Patrons of Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, enjoy a morning climb on Aug. 17, 2024. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Trying to find an activity that satiates my need for outdoor adventure becomes difficult as the cooler months in Bavaria approach, so I’ve been increasingly looking to indoor spots.
Boulderhalle E4, a climbing gym in the heart of Nuremberg, was exactly what I had in mind. With more than 32,000 square feet of intricate walls, it’s one of the largest bouldering centers in the country, according to the company’s website.
Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, offers hundreds of climbing routes with a wide range of difficulty. It is one of the largest indoor climbing gyms in Germany, according to the company website. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
I decided to drag along a friend who also had minimal experience bouldering, and as two amateur climbers, we didn’t know what to expect.
We were greeted by a pristine, modern gym with a small bistro. Tables and booths were set among the check-in area, with a shop carrying clothes and climbing gear.
Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, has climbing equipment available for sale or rent. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, offers rental equipment for a small fee. It also has training areas for advanced climbers. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, offers hundreds of climbing routes and more than 32,000 square feet of space. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Staffers at E4 were very friendly as they helped us purchase a discounted day pass and rent the appropriate gear: a chalk bag and climbing shoes.
They took care in explaining the seven beginner to expert grading levels we would come across, along with the safety measures.
Patrons of Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, enjoy a morning climb on Aug. 17, 2024. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Color-coordinated tags identify the difficulty of the routes, which are changed every week. My friend and I settled on the intermediate courses and found them to be perfect for our skill level.
While resting between climbs, I observed the range of patrons, from small groups of semiprofessional climbers traversing the most difficult routes to kids unloading their energy with their families.
My friend and I spent about two hours at the gym. At one point, we wandered off to explore one of two upstairs training areas, where there were training walls, pull-up bars and TRX bands for more experienced climbers.
After expending ourselves to the point of being unable to grasp another hold, we decided to call it a day and head to the bistro for some snacks.
The bistro at Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, sells snacks and drinks. It's a nice place to chill after the exertion of a climbing session. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, has assorted amenities in addition to its climbing walls. The routes are changed every week. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
A bistro offering snacks and drinks is one of the amenities for customers at Boulderhalle E4, an indoor climbing gym in Nuremberg, Germany. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Although it didn’t have any to-go cups for coffee, I eyed a fridge with a few bottled beers and wines, which may have piqued my interest had it not been mid-morning on a Saturday. I settled on purchasing a few specialty protein bars for the one-hour drive home.
Boulderhalle E4 offered an array of climbing challenges that I’m eager to visit again throughout the upcoming winter. It will definitely tide me over until the hiking trails beckon in the spring.
Boulderhalle E4 in Nuremberg, Germany, boasts more than 32,000 square feet of space and hundreds of climbing routes, which are changed weekly. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Boulderhalle E4
Address: Allersberger Strasse 185, Nuremberg, Germany
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
.Prices: Adults, 14 euros (military discount available); children, 7 euros (2-5 years old), 9 euros (6-13 years old); shoe rental, 4 euros; chalk bag, 2 euros
Information: Phone: +49 911 49042202; online: boulderhalle-e4.de
