{"id":151694,"date":"2020-01-17T14:57:38","date_gmt":"2020-01-17T22:57:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=117026"},"modified":"2023-09-05T19:38:31","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T02:38:31","slug":"top-climbing-areas-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/top-climbing-areas-in-europe","title":{"rendered":"Top Climbing Areas in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considered the birthplace of climbing, Europe is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit if you\u2019re looking to get on some rock. With every type of climbing imaginable (trad, sport, bouldering, alpine, ice, mixed) at every grade, it&#8217;s impossible to narrow the options down to just a few routes. Instead, we\u2019ve pulled a few top areas for trad, sport and bouldering. While we\u2019ve highlighted many of the continent\u2019s classic climbing areas, we can\u2019t cover them all.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As you navigate Europe, you\u2019ll find that most guidebooks use either the UAII or British rating system, but this varies by area. Instead, we\u2019ve used the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to keep it simple for folks on the west side of the pond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/105967163\/dolomites\"><b>Dolomites<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Northern Italy, 99 miles northwest of Venice, Italy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Traditional and alpine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mostly easy to moderate, ranging from 5.6 to 5.13<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Limestone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adventurous, picturesque climbing<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Season:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Late spring to late autumn; alpine routes are best in the summer\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expansive views and stunning multi-pitch routes put the Dolomites in our top spot. The craggy limestone walls and spires make the region a veritable playground for climbers looking for multi-pitch routes in a remarkable landscape. This is<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adventure climbing at its finest. Plus, the routes<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">range in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.13, so there is opportunity for everyone to get on some rock. While the most popular routes will be quite clean, the ones off the beaten path may have some loose rock and unreliable fixed placements. A few classic options in the area are the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106200481\/north-face-comici\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North Face &#8211; Comici<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 15-pitch, 5.10+ steep and clean climb that follows a black streak and dihedral to the top; the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/107937972\/southwest-arete-delagokante\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southwest Arete<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/107937968\/torre-delago\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Torre Delago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, four pitches of slightly run-out 5.7 climbing up an arete; and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106910646\/south-face-via-miriam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Face (via Miriam)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106910642\/torre-grand-south-summit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grand Torre South Summit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 5-pitch, 5.8+ somewhat polished climb through via a winding route.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106848867\/lofoten\"><b>Lofoten<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Northern Norway, 97 miles (including a ferry) northwest of Bod\u00f8, Norway\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Traditional\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mostly moderate ranging from 5.6 to 5.13<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Granite<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A once-in-a-lifetime trip<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Season<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: June, July and August have the most reliable weather<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located in northern Norway, this fjorded archipelago is best described by one word: remote. When you arrive, you\u2019ll be awed by the scale of the landscape as sheer granite cliffs seem to grow out of the ocean. Add in the possibility of climbing under the glow of the midnight sun, and you\u2019ll have an unforgettable experience. To make full use of that daylight, jump on the famous <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106848943\/vestpillaren\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vestpillaren<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for 12 pitches of clean crack climbing with just a bit of exposure and outrageous views of the coastline. Another great option is \u201cThe Goat\u201d (aka <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106850907\/svolvaergeita\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Svolvaergeita<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), a 5-pitch spire with two \u201chorns\u201d at the top. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historically<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people would jump between the horns, but due to erosion of the lower block, the jump is no longer recommended. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, simply soak in the views of Svolvaer, a historic fishing village far below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106007111\/the-peak-district\"><b>Peak District<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Central England, 17 miles southwest of Sheffield, England\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Primarily traditional with some bouldering<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy to moderate ranging from 5.5 to 5.13<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Cragging trad climbs on the weekends<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Gritstone and limestone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Season<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Spring through autumn, but climbable all year providing it&#8217;s dry<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With comparatively flat topography, central England may not seem like a climbing hotspot, but it actually is home to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some of the most famous rock climbing in Europe. Though shorter than those in Norway or Italy, the cliffs of the Peak District have easy access, which has allowed for extensive development, meaning you likely won\u2019t have to wait in line for a climb, even on busy weekends. Head to the famous <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106078442\/stanage-edge\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stanage Edge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a gritstone playground, to try your hand at any number of routes. If it\u2019s open, hop on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106303979\/flying-buttress\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flying Buttress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106092352\/flying-buttress-direct\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flying Buttress Direct<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (depending on your skill level) for some big and committing moves. If you rope up on Direct, keep in mind the lower bit is not well-protected. Another great spot is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106504797\/the-unconquerables-area\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unconquerables Area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a series of\u00a0 famous gritstone buttresses with some of the best climbs in the area. