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Best place in Switzerland for 3 days in early July?

Original Post
Josh Schmaltz · · Evergreen, Co. · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 820

Going to have three days in early July, am looking for a good place to climb for a few days. Leaving the rack at home, so it will have to be all bolts. Also, going to need to rent a rope.

We were thinking of getting a place in Interlaken, seems to be a lot of stuff around there, and maybe doing a day trip to Melchsee-Frutt? Any input highly appreciated!

Ryan Williams · · London (sort of) · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,245

Doubt you'll be able to rent a rope. Can't imagine a Swiss (or any European shop) being allowed to rent climbing ropes. You could always rent a guide...

Noah J · · Desert, NM · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 446

Had an amazing time in Zermatt in mid June last year. The Jagihorn is a 1200ish ft moderate (5.6-9) sportily bolted climb and very worth doing, easily done in a day without need for a super early alpine start.

But really. It's Switzerland, there's so much good stuff there you should just pick something fun and roll. I recommend the Filidor and SAC guide books. Helpful to speak some German, French or Italian. English was not universally spoken.

mcarizona · · Flag · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 180

Bulmers was very hospitable in Interlaken and had a guide service when I stayed there. Didnt use them but Bagged my first Alp right up the street (hardefrau?). Im afraid I have to report that i was bitten profusely by bedbugs, but no other complaints. That place is scenic as hell!
Steve

Dan Flynn · · Northeast mostly · Joined May 2009 · Points: 5,065

Don't know about renting ropes, but you for sure have lots of possibilities for sport climbing. Just saw Filidor has a new guidebook just for interlaken. You won't need a book for single-pitch stuff, can often find route name and grade on the base, or ask someone (in English if necessary!).

Melchsee-Frutt is awesome for some very laid-back sport climbing. Nice views, relatively easy access by public transit.

Hintisberg is another great option, although if you don't have a car it will be a bit of a hike up the hill (maybe 1.5hr from the restaurant up to the cliffs). Spectacular views, awesome rock.

Schillingsflue is fun for single-pitch stuff, but you're just in the forest and no great views.

Meiringen apparently has good single-pitch cliffs, and even easier to get to from Interlaken (I didn't climb there, so haven't added them here).

If it's not possible to bring a 60 and draws, guiding is probably the only option. With a guide you could go hit something more alpine, too...

Mike Lydon · · park city, utah · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 0

if you don't have gear, ask around for the via ferratas. My kids and I did a fun one between murren and gimmewald (more of a traverse, but with 1500ft of air below you).

Josh Schmaltz · · Evergreen, Co. · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 820

Thanks for the info everyone! I was looking online a few weeks ago and found a site that rented gear, including ropes. Now I can't find anything and has me wondering if I imagined it.

If we can't find a place to rent a rope, we'll probably bring a rope nearing the end of its life and leave it in Switzerland. We're gonna be traveling in Asia for a few weeks after that and in the words of JJ Cale - Travelin' light is the only way to fly.

Aaron Liebling · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 947

It's easy enough to mail the rope (and whatever else) back to yourself (or a friend if you won't be home any time soon). We did this after after climbing in France last summer.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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