Why climbing is ideal solution for schools, kindergartens and family centers?

in , ,

In today’s world, where children are increasingly spending time indoors and in front of screens, creating engaging and active environments has become more important than ever. Schools, kindergartens, and family entertainment centers are constantly searching for solutions that are not only fun, but also educational, safe, and development-oriented.

One of the most effective and increasingly popular solution are children’s climbing walls.

Climbing walls are no longer just a sports feature—they are a powerful tool for physical development, engagement, and business growth, making them an ideal addition to any child-focused space.

Climbing as a natural form of movement

Climbing is one of the most natural forms of movement for children. From a very early age, children instinctively climb—on playgrounds, furniture, trees, and structures around them. This natural behavior plays a key role in their development.

Climbing helps children engage their entire body while improving balance and coordination, developing strength and flexibility, and enhancing spatial awareness.

By introducing a climbing wall into a school or recreational space, you provide a structured and safe way for children to explore this natural movement.

How climbing walls support child development

Climbing is not just a physical activity—it is also a cognitive and emotional challenge.

While climbing, children must make decisions, solve movement problems, plan their next step and overcome fear. This leads to the development of:
– self-confidence
– concentration
– resilience
– problem-solving skills

Reaching the top of a climbing wall gives children a strong sense of achievement, which positively impacts their self-esteem. Additionally, climbing often involves interaction with others. Whether children are climbing together or taking turns, they learn to trust, to communicate and to cooperate.These are essential life skills that go far beyond physical activity.

Safety first

Safety is one of the most important considerations when installing a climbing wall in schools or kindergartens. Professional climbing walls must comply with the EN 12572 safety standard, which regulates:
– structural design
– materials used
– safety systems
– fall protection

For educational environments, we recommend bouldering walls (low climbing walls) as the best option for children. These systems ensure maximum safety without the need for ropes or harnesses. In indoor settings, soft safety mats provide protection, while outdoor installations use rubber or other impact-absorbing surfaces to reduce the impact of falls.

Regular inspections are essential to ensure long-term safety and performance, including daily visual checks, monthly maintenance, and annual safety inspections. With proper design and maintenance, Citywall climbing walls are a safe and reliable solution for children of all ages.

Flexible solutions for every space

One of the biggest advantages of climbing walls is their flexibility and customization.

Climbing walls can be designed to fit:
– small or large spaces
– indoor or outdoor environments
– different age groups
– specific educational or commercial goals.

Available options include:
– indoor climbing walls
– outdoor climbing walls
– bouldering walls
– high climbing walls
– themed climbing structures (animals, rocks, interactive designs)
– modular 3D climbing panels.

Materials are selected based on the environment, with wooden panels typically used for indoor applications and polyester or fiberglass structures chosen for outdoor durability. This flexibility allows every project to be tailored to the exact needs of the client.

Climbing walls as a smart investment

Climbing walls are not just a play feature—they are a long-term investment that brings measurable benefits. For schools and kindergartens, they enhance physical education programs, increase student engagement, and support healthy child development. For family centers, restaurants, and tourism facilities, they help attract more visitors, extend the length of stay, improve customer satisfaction, and create a strong competitive advantage. Parents actively look for places where their children can play, move, and learn. A climbing wall creates a strong attraction that makes families return.

The importance of design and motivation

Children are naturally motivated by fun and visually engaging environments, which is why modern climbing walls are designed with vibrant colors, creative shapes, and themed concepts such as animal-shaped structures, rock-like surfaces, and interactive routes. A well-designed climbing wall encourages children to explore, try again, and reach the top—making this type of motivation essential for long-term engagement.

Why choose Citywall climbing solutions

With 30+ years of experience, Citywall specializes in custom climbing wall solutions for all ages.

Key advantages:
– fully customized design
– compliance with international safety standards
– wide range of materials and styles
– expert consulting and planning
– full service: design → production → installation

Each project is carefully designed to maximize available space, ensure safety, and create an attractive, functional environment. Climbing walls are more than just playground equipment—they are a complete solution for child development, engagement, and business growth.

Whether you are a school, kindergarten, or family entertainment center, investing in a climbing wall means creating a space where children can move, learn, grow and have fun – and most importantly: where they will want to come back.

