Jura / Vaud Prealps Rock Climbing

The Jura / Vaud Prealps region forms Switzerland’s broad northern limestone belt, extending from Basel near the German border to Lake Geneva and the Vaud Prealps above Bex. It links the rolling, forested hills of the Jura Mountains with the towering limestone peaks of the western Alps, offering a striking contrast to the high alpine granite farther south.

Compact limestone dominates, featuring vertical to slightly overhanging faces, pockets, and sharp edges. Many crags are well-bolted sport cliffs, with grades ranging from friendly 5a slabs to steep 8b+ testpieces. The area is also known for its long climbing history — some of Switzerland’s earliest bolted routes are found here.