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106274957\/left-unconquerable\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Left<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106320842\/right-unconquerable\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right Unconquerable<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are both fantastic, pumpy grit climbs with excellent gear placements and dynamic moves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106093650\/kalymnos\"><b>Kalymnos<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Greek island off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sport<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Moderate to difficult ranging from 5.5 to 5.14\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A cragging vacation in a sport haven<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Limestone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Season<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Spring to autumn<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting to the island takes a lot of time and effort. But with one of the largest concentrations of epic routes in Europe, Kalymnos <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a sport climber\u2019s paradise that\u2019s well worth the trip. With more than 3,000 climbs of varying style, everyone can find something to send. A 70-meter rope will suffice for most of the longest climbs, but 80 meters would be better for lowering off. Since the area is all limestone on the coast, you can find overhanging routes with massive holds and tufas, pocketed and knobby slabs, and slightly overhanging or vertical walls with small features requiring delicate approaches. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106093679\/grande-grotta\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grande Grotta<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the most famous crag and holds some of the most sought-after routes such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106804759\/dna\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DNA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a steep and burly<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.11d that will test your endurance; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106804781\/aegialis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aegialis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 5.12d pump-fest; and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106804801\/monahiki-elia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monahiki Elia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 5.10b that makes for a great warm up with a classic Kalymnos feel. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106798259\/odyssey\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Odyssey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another great spot that has tall walls and stiff climbs. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/107942821\/marci-marc?method=resultsPage&amp;query=Marci%20Marc%20&amp;search=1&amp;type=route\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marci Marc<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a tall, sustained and impressively dynamic 5.13a, and the 5.11a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106804904\/feta\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feta<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will get your blood moving as you navigate the techy overhang.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106334422\/ceuse\"><b>C\u00e9\u00fcse<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Southern France, 71 miles south of Grenoble, France<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sport<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Difficult ranging from 5.10 to 5.15<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Limestone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A fun holiday for the advanced sport climber<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Season:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Spring and summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The prominent cliff band of C\u00e9\u00fcse commands your attention as soon as you arrive in town. This crag offers almost every type of route imaginable, you just have to migrate sectors to find what you\u2019re looking for. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106334457\/secteur-demi-lune\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demi Lune<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> houses a large concentration of easier climbs and can be crowded. However, the views from this vertical face are stunning. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/107479190\/angel-dust\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angel Dust<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a fantastic, technical 5.12a requiring delicate footwork and thin movements, and the popular 5.11a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/107892605\/harley-davidson\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harley Davidson<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> follows huecos and pockets up steep rock to a complicated crux. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106334451\/secteur-berlin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Berlin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wall has a variety of climbs that will test your skills and your constitution. Think you can handle the sandbag? Check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/108985797\/makach-walou\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Makach Walou<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a 5.13a which navigates a vertical face via steep jugs, polished pockets and crimps, gradually thinning out to a crimp-fest to the anchor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106172652\/frankenjura\"><b>Frankenjura<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bavaria, Germany, 26 miles northeast of Nuremberg, Germany<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sport<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy to difficult ranging from 5.1 to 5.14d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Limestone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Endless options to play on or project<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Seasons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Spring and autumn; summer can be nice as many of the crags are shaded<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep within the forested valleys of Bavaria lies Frankenjura, one of Europe\u2019s most famous sport climbing destinations. With about 1,000 crags and more than 10,000 routes, climbers of any skill level can find something to project. Most of the routes are vertical to overhanging on pocketed limestone. Given the sheer number of climbs, as well as the distance between the crags, it\u2019s a good idea to come with a plan of attack as well as a car. