The world`s best climbing wall?
A statement difficult to confirm but no doubt the Aarhus climbing wall is the beginning of a new era.
The boulder island inside the dried out pool. Photo: S. Abad
The project now near completion in the Danish city of Aarhus has represented one of the major and most challenging undertakings Top30 has encountered since the very beginning back in 1992. The design & engineering department as well as the production and installation crews were put to the test but passed. And with the benefit of hindsight we hope to conclude we did it with flying colours.
Although it took us no more than a month to produce the actual bit and pieces, which must be some sort of record, it took 60 days for an 8-men crew to assemble the intricate puzzle. The result is, as mentioned, quite spectacular and the verdict from local climbers is that of universal praise. The artificial wall in Aarhus is greatly varied and offers an almost indefinite possibility for creating routes and problems placing the installation in the forefront of walls worldwide.
Although it took us no more than a month to produce the actual bit and pieces, which must be some sort of record, it took 60 days for an 8-men crew to assemble the intricate puzzle. The result is, as mentioned, quite spectacular and the verdict from local climbers is that of universal praise. The artificial wall in Aarhus is greatly varied and offers an almost indefinite possibility for creating routes and problems placing the installation in the forefront of walls worldwide.
View of and from the boulder island. Photo: Sebastián Abad
A 'recycled' swimming pool
After a few years of 'fist fighting' local authorities and red tape administrators Aarhus Klatreklub managed to be given the exclusive rights to a designated spot for climbing - namely a derelict and unused indoor swimming pool.
After being awarded the contract, the real work began for Top30: to construct a climbing wall and adapt it to the existing building, optimizing all available space and simultaneously keep within the strict parameters marked by the building's features and elements. And not opt for any short cuts or facile options. The result was a jigsaw puzzle without any right angles and with roofs and inclining sections going in all directions...a veritable deviation from the true vertical or horizontal. Additionally boulder sections for all levels, a big outdoor fibreglass boulder, a kids wall....all in all a climber's paradise with a climbable surface of more than 1500 m2 and 10 000 climbing holds.
After a few years of 'fist fighting' local authorities and red tape administrators Aarhus Klatreklub managed to be given the exclusive rights to a designated spot for climbing - namely a derelict and unused indoor swimming pool.
After being awarded the contract, the real work began for Top30: to construct a climbing wall and adapt it to the existing building, optimizing all available space and simultaneously keep within the strict parameters marked by the building's features and elements. And not opt for any short cuts or facile options. The result was a jigsaw puzzle without any right angles and with roofs and inclining sections going in all directions...a veritable deviation from the true vertical or horizontal. Additionally boulder sections for all levels, a big outdoor fibreglass boulder, a kids wall....all in all a climber's paradise with a climbable surface of more than 1500 m2 and 10 000 climbing holds.
The outdoor boulder...obviously. Photo: Sebastián Abad
Inauguration on December 14
These days the last details are added and club members have organized a meet and a competition to put up routes and holds on the giant wall. The big opening and official inauguration is set to the weekend 13 - 14 of December when the club will host the Nordic Championship in difficulty. It is a big happening with climbers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland participating. The event is also an open one with invitations to climbers also from countries outside the Nordic region. None other than Maja Vidmar (Slovenia & Top30 Team) has announced her participation and although she cannot not be hailed as Nordic champion, she must remain hot favourite to top the result list.
Well-known brands like Fixe and Tenaya have already confirmed their support and sponsorship and will contribute by distributing promotional material amongst the participants. We hope an believe the competition will be a super event and wish both Aarhus Klatreklub and the Danish federation every success.
These days the last details are added and club members have organized a meet and a competition to put up routes and holds on the giant wall. The big opening and official inauguration is set to the weekend 13 - 14 of December when the club will host the Nordic Championship in difficulty. It is a big happening with climbers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland participating. The event is also an open one with invitations to climbers also from countries outside the Nordic region. None other than Maja Vidmar (Slovenia & Top30 Team) has announced her participation and although she cannot not be hailed as Nordic champion, she must remain hot favourite to top the result list.
Well-known brands like Fixe and Tenaya have already confirmed their support and sponsorship and will contribute by distributing promotional material amongst the participants. We hope an believe the competition will be a super event and wish both Aarhus Klatreklub and the Danish federation every success.
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