Rock Climbing Holiday in Europe: Classic Crags Tour

Our plan is the same in every location!

Day 1: We fly or drive to our meeting point and head to our accommodation.

Days 2-7: We climb! Our focus will be on improving our technique and strength while maximizing our time on the rock. We can have one optional (but recommended) rest day.

Day 8: We either drive out or make our way to the airport. Those of us who are climbing for multiple weeks head to the next destination.

Climbing in Labské Údolí is a little different than most climbers are used to—but it’s awesome! Located in the Elbe Valley, Labské Údolí has spectacular sandstone towers that rise up to 30 m (98 ft)! Since the rock is very soft here, chalk and metal gear are largely prohibited to preserve the natural beauty, so we’ll need refined technique and good balance on the delicate holds and cracks.

The climbing style is typical for sandstone: slabs, vertical and slightly overhanging faces with very tiny feet and small holds, cracks and slopers, all requiring great technique and a refined sense of balance. While some new crags allow for bolted routes and chalk use, most of the climbing is still done with the use of knots for protection.

Meeting point: Prague, Czech Republic (2 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

With its nearly 8,000 bolted routes across a thousand small crags, Frankenjura is the perfect sport climbing destination. We’ll challenge ourselves on the iconic limestone walls hidden in peaceful forests. The typical Frankenjura climb is full of one or two-finger pockets, small huecos, and crimps that demand both finger strength and power endurance.

The area is steeped in climbing history, having been shaped by legendary climbers like Wolfgang Gulich and Kurt Albert. We can tackle world-famous classics such as Sandstone and Action Direct, pushing our limits on routes that typically range up to 25 m / 82 ft, with a few reaching nearly 40 m / 130 ft!

Meeting point: Nuremberg, Germany (1 hour 20 minutes away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

Zillertal is a true climber’s paradise, boasting a diverse range of climbing routes with technical slabs, cracks, and even some overhangs. Located in a beautiful Alpine valley full of flowing streams and lush greenery, we’ll climb with a breathtaking backdrop of snowy peaks!

Although it’s mostly known as a bouldering destination, the Zillertal area is home to excellent multi-pitch sport climbs and alpine style trad. We can choose from about 15 sport climbing crags with single-pitch routes between 10-30 m (33-98 ft) long. Some of them are long, clean cracks of great quality. Many of the multi-pitch routes are up to 10 pitches long and, despite being set in an Alpine environment, some of them are bolted.

Meeting point: Munich, Germany (2 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

With over 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles) and nearly 3,000 routes on stunning white marine limestone, Finale Ligure is a prime climbing location on the Mediterranean coast. We can explore a variety of climbing styles here, from smooth slabs and vertical walls to steep overhangs. Although most routes fall in the sixes and sevens, we’ll find lines ranging from f4 to f8—Finale has a technical challenge for everyone!

There are many single-pitch routes in Finale, but for those seeking something longer, there’s Bric Pianarella with multi-pitch climbs up to 250 m (820 ft)!

Meeting point: Milan, Italy (2.5 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

Nestled in the picturesque French Alps, Ceuse is a world-renowned climbing destination that attracts climbers from all corners of the globe. Here, we’ll find breathtaking views, pristine limestone cliffs, and an array of challenging routes.

With vertical faces, overhangs, multi-pitch routes, and everything in between, Ceuse has the perfect challenge for all abilities. The unparalleled rock quality and its pocketed surface ensures excellent friction and a variety of holds. This will push us to refine our technique, precision, and strength during our climbing days. All while enjoying panoramic views of the Alps!

Meeting point: Nîmes, France (3 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

Gorges du Tarn is one of the premier sport climbing venues in France, boasting over 400 classic routes of great quality and variety, from endurance classics to short, bouldery problems, with often overhanging limestone full of pockets and crimps. The local specialty are definitely pumpy, mid-7s stamina climbs such as those in the Tennessee sector, which are 50-70 m (164-230 ft) long!

Apart from its fabulous rock quality, Gorges du Tarn is known for its well-spaced bolting. It’s just enough to keep you on your toes, but it’s solid and safe, especially after recent rebolting. There are not many climbs easier than 6b or 6c, but for those climbing 7a and up, the area offers some of the best sport climbing in Europe.

Meeting point: Montpellier, France (2 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

Margalef offers us an exceptional climbing experience nestled within two small canyons, with a unique conglomerate rock that presents a variety of challenges. We can tackle great lines ranging from f5 to f9. Climbing in Margalef is quite interesting as we’ll mostly move between one to three-finger pockets, but there are also some slopers, crimps, and tufas.

The Margalef area is known for its slightly softer grades, making redpointing feel more attainable compared to nearby regions like Siurana. With both tranquil crags like Catedral and bustling spots such as Raco de Finestra, there’s something for everyone. The local climbing community is vibrant, continuously developing new routes so Margalef remains a dynamic and exciting destination for climbers of all levels.

Meeting point: Barcelona, Spain (2 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment

Known for its world-class limestone cliffs, Rodellar is a rock climber’s dream. There are over 400 diverse routes for us to tackle, ranging from beginner-friendly 6a to elite 9b+, so we can challenge ourselves while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The unique rock formations, including caves, tufas, and overhangs, will not only test our skills but also ignite our passion for climbing. Nestled in a picturesque canyon with the Mascún River flowing through, Rodellar has a serene backdrop that makes our adventure even more special.

Meeting point: Barcelona, Spain (3 hours away)
Accommodation: Camper van, hut, hostel, or apartment