Swiss Granite & Limestone

Rock climbing in Switzerland offers some of the most stunning and diverse routes in the Alps, with granite and limestone cliffs that attract climbers from around the world. The Alpstein combines breathtaking scenery with accessible multi-pitch climbs, while the towering walls of the Wendenstöcke challenge experienced climbers with their steep, technical routes.

The Furka Pass offers high-altitude granite with sweeping alpine views, and the Salbit area is famous for its dramatic spires and classic ridges, including the iconic Salbit South Ridge. Whether you are after single-pitch routes or long, rewarding climbs, we choose the area — Alpstein, Furka, Grimsel, Salbit or Orny — to suit your goals, experience and the weather.

Central Switzerland, area by area

The Uri valleys are the part of Switzerland I know best, and the part I recommend most often. The granite is a match for Chamonix, the approaches are shorter and the routes are far emptier. Three areas cover most of what you would want from a week, and we can move between them as the weather decides.

Salbitschijen is the serious one — three great ridges and long routes on the tower walls, with honest grades and an alpine commitment. The Furkapass sits higher, with glacier approaches, alpine ridges and bolted plaisir within reach of the bus stop. Göscheneralp is the friendliest, a plaisir area around the Bergseehütte where a first multi-pitch route and a rest day both work.