Rock climbing in Belgium
Freyr is the heart and soul of rock climbing in Belgium, but there are many more limestone crags offering excellent sport climbing, at places such as Yvoir, Goyet and Les Rochers des Grands Malades. Most of these limestone crags are situated high above the Sambre and Meuse Rivers in picturesque surroundings.
Map of the main rock climbing areas in Belgium including Freyr
| No | Crag Name | Total No of Routes | Single or Multi Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freyr | 640 | Both |
| 2 | Landelies | 65 | Single |
| 3 | Les Rochers des Grands Malades | 125 | Single |
| 4 | Beez | N/N | Both |
| 5 | Goyet | 85 | Single |
| 6 | Yvoir | 150 | Both |
| 7 | Durnal | 80 | Single |
Rock climbing at Freyr
Freyr is the largest and best rock climbing area in Belgium, with a wide variety of climbing on offer at this great limestone crag. Freyr dominates the River Meuse, and the natural environment is simply fantastic. There is everything from technical slabs, vertical and overhanging rock, with single and multi-pitch routes up to 120m long. With around 640 routes across a wide range of grades (F3 to F8c+), there is something for everyone.
The climbing at Freyr is a collection of towers and buttresses, all within walking distance of each other. The pocketed limestone at Freyr is quite unique and can be hard to read, which has given Freyr a reputation of being hard for the grade. On many of the classic routes there is also a reputation for adventurous run-outs. This means there are often 3 to 4m run-outs after the 3rd bolt on classic routes between F4a and F6b.
The graphic shows the grade split for all the routes at Freyr. There is a wide range of grades at Freyr that are suitable for climbers of all abilities.
Freyr Climbing Beta and Logistics
Guidebook. The Freyr Sport Climbing Guidebook published in 2022 is the comprehensive guidebook for Freyr. It describes 640 routes from F3 to F8c+ and is available to buy from our shop.
Gear required. A 60m rope and 10 to 12 quickdraws are all you need, plus some small wires to avoid the runouts on classic routes.
Season. The best time of the year to climb at Freyr is from April to the end of October, though it can get hot in the summer.
Accommodation. Close to the crag is the Duchesne Refuge that can accommodate 32 people. There is also a camping area though tents are only allowed between 6pm and 10am. Alternatively, there is an official and more family friendly campsite nearby at Pont-a-Lesse.
Access. The Crag is controlled by the local Belgian Alpine Club (CAB - Club Alpin Belge). Climber’s must own a CAB membership card or a membership card of another UIAA federated association.
Another excellent rock climbing destination near Freyr is Berdorf in Luxembourg, find out more…