Walden Bouldering

Bouldering in an old textile mill

Walden is an independent bouldering hall close to Ghent's city centre, in the Galveston Building, a textile mill from 1910 that also houses a restaurant, a boxing club and an indoor play area. Founded by two brothers, it opened in December 2024 with about 1,200 m² of climbing. Tall windows let in plenty of daylight and look out towards the city's towers, and a ventilation and filtration system with air conditioning keeps the air fresh.

There are more than 200 problems for every level, from first-timers to competition climbers, on walls up to 4.5 metres above soft mats. New boulders go up every week. For training there is a Kilter Board with an adjustable angle, an XXL spray wall, a crack and a well-equipped fitness room, and a bar looks out over the hall.

Courses and visiting

No booking is needed, though groups of eight or more should email ahead. Beginners can take a one-hour introduction to bouldering before climbing on their own, and four-lesson courses in small groups help climbers move up from the green and yellow circuits to orange and blue. One-off workshops cover topics such as falling, strength training and body positioning. Courses are for over-16s and taught in Dutch. There is also a youth climbing club.

• Children: under-12s climb with an adult, one adult for every two children; birthday parties aren't possible.
• Shoes: bring your own climbing shoes or hire them at the desk.
• Parking: a large car park that is free for up to an hour and a half.
• Open every day, including public holidays, except 25 December and 1 January.