With the new 164ft wall at a hotel in Nevada, it’s the perfect time to showcase some of the coolest climbing walls across the globe. Faith Norris from Low-Cost Holidays has highlighted the top 10, so get ready for the climb!
At the Whitney Park Hotel in Reno, you can find a 164ft climbing wall right on the side of the building. It’s as tall as four double-decker buses! Both hotel guests and the public can climb and enjoy the views over Reno. There are even two walls side-by-side for those who want to race.
Best warm-up: Do some cardio to boost your stamina. Running and rowing are great choices to strengthen your arms and improve your cardiovascular fitness. Aim for 30 minutes, three times a week for a month before your trip.
In Switzerland, the Diga di Luzzone is a 540ft high dam turned into the world’s tallest climbing wall. Climbers face the dam’s sheer face that holds 108 million cubic meters of water!
Best warm-up: Challenge yourself on a local climbing wall using just one color of wall stone. Also, do three sets of 30 squats, three times a week for three to four weeks.
Gutovka Park in Prague has the largest outdoor climbing wall in the Czech Republic. It’s 265ft in diameter, 50ft in height, and offers 85 different climbs. The park also includes an ice rink, skate park, and treetop adventure course.
Best warm-up: Strengthen your grip by using a squeeze ball and lift small weights to improve arm strength.
In Marymoor Park, Washington, there’s a smaller but challenging wall, especially due to the upside-down sections requiring strong upper body strength. The park also features a velodrome for cycling enthusiasts.
Best warm-up: Push-ups help improve core and arm strength. Start with five sets of 20, three times a week and increase if it gets too easy.
Tokyo’s Illoiha fitness center offers an Alice in Wonderland-inspired wall using deer heads, picture frames, mirrors, and birdcages instead of rocks.
Best warm-up: Practice climbing without a rope since this wall doesn’t provide harnesses. Just be careful.
In Holland, the Excalibur wall stands 125ft tall and is known for combining art and sport. It’s the tallest free-standing wall and provides a stunning panoramic view.
Best warm-up: Lots of push-ups are necessary. Start with five sets of 20, three times a week. Boxercise classes can also help improve arm strength and cardio fitness.
Manchester’s St Benedict’s Church was saved from demolition and turned into a unique climbing arena, with a highest point of 66ft, allowing climbers to appreciate the stained glass windows.
Best warm-up: Do three sets of 20 bench dips for four weeks before your climb, and include some cardio exercises to prepare for a full day of climbing.
The University of Twente in Enschede has a climbing wall built up the side of a building, perfect for students to practice their climbing skills.
Best warm-up: Planking for two minutes a day helps improve core stability and strength.
Auckland’s Extreme Edge Climbing Centre is great for kids, with 30 themed walls including a dinosaur skeleton, giant beanstalk, and pirate ship!
Best warm-up: Shoulder shrugs are effective. Start with three sets of ten repetitions on a low weight and gradually increase.
In Germany, an abandoned nuclear plant cooling tower has been turned into a 130ft climbing wall in Wunderland theme park. Inside, there’s a huge swing ride for thrill-seekers.
Best Warm-Up: Wide grip chin-ups are excellent for upper body and core strength. Complete five sets of ten reps three times a week for a few weeks before your climb.
These are some of the world’s coolest climbing walls, from unique structures to recycled buildings turned into climber’s paradises. Have you visited any of these, or do you have other recommendations? Share your thoughts below!