Temperatures are rising, and the pleasant, cool conditions are fading with every passing hour as the day goes on.
When the sun beats down on the rock face and the sweat starts pouring off you, your whole body is crying out for a cool-down. It’s perfect when there’s a cool dip nearby and you can round off your day’s climbing with a bit of ‘climb and swim’. We’re introducing you to five Rock Climbing Areas that boast a lake right on their doorstep.
It is not for nothing that Lake Achensee is known as the ‘Sea of the Tiroleans’. There are several new Rock Climbing Areas around the lake – and the countless Rock Climbing Areas high above the lake, around the Rofan cable car, offer yet more climbing opportunities in abundance.
1.Achenseehof Rock Climbing Area
Perfect for children and Beginners: the 20 or so routes are all rated Level of Difficulty 3, with a dihedral rated Level of Difficulty 4 as the highlight.
2.Bärenkopf Rock Climbing Area
A small Rock Climbing Area in Maurach with routes up to Level of Difficulty 6 – very well suited to anyone who prefers a moderate level of difficulty.
The Grauwand Rock Climbing Area in the Rofan Mountains offers 37 distinct routes on excellent limestone, mostly vertical to slightly overhanging and requiring a fair amount of technical skill. The south-facing Rock Climbing Area, which is up to 30 metres high, has only recently been completely refurbished and offers routes ranging from 5c to 8a. The Grauwand was one of the first Rock Climbing Areas in the Rofan.
4.Grubastiege Rock Climbing Area
This beautiful, 15-metre-high wall lies just off the path to the Rofanspitze. The rock is dotted with water-carved grooves and sharp ‘beer-handle’ holds, and offers 10 routes of fairly moderate Levels of Difficulty. Thanks to the convenient gondola ride down to the valley, the cool waters are quickly reached.
The Kufsteinerland region, centred around the beautiful town of Kufstein, is regarded as the gateway to the Tirolean Alps. Away from the Wilder Kaiser range, there are some interesting sport climbing opportunities here for the height of summer – with the chance to cool off in the idyllic swimming lake.
5. Morsbach Rock Climbing Area
The Morsbach Rock Climbing Area is regarded as one of the oldest in Tirol. The difficult routes are of historical significance, but the slightly easier ones are also highly recommended. After climbing, the Pfrillsee is the perfect place to cool off.
Tips & Safety
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