When it comes to deep water soloing, everyone thinks first of the Psicobloc Mecca of Mallorca. But this type of climbing can also be practiced in Switzerland. In this article we show you the best Swiss DWS spots.
A post by
Fabian Reichle
Bächli mountain sports
The content specialist at Bächli Bergsport is himself an enthusiastic mountain athlete and enjoys being outdoors as often as possible. Benefit from our experience and take advantage of our expert advice. We are looking forward to your visit!
Deep water soloing, i.e. climbing without a rope over deep water, is considered to be one of the most original forms of climbing. Climbing legend Chris Sharma not only made DWS popular with his first ascent of Es Pontas in 2006, but also catapulted the Mediterranean island of Mallorca into the center of international attention. But it doesn't always have to be Mallorca. You can also climb above the water in Switzerland, albeit a little more moderately. With Urban-DWS, the inland is even ahead of Mallorca - more on that later.
Depending on the water level, the quality of the drop zone can vary. Always make sure on site that the water below the rocks is deep enough and that there are no dangerous objects in it.
Deep Water Soloing in Switzerland – The Spots
Lake Thun, Sundlauenen
If you want to move around the rock without a harness or safety hook, you will find a wonderful spot for deep water soloing at Sundlauenen on Lake Thun. There is a rock ledge near the Beatus Caves tourist attraction that offers exciting DWS routes. From 5c to 7c everyone will find their project. The route Laktator (7a) is highly recommended.
DWS spot Sundlauenen: access, topo, coordinates
- Space: From the Pilgerweg bus stop, follow the paved hiking trail to the landing stage by the lake (5 minutes). From there you paddle around 200 meters along the rock face in the direction of Thun.
- Climbing Difficulty Ridge (French scale): 5c to 7c
- Route length: 2 meters (transverse) to 12 meters.
- orientation: south
- Best season: midsummer
- Starting point: Bus stop Pilgerweg
- Top: A topo to the deep water soloing area Sundlauenen can be found on the Website slack-line.ch
Lake Brienz, Iseltwald
At Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, the Swiss professional climber Silvan Schüpbach and others have opened up a beautiful DWS sector with 20 to 30 meter long routes from 5b to 7a+. In order to reach this, a rowing boat is an advantage, since the starting point and the rock ledge are about 2 kilometers apart. A little advance warning: the water temperature in Lake Brienz is often lower than in Lake Thun.
DWS spot Iseltwald: access, topo, coordinates
- Space: Motorway A8 Lattigen towards Looper, take exit 28 Iseltwald. Coordinates parking lot: 46°42'37"N, 7°57'52"E. From Iseltwald by rowing boat along the bank to the wall.
- Climbing Difficulty Ridge (French scale): 5b to 7a
- wall height: 8 to 15 meters.
- orientation: south
- Best season: midsummer
- Starting point: Iseltwald
- Top: A topo for Iseltwald deep water soloing area offers Edition Filidor for free download
Walensee, Unterbetlis
On the northern shore of Lake Walen, a good four kilometers from Weesen, there is a rock formation with compact but often sharp rock due to the fine water grooves. The approximately 30 meter long traverse is good for warming up, but is not very interesting from a climbing point of view due to the regular contact with the local flora. More exciting is the west-facing main wall, on which you can climb up to a height of around 12 meters on various lines in technical wall climbing.
Compact rock and safe jump area invite you to DWS climbing at Lake Walen. On the fine-grained wall, you can often grab courageously. The traverse offers easy climbing but is technically less rewarding. The clear water of Lake Walen invites you to swim. 
Three possible lines, with red being easier, green and blue being a little harder.
DWS spot Unterbetlis: access, topo, coordinates
- Space: Driveway from Weesen towards Beetlis. Park along the Seestrasse or at the idyllic pool in front of the Stralegg mountain ruins. From Seebeizli, note the access regulations due to the narrow road. From the Betlis jetty, it's about 400 meters by SUP or boat along the shore to the wall.
- Climbing Difficulty Ridge (French scale): In the sixth, possibly lower 7th level of difficulty
- Route length: 8 to 12 meters, traverse approx. 30 meters.
- orientation: south
- Best season: midsummer
- Starting point: Stralegg
Bern, Urban DWS
In contrast to the Psicobloc Mecca of Mallorca, Switzerland can boast of Urban-DWS. An example of this is the blood tower in the federal capital Bern, where you can climb structures steeped in history directly above the Aare. Other potential lines are in legendary Bern Bouldering Guide by Dr. bomb & dr bear described. And if you wander around with open eyes and a creative spirit, you will discover many other DWS delicacies.
DWS spot blood tower: Access, topo, coordinates
- Space: bike or public transport
- Climbing Degree of Difficulty (Dr. Bomb Scale): medium
- dr Bomb Legality Scale: Blood tower: legal
- Route length: 7 meters.
About Bächli mountain sports
Bächli mountain sports is the leading Swiss specialist store for climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, hiking, ski touring and snowshoeing. Bächli Bergsport currently offers its customers expert advice and high-quality service at 13 locations in Switzerland. Bächli Bergsport publishes on Lacrux at regular intervals exciting contributions to the topics climbing, bouldering and mountaineering.
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About Bächli mountain sports
Bächli mountain sports has been the leading Swiss specialist store for climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, hiking, ski touring and snowshoeing since 1974. Bächli Bergsport currently offers its customers expert advice and high-quality service at 13 locations in Switzerland. Published on LACRUX Bächli mountain sports periodically exciting contributions to the topics climbing, bouldering and mountaineering.