Tell us about your project and get a custom design proposal!

Citywall is building the largest and most modern climbing centre in the Benelux region

in ,

Climbing hub of the Netherlands

The National Climbing Center (NCC) will be the largest and most modern climbing center in the Benelux. Located in the Hoeverijk district of Nieuwegein, the NCC sets new standards for climbing. An unparalleled variety of climbing and bouldering facilities, an official speed wall, and state-of-the-art training rooms make this place unique for both beginners and elite athletes. With its spacious layout and abundant natural light, the center is open, inspiring, and welcoming — a place where climbing is elevated to a whole new level!

Citywall is building this beautiful climbing centre with its own climbing walls (indoor and outdoor), Citymat safety mats and additional gym furniture. Read more about it down below.

Climbing at the core

Climbing is at the heart of everything here, and that is immediately visible: climbing activities can be seen from the outside, and a large part of the façade will also become a climbing wall. This creates a lively atmosphere in the square, where the climbing world and the neighborhood come together. The waterfront square will be a pleasant meeting place, perfect for events and competitions.

A pedestrian path runs directly through the NCC (see the orange arrow).

A pedestrian path runs directly through the NCC (see the orange arrow).

A place to meet and experience

A major walking route passes directly through the NCC and connects the square with the surrounding area. Convenient services such as a restaurant and the climbing hall are located right on the square, making the space vibrant and active. On the ground floor, you will find the experience center offering a wide range of La Sportiva shoes and Petzl products. You will also find a physiotherapy practice with a fitness area.

A pleasant gathering spot by the water.

A pleasant gathering spot by the water.

Climbing at all levels – from fun to elite sport

On the first floor, there is a training room with spray walls and simulation walls, which is connected to the “guest house.” Not only Dutch athletes can stay here — teams from abroad are welcome as well. But the NCC is certainly not intended only for elite athletes! Recreational climbers, families, and beginners are more than welcome. On the ground floor, you will find the beginner zone (“learning plaza”) and a fun-climbing area, ideal for discovering climbing and bouldering in an accessible way. There will also be climbing and bouldering sessions after school, where children can explore climbing in a playful manner.

Climbing activities can be seen throughout the entire building. The large bouldering hall on the second floor is spacious and suitable for both recreational and enthusiastic climbers. There will also be a separate training area with kilterboards and hangboards. The design of the NCC plays an important role in the atmosphere and overall experience, allowing everyone — from beginners to professionals — to fully immerse themselves in the world of climbing.

The National Climbing Center in context of the current gym

Facts and Information

The current climbing center, located just a stone’s throw from the new site, will close its doors at the end of this year. But don’t worry: the brand-new NCC will open at the beginning of 2026, offering more space, facilities, and climbing opportunities than ever before!

National Training Center (NTC)

The NKBV National Training Center (NTC) will open its doors in Nieuwegein at the beginning of 2026. From then on, all climbers of the Dutch national climbing team will train at this brand-new Mountain Network location.

A unique place

This location is a major asset for climbing in the Netherlands. It is a unique place where elite and recreational sports come together, where passion and performance go hand in hand, and where climbers of today and tomorrow can grow.

The National Climbing Center Nieuwegein (NCCN) hosts the NKBV National Training Center (NTC): a top-level facility for talent development and elite sports. Here, the best Dutch climbing champions have the opportunity to continue developing their skills while inspiring new generations of climbing talent to reach their full potential.

Whether you dream of international competitions or simply want to push your limits, this location offers everything you need — from advanced training facilities to an encouraging environment where the climbing community comes together.

Be sure to watch this short video of the new climbing and bouldering gym:

 

If you also want to build such wonderful climbing centre, just let us know and send us an offer request: info@citywall.eu or 00386 41 953 85.

 

Citywall team

Jernej Kruder and ‘Big fish’ (8c+/9a) on the island of Mallorca

in ,

Slovenian climber and our ambasador Jernej Kruder has repeated ‘Big fish’, the 8c+/9a deep water solo on the island of Mallorca in Spain. Established by Chris Sharma in 2017, this is now only the third ascent of this 20m psicobloc after the first repeat in 2023 by Matty Hong.

