"Hanging out in harmony with nature" in the land of a thousand mountains

In addition to exciting high ropes courses, more and more climbers are looking forward to rock climbing opportunities close to home. Thanks to the initiative of the German Alpine Club DAV, almost 15 climbing areas with different levels of difficulty have already been developed in the Sauerland. These routes are ideally equipped with bolts for sport climbing and can be reached quickly and easily via short footpaths.

Many more tips on climbing in the Sauerland and especially on the individual climbing areas, including current topos, can be found under the following links:

Kletterarena - Climbing in the Sauerland

Deutscher Alpenverein NRW/Landesverband NRW

Rock information of the DAV

In addition to genuine climbing enjoyment, fun and training, ecological aspects also play an important role when climbing in the Sauerland. The climbing areas were developed by the Gummersbach section of the DAV and in particular by the Hochsauerland section of the DAV, whichalso feel responsible for "their" climbing areas. The two DAV sections invest a lot of time in development and maintenance, but especially in applied nature conservation. Their particular concern is thepreservation of the ecological value of the rock biotopes in order to maintain the opportunities for this fascinating sport in the Sauerland in the long term. We would also like to ask you to support us in preserving the beautiful climbing opportunities and to take a few tips on nature-friendly climbing to heart:

Climbing and nature conservation

Climbing in nature is fun and a great experience. An intact natural environment is an important prerequisite for beautiful climbing experiences. To ensure that this remains the case in the long term, climbers in particular should protect nature and behave responsibly in the great outdoors. Therefore, please follow the instructions below so that many generations of climbers can continue to enjoy the rocks in nature as a place for recreation and sporting experiences.
The rocks of the low mountain ranges are also home to a variety of rare plants and animals. They have often specialized in the living conditions and are dependent on these locations. In particularly sensitive rock areas, differentiated regulations within the framework of so-called climbing concepts ensure the compatibility of nature conservation and climbing sports. Climbers play their part by observing a few important rules.

Please support nature-friendly climbing:

• If possible, form carpools for the journey
• Do not drive on closed paths with cars and park considerately
• Use access paths and do not leave the paths
• Preserve plants and do not damage them; do not step on rock faces
• Do not make wild fires or camp
• Observe current climbing regulations and temporary closures (e.g. due to bird breeding).
• Only use deflection chains for abseiling, when top-roping let the rope run through its own carabiner
• Welcome: Use local businesses such as guesthouses, cafés and restaurants for overnight stays and meals
• Do not leave any garbage behind and dispose of "other people's" garbage if necessary.
• Do not set up neuro routes or coordinate with the developers
• Do not soil, smear or deface nature or the rocks

The climbing and mountaineering associations have also issued instructions for bouldering in order to make climbing as environmentally friendly as possible. These instructions naturally also apply to climbing:

• Use magnesia sparingly and remove it by brushing after bouldering if possible
• Leave the areas after dark to protect the animals
• Be considerate of nature, avoid noise as much as possible
• Do not develop heavily overgrown rocks and maintain protected rock vegetation

Source: http://www.kletterarena.info/klettern_naturschutz.php