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/107197219\/weissenstein\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WeiBenstein<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is popular for its wide range of difficulties, but we suggest heading to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/107178407\/roter-fels\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">R\u00f6thelfels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for some classic<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">climbs on tall walls. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/107283391\/schaumschlager\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schaumschl\u00e4ger<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a popular<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.10 that is sustained, fun and easy to follow. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/108215551\/puttlacher-wand\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">P\u00fcttlacher Wand <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">offers easy access to tough climbs, mostly ranging from high 5.10 to 5.12. It\u2019s shaded most of the day, making it a great spot for afternoon projecting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106624710\/siurana\"><b>Siurana<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Northeastern Spain, 32 miles northwest of Tarragona, Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sport<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Moderate to hard with the majority of climbs over 5.10<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Limestone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Those looking to train power and endurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Seasons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: November to March<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though best known for its stiff grades and technical, vertical walls (you won\u2019t find any holiday grades here), there is a decent amount of easier climbing in Siurana, so don\u2019t be put off by its reputation. Plus, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106631762\/margalef\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Margalef<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, another world-class sport climbing destination full of steeply overhanging pumpy climbs, is less than an hour away. Though the region\u2019s generally thin and crimpy style isn\u2019t for everyone, the number of climbers that flock here in winter might make you suspect otherwise. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/107567563\/el-pati\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">El Pati<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0is well-known for its incredibly difficult routes\u2014including the famous 5.15a La Rambla. However, two of the more popular routes are climbable by mere mortals. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/107567566\/crosta-panic\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crosta Panic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a 5.11d that moves from a technical slab into a pumpy roof pull, and 5.11c\/d <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/108762102\/ay-mamita\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a1Ay Mamita!<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> features juggy climbing and a tricky crux. Right next door is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106624750\/espero-primavera\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Espero Primavera<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an area known for its sunny, long and technical slab climbs. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106624776\/mandragora\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mandragora<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a classic Siurana route that should be on everyone\u2019s list. The 5.12c is all about endurance as it follows smooth pockets and edges. If techy slab is your thing, pop on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/106624983\/remena-nena\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remena Nina<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a tall 5.12a with thin and reachy moves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106008886\/fontainebleau\"><b>Fontainebleau<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Central France, 43 miles southeast of Paris, France<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Boulder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy to hard from V0 to V15<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sandstone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Amazing diversity in style and difficulty<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Seasons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With seemingly endless rock, Fontainebleau has become one of the most popular bouldering destinations in the world. It\u2019s easy to find routes to suit any ability, and with much of the climbing nestled within the Fontainebleau forest, the area is well-shaded, making it a pleasant summer stop. The approaches are all relatively short, and the sandy ground adds a little extra cushion to your bouldering pads. Given the area\u2019s size and diversity of style, it\u2019s difficult to recommend any single route, but folks generally check out a few prime areas if they\u2019re only around for a short trip. The climbs at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/108563203\/franchard-isatis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Franchard Isatis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> range from V0 to V10 (there are even a couple of V11s), so there\u2019s plenty to choose from no matter your skill level. If you\u2019re looking to pull something a little tougher, Cuvier Rempart houses the largest number of harder climbs, with over 60 routes between V9 and V15\/16. Of course, with hundreds of easier routes in Cuvier Rempart, there\u2019s plenty to keep beginner and intermediate crews entertained, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/114053913\/albarracin\"><b>Albarracin<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Eastern Spain, 112 miles northwest of Valencia, Spain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Boulder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate; most routes range from V3 to V8 with a few harder problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sandstone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A plethora of climbs in a beautiful setting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Seasons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Year-round but the height of summer might be too warm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This area is easily accessible with short walk-ins on good trails, and given its higher elevation, it\u2019s climbable