Kletterzentrum Südwand

Lead climbing south of Vienna

Kletterzentrum Südwand in Perchtoldsdorf, just across the Vienna border from Liesing, is an Alpenverein (ÖAV) climbing centre that opened in June 2010. It is a roped climbing hall first: 1,200 m² of lead walls in a hall 18 metres high, with routes up to 20 metres long, 65 rope lines (12 of them with fixed top ropes), four auto-belay stations and about 150 routes from UIAA III to X. Three bouldering rooms add 300 m² of bouldering, and the hall is air-conditioned.

Before you climb

The centre is open every day from 09:00 to 22:00. Register before your first visit (registering online saves queueing) and collect a rechargeable chip card at the till of the Freizeitzentrum Perchtoldsdorf. By registering you confirm that you can boulder, top-rope, lead and hold a fall; untrained climbers need the signature of the person who instructs them and takes responsibility for them. Tube-style belay devices are only allowed once you've shown you can use them, assisted-braking devices are recommended, and a partner check is required before every climb. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult, and under-18s need a parent's signature. Shoes, harnesses and ropes can be hired, but not belay devices.

Courses and getting there

Courses cover children, teenagers and adults at basic and advanced level, with holiday courses, private and group coaching and children's birthday parties. Take the S-Bahn or a bus to Liesing station, then bus 256 towards Gießhübl to the Perchtoldsdorf Erholungszentrum stop beside the hall; a cycle path runs from Liesing station, with plenty of bike stands outside.