Europe is home to many classic climb trips. There are several mountain ranges conveniently spread all around the small continent, so wherever you are you should have a good climb within a few hours drive. Apart from the Alps, you can find good rock climbing in Greenland, Russia’s Caucacus Range, the Scottish Highlands and many other destinations. You can even find some decent glacier or ice climbs around some of the highest peaks.
- Ulamertorsuaq, Greenland This 3,000 foot granite rock face, nicknamed the Big Cylinder, near Tasermiut Fjord in South Greenland is a favorite of many great climbers, but expect to shell out big bucks to get there.
- Sardinia, Italy This small Italian island is quickly becoming Europe’s climbing paradise. Head to Gennargentu national park for several multi-pitch routes on limestone rock faces that hover above the Mediterranean.
- Dolomites, Italy Italy’s Dolomites are home to many good climbing spots from the limestone crags to the highest glacier climb in Italy and the Via Classica route on Marmolada’s South Face. It’s a good introduction to the sport without having to be overly technical.
- Lofoten Islands, Norway This small island chain 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle are home to some of the best climbing in all of Europe. The mountains here only rise a little more than 3,280 feet above sea level, but their setting right out of the ocean signifies a dramatic climb.
- Kalymnos, Greece Although the limestone crags on the island of Kalymnos have only been being climbed for the past decade or so, it is already one of the best known spots along the Aegean Sea. There are more than 800 routes, the majority being mid-level grades.
- Frontier Ridge, France “The Kuffner” sits on Mount Maudit in the French Alps in view of Mont Blanc. It’s an easy climb, one of Europe’s best, but the mix of snow, ice, rock, and altitude makes any experienced climber think twice.
- Glymsgil, Iceland Compared to Box Canyon in Colorado as one of the world’s best ice climbing destinations. Dozens of good routes exist, with the best conditions from December to February.
- Múlafjall, Iceland The best ice climbing near Reykjavík has around a 1.5 mile long cliff face with dozens of routes of varying grades.
- Samaria Gorge, Crete Above the Samaria Gorge, there are a dozen or so difficult courses ranging from 1,300-2,600 feet in height at Gigilos.
- Cullen Ridge, Scotland This ridge on the Isle of Sky has more than 30 peaks, none of which are overly high in altitude or difficult. It’s a good place for some basic climbing where little can go wrong.
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