most of the year. It stays cooler in the hotter months\u2014except the dead of summer\u2014and is dry for much of the winter. The climbs<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are located in a shady sandstone canyon that cuts through the surrounding limestone mountain ranges, creating a scenic spot to spend a day bouldering. It\u2019s also within the boundaries of a protected natural area, so be sure to obey all the rules and respect all posted closures. There are more than 1,000 problems, so there are numerous styles to try from slabby crimps to overhanging bucket-fests. The spots with the most routes are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/114054186\/techos\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Techos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Tierra Media and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/114053956\/arrastradero\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrastrado<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but you should pick up <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.climb-europe.com\/rockclimbingshop\/Boulder-Albarracin-Guidebook.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.climb-europe.com\/rockclimbingshop\/Albarracin-Bouldering-Guidebook.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">both<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, of the guidebooks to find your way around.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106855226\/magic-wood\"><b>Magic Wood<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Southeastern Switzerland, 98 miles southeast of Z\u00fcrich, Switzerland<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Primary<\/b> <b>Climbing Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Boulder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Moderately easy to hard with most routes between V3 and V11<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rock Type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Gneiss<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate and advanced climbers looking for projects<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Best Seasons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summer; best from June to September<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This alpine gem houses around 1,000 problems in a very small river valley, and though the approaches are short, they can also be quite steep. While there are easy problems here, the quality generally increases with the grades, so intermediate to advanced climbers will likely enjoy this spot more than beginners. Overhangs, crimps and poor landings epitomize the climbing, so make sure to bring enough pads and spotters. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/113349916\/beach\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> houses classic, river-side climbs, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/113456609\/bach\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/113456500\/kamel\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kamel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are not far away. When you\u2019re not climbing or spotting, enjoy the scenery, which includes a babbling river running merrily down a forested alpine landscape with jagged snow-covered peaks in the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<span class=\"cb-button cb-white cb-normal cb-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/106660030\/europe\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow\">View more climbing in Europe<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" role=\"presentation\"><path d=\"M16 12a.997.997 0 0 0-.288-.702l-5.005-5.005a1 1 0 0 0-1.414 1.414L13.585 12 9.29 16.295a1 1 0 0 0 1.417 1.412l4.98-4.98A.997.997 0 0 0 16 12z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/span>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\">Mountain Project<\/a> is a community-built resource with more climbing routes being added every day by members just like you. Sign up to join our ever-growing community and to find your next project, comment on and rate other trails, and share your own climbing adventures.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Dreaming of a climbing trip, but are new to climbing? No problem. REI offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/events\/a\/climbing\">climbing classes<\/a> at a variety of REI stores across the United States. Find one near you today.<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Considered the birthplace of climbing, Europe is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit if you\u2019re looking to get on some rock. With every type of climbing imaginable (trad, sport, bouldering, alpine, ice, mixed) at every grade, it&#8217;s impossible to narrow the options down to just a few routes. Instead, we\u2019ve pulled [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":151943,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,388],"tags":[734,270,1550],"internal-tag":[1442],"class_list":["post-151694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-climb","category-travel","tag-climbing","tag-europe","tag-international","internal-tag-seo"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/top-climbing-areas-in-europe","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Top Climbing Areas in Europe","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/top-climbing-areas-in-europe","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/top-climbing-areas-in-europe"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/01\/Lofoten_Climbing_hero-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/01\/Lofoten_Climbing_hero-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Climb","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Michelle Flandreau"}],"creator":["Michelle Flandreau"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["climbing","europe","international"],"dateCreated":"2020-01-17T22:57:38Z","datePublished":"2020-01-17T22:57:38Z","dateModified":"2023-09-06T02:38:31Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Top Climbing Areas in Europe\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/top-climbing-areas-in-europe\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/top-climbing-areas-in-europe\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/Lofoten_Climbing_hero-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/Lofoten_Climbing_hero-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000\"},\"articleSection\":\"Climb\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Michelle Flandreau\"}],\"creator\":[\"Michelle Flandreau\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"climbing\",\"europe\",\"international\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2020-01-17T22:57:38Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-01-17T22:57:38Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T02:38:31Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/01\/Lofoten_Climbing_hero-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=151694"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":192735,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151694\/revisions\/192735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/151943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151694"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=151694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}