The most beautiful climbing areas for beginners around Basel

In Basel you can not just celebrate carnival, go swimming in the Rhine, in the Zolli (the Basel Zoo) or live through the museum night. No, even climbers will get their money's worth in Basel and the surrounding area. Here is a selection of climbing spots in easy to medium difficulty.

A contribution by Hannes Ebding - Bächli Bergsport

With an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year, you could think that Basel is in Tuscany. It doesn't work, but it doesn't matter either. Located in the border triangle between Switzerland, Germany and France, the city has a lot to offer and is an ideal starting point for climbing tours.

Pelzli - exposed climbing in the 6th level of difficulty

Thumbs up for the Pelzli! In the truest sense of the word: the “Big Thumb” can be climbed exposed in the 6th level of difficulty. But that is only one of a total of six limestone-shaped sectors. The sectors are located in an enchanted landscape with grottos, caves and blocks. A new look opens up around every corner and there is a lot to discover. The easier routes are a bit greasy and worn, which shouldn't bother you in view of the selection, possibilities and atmosphere. Regardless of whether it is a crack, wall, intersection or chimney - there is something for everyone. Definitely worth a visit.

+ + The topo to the area is in the climbing guide Plaisir Jura ++

Schauenburger Fluh - Sinter, handles, holes, pliers and slopers

So close yet so far. If you turn around while climbing in the Schauenburgerfluh, you will see the Alps when visibility is good - which inevitably makes every climber's heart beat faster. And it was probably the same with the Romans, because on the top of the Fluh they built a temple, which with its view is not only popular with climbers. But enough wandered into the distance. Back to the topic: climbing! Yes, you can do that here. And how! Wall height: sporty 35 m. Rock: limestone. And what a! The sintered structures offer handles, holes, pincer handles and slippery slopers. Variety is the order of the day. You should definitely “attack” the “Angenstein intersection” and the “stalactite crack”.

+ + The topo to the area is in the climbing guide Plaisir Jura ++

Schartenfluh (Gempen) - technical climbing in compact rock

If you let your gaze wander in Basel, you will see the limestone walls of the Schartenfluh in the distance. And if you are still a climber, you will hardly be able to escape the spell and will soon attract your finches to the compact rock with holes and hourglasses. On the Sandührliwand you can enjoy technically beautiful hole climbing all year round. And if you have exhausted yourself, you will find a nice restaurant with a great view over Basel directly above the climbing area. And there is an even better view for one franc from the Gempenturm. And as if that weren't more than enough great reasons to hitchhike to hitchhike, it should be mentioned that a highline can be set up with a telescope not far from the viewing platform (bolts available). Just be careful: the restaurant owner doesn't understand jokes - so it's better to park a bit in front of the restaurant along the street.

+ + The topo to the area is in the climbing guide Plaisir Jura ++

Todtnau (swimming pool rock) - the perfect combination of climbing and swimming fun

It's not very far from Basel to the southern Black Forest. Only over the border and in just under 50 minutes by car you are in Todtnau at the swimming pool rock - a top equipped climbing garden. Although you are not necessarily protected from the sun everywhere here, you have the outdoor pool right under your feet. First climb and then bathe - this is how you can really enjoy yourself. And as if that weren't enough, the Gasthaus Waldeck with its sun terrace invites you to refresh yourself afterwards. And if that's still not enough for you, you can still take the via ferrata, which is partly exposed but never really difficult, meandering through the vertical gneiss walls. And last but not least, as a climbing tip - "Black Jack"! The absolute classic in the area. The most beautiful vertical bars with a cooling view of the outdoor pool.

+ + The topo to the area is available in the climbing guide Schwarzwald: Band Süd ++

Albbruck - over 130 routes

Albbruck - another pearl in the southern Black Forest. Even the enchanted trail along the babbling Alb to the rocks makes the journey worthwhile. But at the latest when you see the imposing gneiss walls you will almost inevitably be catapulted into the sport climbing heaven. Grippy, beautifully structured rock, blocky and angular and up to 30 m high. The distances between the hooks are pure and thanks to the high canopy of leaves and the cool river, it is easy to endure here even in summer. And with over 130 routes there is something for everyone. In the 5 class, “Steinbeisser” and “Goldfinger” are an absolute must. And if things can go a bit faster (editor's note: swiftly like "pull"), "Lineatus" and "Tailwind" should definitely be attacked.

++ The topo to the area is in the climbing guide Plaisir Jura ++

gueberschwihr - Climbing on the red sandstone

As we learned at the beginning, Basel is in the tri-border region - and then there may be "Natural element" a French climbing area is not missing. Gueberschwihr is a romantic wine-growing village in the midst of beautiful vineyards. The lovely ambience of the village immediately creates a relaxed climbing atmosphere. And next to the limestone in the Jura, the gneiss in the Black Forest, there is now red sandstone. Cracks, holes, strips, honeycombs and hangers - everything that sandstone has to offer is combined here. And there are also a lot of bouldering blocks that are hidden in the forest. If you can do a 6b, you should dare to play “Ben Chloe”, a crack to Piazen. And if you get too uncomfortable, you can even set up top ropes here and there.

++ The topo to the area is in the climbing guide Plaisir Jura ++

About Bächli mountain sports

Bächli mountain sports is the leading Swiss specialist shop for climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, hiking, ski touring and snowshoeing. At currently 13 locations in Switzerland, Bächli Bergsport offers its customers expert advice and high-quality service. Published on LACRUX Bächli mountain sports periodically exciting contributions to the topics climbing, bouldering and mountaineering.

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Credits: text Hannes Ebding / Bächli mountain sports, pictures zVg

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