Climbing

Sun, Rock and Churros: A Costa Blanca climbing trip

After last year's trip in the northern Alps we got the band back together to sample the lines and crags of the Alicante region in Spain and learned first hand why this region is so beloved by climbers! Perfect weather meets perfect rock and the Spanish vibe.

2023

The Via Ferrata of the Sierra de Callosa

The Costa Blanca north of Alicante is covered in endless rocks to climb. The Sierras to the South are much smaller but still some gems that can be found here. Case in point the Serra de Callosa that has several climbing areas and four Via Ferrata.

Climbing

Joy meets Fear on Penyal des Migdia

After a few successful longer climbs Toby and I set our sights on the Espolon Aries. A route that even though it needs to be protected with trad gear looked like a fairly chill outing: We could not have been more wrong!

Climbing

The Cova des Genet: Hidden in plain sight

The steep eastern coast of Mallorca is peppered with caves of all sizes. And the specially rugged area around the popular bay Cala Varques is no different. However, needing a rope to get in and out makes the Cova des Genet secluded even if it's so close to this sometimes crowded destination.

Climbing

Via „La Comon“ on El Paredon: A multipitch jewel on Mallorca

The 300 meter high triangle sea of rock of El Paredon does call out for any climber who puts eyes on it - and I was no different. But it took a bit of research and the right partner to actually give it a proper try.

Climbing

Exploring the beautiful and slightly technical Cova de na Mitjana

After some cool climbing adventures Wolf and I made the most of the turning winter weather on Mallorca by seeking out a lesser known cave in the north east of the island that can only be accessed by a bit of scrambling and a rappel into the main cavern.

Climbing

Climbing an unlikely trad line up the Puig d´Alaró

In our quest to discover and climb multi pitches on Mallorca Wolf and I attempted a very interesting line close to the village of Alaró on the foot of the Tramuntana. With only a rough topo and a single photo of the route Pepe Ramon we knew this would be quite the adventure.

Climbing

Multi pitch climbing at the Wildangerwandl crag in the famous Wilder Kaiser

During our explorations of the alps south of Rosenheim we had to visit the stunning Wilder Kaiser range. However as we did not want to stretch our skills and luck too far we decided on checking out the Wildangerwandl - a true alpine sport crag.

Climbing

Ma. Mountains silence the mind.

The Japanese word „Ma“ can be translated as negative space, the concept of silence or the potential for thoughts or things to develop. This text speaks about how being outside in nature silences the noise and clutter of the mind and makes space for real experiences and a clearer view insight.

Climbing

Don’t Rush! Don’t Dawdle! A week of sport and multi pitch climbing on Mallorca

After having evangelized for the climbing on the island a newish friend from Germany decided to take my word for it and visit for a week right after Christmas. The goal: Climb as much rock and catch as much sun as possible those few days!

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Quan es fa fosc - Albahida variation (Sa Gubia)

Tl:Dr: A steeper variation of THE multipitch classic in the Sa Gubia crag on Mallorca. The harder pitches are bolted while the rest needs to be protected.

Climbing

The Agulla d´es Frare: Real alpine climbing on Mallorca!

Hiking, wayfinding, scrambling, climbing with the bare minimum of protection, rappelling, a real mountain setting - all that in one go is what needs to be dealt with when attempting this stunning rock tower. Or as my climbing partner Wolf would say: „A tour for the complete Alpinist.“

Climbing

Obeying the Law of Desire

The Sa Gubia crag on Mallorca is well known for its stunning setting and high quality climbing - and the seven pitch La Ley del Deseo is among the jewels here. Sustained climbing up to grade 6a on high quality rock with tons of exposure - my kind of jam!

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Pixarells - Tramuntana Bouldering

Tl:Dr: The bouldering spot on Mallorca! Tons of mostly hard problems on very interesting rock in a very unique and beautiful setting.

vanlife

Into the heart of the Picos de Europa

Most people associate the name Picos de Europa with a very specific part of these mountains: The central massif including the Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes. Our van trip brought us into this heart of the Picos as well and we fell in love with the rugged landscape.

vanlife

Agüero - Not just Riglos light!

The 300 meter towers of Riglos are both visible from kilometers away and very well known by fans of multi pitch climbing in Spain and beyond. However just a village over there is Agüero with its own Mallos that are just that bit smaller and less intimidating - but as beautiful and unique.

vanlife

Maraña - An outdoor enthusiasts dream playground

Our van based exploration of the regions of northern Spain brought us into the mountains of León and to the small village of Maraña. Sitting in a beautiful pastoral valley right at the foot of the Mampodre mountains, this place is a gem for hikers, climbers and anyone looking to get away from it.

Climbing

Climbing on wild rock above the Bizkaia

The northern coast of Spain is known for its bizarre steep coastline and unforgiving Atlantic weather. And this provides the backdrop for a fantastic little climbing sector that we explored during our travels in the region.

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Cala Gat (East Coast DWS)

Tl:Dr: Nice, if somewhat busy, bay with some medium height rocks close to the beach. Good spot for a day at the beach with some climbing.

Climbing

South of Rosenheim: Sport climbing in Flintsbach, Ruhpolding and Zellerwand

Besides ticking off some cool alpine climbs in the Chiemgau alps we also took the chance to check out a few of the local sport crags that offer single and short multi pitch lines with very short approaches.

Climbing

A stunning line up the Staffelstein

Besides the classic Kampenwand traverse there are many other cool climbs to be done close to the main ridge. The Staffelstein is a prominent and striking rock tower that overlooks the Chiemsee and has several lines leading to the top. We chose one of the Nordwest Kante and enjoyed it profusely.

Climbing

A real alpine classic: The Kampenwand traverse

The many towers of the Kampenwand draw a striking line across the sky that can be seen from miles away in the Bavarian flatlands. The traverse from west to east is a classic technical route that combines climbing, scrambling and rappeling in a perfect alpine setting.

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Cala Provençal Bouldering

Steep and juggy boulders with sandy landings in a bizarre setting right by the sea on the east coast of Mallorca.

vanlife

In the shadow of Monviso

Our travels through this part of the Alps brought us over to Italy and the source valley of the river Po to continue our eclectic mix of outdoor activities.

vanlife

Exploring the Vallée de Vésubie

Like its cousin the Roya valley over the mountains to the east the Valley of the Vesubie river has much to offer to the outdoor orientated visitor. Tons of peaks, curious wildlife and twisty mountain roads provide more than enough to do!