Europe  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  49.0379, 10.8105 Map Page Views:  1,265,689. Good page? (3 likes)    Administrator:  Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Monomaniac on Jan 26, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New Guidebooks (14)  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Europe

Description 

The birthplace of our beloved pastime, the European continent is home to the world's most legendary & historic climbing venues. The Continent offers world-class destinations for all types of climbers, and many lifetimes of cultural activities to fill those pesky rest-days. Boulderers will enjoy the slopey sandstone of Fontainebleau, or the granite of Switzerland, Alpinists & Mountaineers the glaciated peaks & ice-covered walls of The Alps. Big wall climbers can enjoy the Dolomites of northern Italy, the granite cracks of Chamonix, or the sculpted limestone of Verdon. Trad climbers will be hard-pressed to find more stringent ethics or more impressive summits than those of the Elbsandstein or the Czech Republic. Vacationing sport climbers have an unlimited supply of top-notch limestone at their fingertips, be it the long gentle overhangs of Ceuse, the burly bulges of Frankenjura, or the confounding stalagtites of Kalymnos. The new generation of 'psycobloc' enthusiasts can test their mettle on the seacliffs of Croatia & Mallorca.

Getting There 

Travel to Europe is simple but expensive. Most European airports are easy to navigate, with most signs printed in English as well as the native language. In most countries, some knowledge of the language is helpful, but usually a simple phrasebook & good grunting skills will suffice. A rental car will be beneficial for most trips to Europe. Many US rental companies operate in Europe, but are relatively expensive. Consider using a local provider to save a few Euros.

Travel Information 

A valid passport is absolutely mandatory for all foreign travel from the US. Details on how to obtain a passport can be found here.

Virtually all European countries are party to the "Schengen Agreement", which means a visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, visit the US State Department's Country Specific Page at the early planning stage, for precise info regarding visas, vaccinations, or any other requirements.

Most European countries are part of the European Union, and use the Euro for currency. Current exchange rates can be found here.

The Classics

Featured Route For Europe

Bella Vista Direkt 5.11c/d  International : Europe : ... : Moritzer Turm

Climb Bella Vista, which is a 7-, but where keep to the direct bolt line where it gets more difficult.After climbing for about 50 or so feet, the route heads up and to the right for another 40 or so feet of climbing....[more]   Browse More Classics in International