One might think there isn’t too many destinations in Europe which remain cool enough for climbing during the summer months. Whereas many crags in Southern parts get too warm there’s luckily plenty of suitable options left for summer climbing.

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Here’s a list of great destinations both for boulderers and sport climbers (+ one amazing trad spot!). Enjoy!

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(P.S If you're looking for summer destinations outside of Europe, check out this article!)

Céüse, France

Diamonds in the inside 6c. Photo by Laurent Girousse.

Céüse sits around 2000m/7000ft high with an equal amount of sunny and shaded areas to deal with a variety of temperatures. Many of the climbs are long and some would consider the bolts run out, so be ready! It’s a long approach so many climbers stash their climbing equipment near their project.

Type of climbing: Limestone Sport Climbing. Have a 70m rope to be safe
Currency: Euro
Language: French
Accommodation: Les Guernis campsite or caravans. There is are also the more luxurious options of hotel Muret in Sigoyer or one of the numerous "gites rureaux"
Where to eat: buy your food in Gap or Sigoyer
What else to do nearby: Gorges de la Méouge swimming hole for cliff jumping, waterfall swimming, deep water bouldering
Pad rentals/Stores: in Gap
Fees/Permits: No
Airport: Grenoble, Nimes, Marseille or Turin are the most affordable options

Full Céüse info and topos

Bohuslän, Sweden

Comparable to Yosemite, but virtually empty and located by the sea, Bohuslän is said to be a trad climber’s paradise. With a variety of grades to choose from, the rock quality is exceptional and the landscape is beautiful.

Just like the rest of Scandanavia, Bohuslän is not cheap, so stock up in the bigger cities.

Erik Heyman on Dr Snuggles 8b. Photo: Petter Restorp

Type of climbing: Granite rope climbing- mostly trad, also some sport climbing and bouldering
Currency: Swedish Krona
Language: Swedish
Accomodation: camping on the farm or stay with other climbers at the Bohuslän Climbing Club hut
Where to eat: grocery stores, cafes
What else to do nearby: beaches (a lot of the climbing is located on the water), cinema, exploring other nearby towns and cities
Pad rentals/Climbing store: No
When to go: Spring or Fall, summer possible.
Fees/Permits: No but most of the crags are on private land so remember to behave.
Airport: Fly into Gothenburg and drive from there

Full Bohuslän info and topos

Berdorf, Luxembourg

People know Luxembourg for it's tax-free fuel and bank matters, but it also hosts an amazing sport climbing area.

The climbing in the area is fantastic and varied. Grades range from 3 to 8c, with a high concentration in the 6th and 7th grade. The climbing is on magnificent sandstone, which offers everything from super technical crimpy and pocketed face climbs to powerful gym-like jug-pulling.

Please note that it's very important to respect this place, as the future of climbing here is at stake. Make sure to read the ACCESS INFORMATION and behave accordingly.

As Berdorf is situated inside a lush forest it tends to stay cool even during summer which makes it a popular destination for the warmer months!

Type of climbing: Sandstone
Currency: Euro
Language: Luxembourgish, German and French
Where to stay: Campsite above the crag, AirBnB’s and hotels.
Where to eat: Restaurants in the nearby villages.
What else to do nearby: Hiking, biking and mountain biking.
Fees/Permits: No but please remember to respect the rules.
Airport: Multiple options including Frankfurt and Brussels.

Full Berdorf info and topos

Magic Wood, Switzerland

The Wizard 7C, Magic Wood. Photo: Jonathan Linné Ryn,

Magic Wood boasts some of the best quality bouldering rock in the world in a damp, yet “magical” forest of moss, trees, rocks and a beautiful river. The landings are sub par and hiking can be treacherous if you don't pay attention.

If you go in late August and have time to stay, you might be able to sample some of the incredible bouldering in Ticino at the base of the mountain as well.

Type of climbing: Gneiss Bouldering
Currency: Swiss franc
Language: German
Where to stay: Pay to camp camping, Gasthaus Edelweis, or make the drive from Chur or Ticino
Where to eat: You can cook at the Gasthaus or you can drive to one of the towns
What else to do nearby: Visit Chur, Bellizona, or any of the other nearby Italian towns for history, art, beauty and great food!
Pad rentals/Stores: In Ticino
Fees/Permits: No
Airport: Zurich or Milan.

