Summer is finally here and outdoor climbing has been going on for quite some time already, even here in Sweden. You don't have to go abroad to find world-class climbing, you can find it here at home, something that many probably had the chance to explore during the pandemic.
It is in a way quite unique to find so much good outdoor climbing at such a short distance from our major cities, regardless of whether you live in Stockholm, Malmö or Gothenburg, there is great climbing to explore.
If you live in Malmö there is both Kjuge Kull and Kullaberg, if you live in Gothenburg you have everything from Utby to Bohuslän - and everything in between.In Stockholm, there are over 200 different cliffs with several thousand trails. And that's how it looks around most major cities in Sweden, outdoor climbing is right around the corner: bouldering, sports, trad and often grades that appeal to most people, beginners as well as experienced. The season varies, but if you're lucky you can get out and climb all year round in some form.
Sweden is perfect for climbing in the summer as it can be too hot in many other countries, the proximity to swimming and attractions is also a big plus. Thanks to our Allemansrätt, we are also more free to move around in nature, unlike other countries. I can't stress enough the quality that exists here when it comes to climbing in Sweden.
With popularity, of course, the risk of problems with access grows. Don't forget to think twice when choosing how to get to the sectors (carpooling is key), parking, paths and general decency at the cliffs. It is a privilege to be able to climb as we do in these places, on our page for Climbing we address some key points that are always worth thinking about, even as an experienced climber. On some mountains it is already a sensitive access situation and if we do not show respect for these places in the future as well, we may lose them. If you have questions, you can always contact the Swedish Climbing Association (SKF) or the local climbing club. A very good site for information is SKF's access database which contains updated information about many of our mountains.
Together we create a sustainable development for outdoor climbing in Sweden. Personally, I think there is room for everyone and the number of climbers in itself need not be a problem. If it is full on a certain sector there are almost always other options, it is generally good if we spread out so that the pressure is not so high in only a few places and trails.
On Sunday August 20, during Bohusfest, we will have an open discussion together with Bohuslän's Climbing Club (BKK) about the future of climbing in Sweden, where everyone is welcome to participate and come up with questions, views and ideas. Joining and being active in a local climbing club can be of great help in preserving our mountains for the future.
For those of you who have never climbed outdoors, the step doesn't have to be very big from indoors. One thing you can do is to take an outdoor climbing course, where you will learn invaluable lessons that you will then carry with you for the rest of your climbing life. At Bohusfest, K2 legend Rafael Jensen will hold a clinic for those of you who have never tried trad climbing but are curious to try it. You can read about it and many other clinics that we offer under the Clinics tab.
Last but not least, I want to wish everyone a nice and safe climbing summer. I hope to see you on a climbing mountain and of course during Bohusfest in August. This festival is intended for climbers of all levels and backgrounds. It is also for those who do not climb but like music and beautiful nature. It is intended for those of you who do not yet climb but might be keen to try it sometime and want to be inspired by others with similar interests. A meeting place to share experiences, ideas and stories. But above all, an opportunity to see each other and have fun together!
See you!
/Said Belhaj
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