No matter your experience level with rock climbing, Europe offers plenty of excellent destinations to discover. Some are popular and can get busy, while others are lesser-known and offer ideal temperatures and less traffic.
Corsica may be underrated, but it offers plenty of quality granite and limestone climbing. Plus, it’s widely credited as being the birthplace of modern bouldering – so don’t miss this chance to visit one of Europe’s premier rock climbing areas!
Bavaria
Bavaria, Germany’s largest federal state, is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and densely forested slopes as well as an impressive culture and tradition. Additionally, this region boasts an exciting rock climbing scene with plenty of high peaks to conquer.
Frankenjura is one of Germany’s premier rock climbing destinations, offering over 12,000 routes in various grades. The area mainly consists of limestone and conglomerate climbing terrain, but there are also some stunning sandstone crags to be explored.
Another excellent rock climbing area in Bavaria is the Donautal valley, south of Stuttgart. This 25km stretch of crags offers a variety of styles and grades.
Gruntensee, near Kempten, boasts a climbing forest where mini Tarzans can test their skills at high ropes courses. With ten courses to choose from, it’s an ideal way for kids to stay active while exploring the mountains.
Germany
Germany may not be one of the top destinations for rock climbing, but that doesn’t mean it lacks quality spots. Whether you’re looking to escape summer heat or take your skills up a notch, Germany is an excellent destination to go for some thrilling rock climbing experiences.
Pfalz, known for its red sandstone towers and breathtaking cliffs, lies between Pirmasens and Landau. Here you’ll find 120 towers, 200 crags, and an inexhaustible supply of boulders.
With an area of over 500 square kilometers, finding the sandstone towers can be a logistical challenge. Fortunately, most are hidden in forests or can only be seen from certain directions. To help navigate this vast region, Vereinigung der Pfalzer-Kletterer (PK) has published comprehensive lists of all major climbing regions and crags within it.
Switzerland
Rock climbing in Switzerland has a rich heritage, and the country offers plenty of spectacular places to explore. There are routes suitable for all abilities, in various environments and altitudes.
The Alps provide rock climbers with the ideal environment to test their strength and endurance against breathtaking scenery. These mountains boast peaks that reach over 4000m, many renowned for mountaineering or pure rock climbing opportunities.
Climbers from around the globe come to Switzerland to experience the exhilaration of rock climbing, whether they’re trying it for the first time or seeking an exciting new challenge. The Swiss Alps provide some of Europe’s finest rock climbing routes and promise an unforgettable adventure for any climber.
The Jura Mountains in northern Switzerland boast an array of sport and multi-pitch routes on limestone rocks, as well as some granite crags. These areas are documented in two rock climbing guidebooks – Schweizer Plaisir Jura and Schweizer Extrem Jura.
England
England boasts an abundance of climbing destinations, from Cheshire & Merseyside to North York Moors, North Yorkshire Coast and southeast of London. There is everything from traditional routes on gritstone and limestone to bolted sport routes in old quarries.
The Peak District is one of England’s premier rock climbing areas, boasting thousands of routes. Additionally, there are plenty of excellent bouldering spots to be discovered here.
St Bees in Cumbria boasts some of the most stunning boulders. Climbing these steep cliffs can be both physically demanding and rewarding on a sunny spring day when you can take in all that Vitamin D!
Pembrokeshire’s Tidal Gorge may divide opinion, but this stunning sport climbing spot is well worth visiting for its dramatic landscape and challenging vertical climbs. Prepare to test your strength and skill on these challenging slabs!