Full Magic Wood info and topos

Lofoten, Norway

Kingfisher 7A, Lofoten. Photo: Sam Mawson

Lofoten is one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Europe- iconic Fisherman’s houses line the coast and soaring green mountains cover the land.

While expensive and not the easiest to get to, the incredible beauty of this place is worth a trip in itself and the climbing is new enough that it is still in its development stage if that’s your thing. The weather is definitely inconsistent so it is best to keep this in mind.

Type of climbing: Granite bouldering and amazing trad multi-pitches.
Currency: Krone
Language: Norwegian
Where to stay: Free camping or cabins
Where to eat: Grocery stores are the best bet in the main town of Svolvaer because of the high costs of food
What else to do nearby: Explore the beautiful island, fishing, hiking, beaches
Pad rentals/Stores: No- if camping make sure to bring your fuel
Fees/Permits: No
Airport: Svolvaer- it is somewhat difficult to get to Lofoten but there are options to fly, take a ferry or drive

Check topos from Norway

Flatanger, Norway

Despite its reputation as the home of many of the hardest lines in the world, Flatanger also offers a plethora of climbing for other levels.

Sitting beside a fjord, this picturesque rope climbing destination is truly world class. Come for the Flatanger Climbing Festival in June!

Type of climbing: granite trad and sport climbing
Currency: Krone
Language: Norwegian
Where to stay: camp for free or pay to camp with some great amenities through www.climbflatanger.com. For double the price of camping you can stay in the farmhouse
Where to eat: Bring food to cook which you can purchase at the Spar in the nearby town of Lauvnes
What else to do nearby: swim and fish in the ocean, hiking, boating, via ferrata
Pad rentals/Stores: only in Trondheim but the campsite owner sells a small amount of chalk
Fees/Permits: No
Airport: Trondheim

Check topos from Norway

Hoyamoros, Spain

Hoyamoros is a beautiful alpine granite area of lush greenery unlike any other climbing area in Spain. It is part of the Natura 2000 network and Biosphere Reserve and there are strict rules that need to be followed in order to keep the place as pristine as it is. A few of these main rules are no fires, no tents, no disturbing the cows and no trash left behind.

The area sits at 2050 meters above sea level so be weary if you get altitude sickness. Hoya Moros is unlike most European bouldering destinations because you feel so far away from everything and everyone.

In addition to Hoyamoros, another amazing bouldering area, La Dehesa, can be found from the same area!

Type of climbing: Granite Bouldering. Very sharp, be warned
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Where to stay: Camping at the top but no tents allowed- sleeping bags and bivvy spots, be prepared to bring everything you will need and more (except water- just bring a filtration system).
Where to eat: You must bring your food
What else to do nearby: This is for the adventure boulderers looking for an extended trip in a remote location- think of it as the Chimanimani National Park of Europe. Its a long, hard, steep hike and once you are there, you want to stay. There is a river if you want to swim and of course you can hike around the area. If you do want to venture back down, you can explore the town of Candelario
Pad rentals/Stores: In Madrid
Fees/Permits: No
Airport: Madrid, it is 2.5 hours drive from Madrid

Full Hoyamoros info and topos

Dolomites, Italy

Vajolet Towers in Dolomites. Photo: Anders Lidström

The approaches here are short, unlike typical Alpine areas, and with the pristine and lush landscape of meadows and forests, this is a paradise for rope climbers.

Famous for via ferrata and mountaineering, climbing has a long standing tradition in this area of the world. There is a fantastic mix of single and long multi pitch climbing here, so there is something for everyone.

Type of climbing: Mostly limestone trad with some sport climbing
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Where to stay: Hotel or campsite
Where to eat: In any of the nearby towns. Cooking yourself.
What else to do nearby: Zipline, high ropes course, horse back riding, mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning, road biking, spas, museums
Pad rentals/Stores: Shops in Treviso, Cortina, Canazei and Corvara
Fees/Permits: No
Airport: Innsbruck, Austria or Venice and Verona in Italy

If you’re still looking for more summer climbing ideas, check Rocklands, Ticino, Arco, Songdal and Helsinki!

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Text by Alexandra Kahn

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