believe me, an exploration of the hotel will leave you open-mouthed in amazement more than once. From the wellness area to the large natural park surrounding the hotel, from the panoramic pool to the special dinner locations, you could just spend your entire vacation here. If the mountains weren’t calling … Understandable, thinks the hiking and outdoor guide of the hotel and therefore gladly accompanies you on tours. Also on via ferrata! … in Switzerland In the Swiss destination Zermatt, in addition to numerous outdoor climbing spots, a special treat awaits you: At CERVO Mountain Resort, you actually don’t need to leave the hotel to go climbing. The staircase in the Nomad Lodge is the basis for four climbing routes and a bouldering area. Perfect for trying out if the sport is for you. The routes were designed by experienced Zermatt mountain guides and offer both beginners and advanced climbers the opportunity to improve and test their skills before heading outside to the real rock. The CERVO also offers a wonderful oasis of relaxation with a wellness area, outdoor pool, and several restaurants where you can taste the most delicious Swiss specialties. … in Italy In Liguria, you will find one of the most famous climbing regions in Italy: Finale Ligure. Professionals like Adam Ondra and Alex Honnold have climbed here. But for Finale Ligure you don’t have to be a pro, don’t worry! Beginners and amateurs will also find routes here. Always accompanied by wonderful views over the landscape. Your hotel in Liguria: Relais del Maro The mountain village of Borgomaro is just under an hour away from Finale Ligure. Authentic and with real Italian flair, you stay in the family-run Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro. The fourteen rooms are spread over three historic buildings in the center of the village and have been lovingly renovated using partly historic methods. There’s also a large garden, a pool, and super tasty Italian food from Mama Piera. … in Croatia Do you want to combine your climbing vacation with an island feeling and beach? Then Korcula might be something for you! The Croatian island offers some fantastic climbing spots, such as the limestone cave Vela Spila or the bouldering area Pupnatska Luka in the south of the island. Kocje should also be on your radar. Here there are even several routes with multi-pitch and besides, you can always enjoy the view. A note at this point: Some routes and areas are not officially developed or maintained. Inform yourself beforehand in your accommodation or with other climbers, and be especially careful with the nature on site. But that goes without saying, right? Your hotel on Korcula: Eco Aparthotel The Dreamer’s Club Idyllic gardens and lovingly furnished apartments characterize the hotel. Here you can arrive, gladly also with the complete family, including four-legged friends. The Eco Aparthotel offers the perfect mix of vacation apartments and hotel: privacy and service, individuality, and comfort. This includes a delicious breakfast with ingredients and delicacies from the region, as well as the possibility of lunch and snacks on site. In addition, Dreamer’s Club hosts yoga classes that are the perfect complement to your climbing vacation. … in Gran Canaria If you don’t want to miss out on outdoor climbing even in winter, Gran Canaria is the place to be. When it has long become too cold for it in Germany, Austria, and Co., the season is just beginning in the Canary Island. Particularly popular: Barranco de Ayagures. These crevasses and walls on the other side of a small water reservoir are perfect for those who like technical routes. Especially if you want to practice technical climbing, this spot is ideal for you! If you don’t want to get directly on the rocks: In Parquesur is an outdoor climbing wall 😉 Your hotel in Gran Canaria: Casa León Royal Retreat Casa León is located on a hill, Monte León, and offers fantastic views of the island’s rugged landscape all the way to the sea. After your climbing adventure, indulge in a massage in the secluded garden or take advantage of the mild climate to do a few laps in the pool. A special highlight is the hotel’s restaurant. Delicious Canarian specialties await you here and give you exactly the energy you need for your next climbing adventure! Tips for greener climbing on the rock – At home and on climbing vacation Stay on the trails when you go to your climbing spot. Use public transportation to get there or carpool with other climbers. Leave no trace. Take your trash, and maybe the trash left behind by others, back with you. Inform yourself beforehand about the rules for the use of chalk/magnesia. If it is allowed, consider buying eco-chalk for outdoor climbing, which does not have a negative impact on the environment. In any case, you should clean the rocks again after your climbing day and remove the powder. Climb only during the day. Climbing spots are usually somewhat remote and are habitats for many animals. So behave respectfully and leave them the twilight hours and the night. This includes keeping quiet. Parties are inappropriate. Pay attention to bird life, especially during the breeding season. Observe the specifications and closures of certain climbing routes so as not to disturb the animals. Opt for sustainable gear or buy second-hand. We hope our destination and climbing tips have been helpful. If you’re into climbing, and what your favorite destination was last year, let us know. Travel