The Top 14 Rock Climbing Destinations in Europe

By: SUZIE DUNDAS | Pulished on 2023-12-04

Rjukan, Norway

The Top 14 Rock Climbing Destinations in Europe-Trip Advise

One of the world's best ice-climbing destinations is Rjukan, roughly 2.5 hours west of Oslo. Though ice's natural characteristics make it generally a fairly risky climbing surface, Rjukan is known for consistently thick, cold ice. And you'll have plenty of climbing options as the region has more than 190 frozen waterfalls, generally available for climbing between December and March. There's an ice climbing festival each February and lodging is fairly affordable by Norwegian standards. Rjukan's only catch? No sunlight reaches the valley between November and March (though there are giant mirrors to reflect light into the small town's public areas.)

Frankenjura, Germany (Bavaria)

The Top 14 Rock Climbing Destinations in Europe-Trip Advise

If you're planning to climb in Germany, one destination will be at the top of every list: Frankenjura. There are more than 13,000 rock climbing routes in the Frankenjura region, which skew a bit more difficult. However, because there are so many routes, even beginners will find suitable ones. It's mostly sport climbing and overhangs are common. Almost all the rock here is limestone and affordable hotels in small towns like Gobweinstein and Morschreuth will be almost exclusively populated by climbers during the summer months. You could also stay in Nuremberg if you don't mind a slightly longer drive to the crags.

More Article