Rock climbing

Rock climbing in Germany is enjoying an increasing popularity both from the countrymen as well as tourists. The country has been a major player in the international rock climbing scenario mainly due to the presence of Alps. In fact Germany is widely considered to be the next country after France to embrace sport climbing.

For long Bavaria has been famous for its traditional trunks (lederhosen), food, and the mountains, which make it a rock climber's heaven. Though the northern part of Germany is plains, the southern part edges by the Alps. This among others form an integrated part of Germany rock climbing scenario.

Frankenjura or Fränkische Schweizhas, ranked internationally among the best areas for rock climbing, is the most popular German climbing destination. In this part of Bavaria 4,000 routes on various types of limestone formations are spread out over a huge area in a spectacularly scenic landscape. In all there are 4,000 routes with all levels of difficulty. All routes are made safe up to high altitudes making it a favorite spot for beginners and pros alike.

Elbsandsteingebirge or Sächsische Schweiz, the number one sandstone climbing area in Germany is situated in East Germany. Here 15,000 climbing routes of varying difficulties sprawl over the thousand odd free-standing sandstone towers.

In northern Germany the limestone rocks of Ith are the favorite destinations, Lürdissen being the popular most rock. Holzen in East Germany also deserves special mention. In Baden -Baden in the southern part of Germany near French border offer rock climbing scopes in the Black Forrest. The hardest routes in Germany are Action Direct of Frankenjura and Die Welle of Leonhardstein (both have rating of 9a).

Germany being partly flat, many climbing gyms called 'Kletterhalle' are cropping up over the country. Rock climbing in Germany is becoming more popular sport by the days. Two of the most famous names in German rock climbing history are Kurt Albert and
Wolfgang Gullich.

A few things should be kept in mind if you are looking forward to enjoying your holidays rock climbing in Germany. Season and climate are the primary factors, the cold and rainy winter, hot summer and wet rainy seasons being thoroughly unsuitable for this exercise. The time between April and October are best for the purpose. Also keep in mind the strict rules (prohibition of chalk use) in certain places by the government and other ethical issues. Locals might be of help in these cases.

It would be an ultimate moment for rock climbers to take a break from their schedules to check out the wondrous walls of the Alps.