It should be possible to climb two bridge pillars of the Felsenau Viaduct in Bern this summer. 8 to 16 climbing routes are planned. The approximately 2000 climbing holds, 5000 concrete screws and 200 bolts required for this are not yet fully financed. Anyone interested can support the project via crowdfunding until May 5th.
The SAC Bern has been working on the climbing project on the Felsenau Viaduct for three years. On the inside of the 45 high bridge pillars, 8 to 16 climbing routes with difficulty levels 5a to 7a will be created. The project is now well advanced and should become reality this summer.
The financing of the route building materials, i.e. climbing holds, bolts and concrete screws, is not yet completely secured. That's why the SAC Bern has one Crowdfunding brought to life.
Sustainable exercise offerings and meeting places
Those responsible answer the question of why this project should be supported as follows: “The bridge climbing project on the Felsenau Viaduct is intended not only to create climbing routes, but also to enable a unique connection between the city and nature. The attractive location close to the city and directly on the banks of the Aare makes this location special.”
The aim is to create not only a new and sustainable exercise offering for climbing enthusiasts of all ages, but also a new place of community.
SAC section Bern
Security is guaranteed
The climbing routes are intended for experienced climbers with difficulty levels 5a to 7a. The Bern section of the SAC is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the climbing routes. There is a comprehensive safety concept for the use of the system. As with any public sports facility, you do this at your own risk.
The pillars of the motorway viaduct in Felsenau meet the climbing requirements very well. “The location is very attractive due to its location close to the city, right next to the Aare,” says Sophie Bigler, project manager for the Bern section of the SAC, in a joint press release with the Directorate for Education, Social Affairs and Sport.
«Climbing outside often involves a long journey. We are very pleased that the urban project has been realized and that a long-standing need of Bernese climbers has been met.”
Sophie Bigler, project manager for the Bern section of the SAC
The preliminary investigations for the climbing walls on the viaduct were completed in 2020 with a positive fundamental decision from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) as the property owner and the Federal Office of Culture as the contact person with regard to monument protection. The building application was submitted in February 2023. The legally binding building permit has been available since August 21, 2023.
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Credits: Cover photo SAC Section Bern