This story begins and ends differently from the rest of them lately. After sending Chris Sharma’s Es Pontas back in 2016, I set my eyes on his Alasha, which at that time was the second hardest psicobloc line in the world. I spent many days on it and put in a lot of effort, but the route simply wouldn’t let me pass. At some point, I gave up. It was a hard decision, but luckily for me, Chris opened another line – Big Fish. It was slightly lower in grade but with the crux nearly 20 meters above the sea. The moves seemed doable, but the place was dark and intimidating.

I returned in 2023 to give it my full effort. After a few days, I got comfortable with the height and even managed to reach the last hard move. Then the weather turned bad, and my head gave in. I left Mallorca empty-handed. Last year, I bought plane tickets again. But just before leaving, I decided to stay home due to poor weather and to prepare better for my upcoming trip to Yosemite.

This year, things were completely different for me. I focused entirely on outdoor climbing. I did some hard multipitch routes and boulder problems, and I even managed to finish two of my trad projects on the last days of my trips. I was quite happy with my season so far, so the only thing left for the year was to check out Big Fish once again. I didn’t have high expectations — I hadn’t trained or climbed hard since my climbing trip to Squamish. Honestly, I just wanted to see if it was worth coming back in December.

My first sensations after two years felt surprisingly good. I didn’t feel too weak and, importantly, I felt very comfortable high above the water. Falling twice from the first hard move on the first day was more of an introduction to falling again than a real attempt to send the line.

The next day was different. I was there with just two friends – Jairo and Carlos. I felt ready to commit. The sea was calm, and the air was dry. I cruised through the first section. Then time seemed to stop. I was completely in the moment – no sound of my friends cheering, no music from the speaker, no thoughts about the past or the future. Just pure focus on the next move. I climbed through the crux and suddenly found myself standing on top of one of my favorite lines in the world.

After the conditions deteriorated, I spent the rest of my trip simply enjoying the island and checking out new projects. On my last day, I sent Face Your Fear (8b) on my second go.

– Jernej Kruder, Slovenia

 

 

IFSC Koper 2025

in ,

The IFSC Climbing World Cup Koper 2025 was the 417th Climbing World Cup event in history, featuring the 236th Lead World Cup competition. Also, it is the 32nd Climbing World Cup held in Slovenia, the fourth in Koper.

The event was on 5 and 6 September and the 2025 IFSC Lead World Cup series title was won here aswell.

In woman competition the winner was Janja Gambret, second was Chaehyun Seo, the third was Laura Rogora.

In man competition the winner was Sorato Anraku, the second was Alberto Gines Lopez, while the third on the podium was Toby Roberts.

The IFSC Lead World Cup title for 2025 in woman’s competition got Chaehyun Seo, while “the king” in man’s competition in lead climbing for 2025 is Sorato Anraku.

Great climbings, unforgettable moments, check the gallery down below.

 

 

Kanjonfest 2025

in ,

Citywall contributed to this year’s Kanjonfest 2025.

Rooted in the local community, Kanjonfest brought together climbers from all around the globe. 🌍

The festival offered inspiring workshops, a fun climbing program and countless moments of sharing experiences, energy and passion for climbing. 💪🧗‍♀️

📸 Check out the gallery, relive the vibe of this unique festival, and make sure to book your spot for next year!

Check all the fun and unforgettable moments from the Kanjonfest 2025 via gallery.

 

 

Jernej Kruder conquers Crown Royale – A vertical triumph in the heart of Norway

in ,

In the wild, remote expanse of Norway’s mountainous heartland, where granite walls rise like cathedrals and the wind whispers only to the brave, Jernej Kruder has carved another line into climbing history. The Slovenian climbing icon has successfully ascended the formidable Crown Royale – the route established by Pete Whittaker two years ago and a striking peak known not only for its stunning profile but also for its demanding routes and unforgiving conditions.

A challenge fit for Royalty

Towering high above the alpine valleys, Crown Royale is a natural sculpture of sharp ridgelines, overhanging faces, and exposed pitches that demand not only physical strength but also mental precision. Its golden granite glows in the evening sun, but behind that beauty lies a wall that has humbled many.

For Jernej, this wasn’t just another tick on the list. This was a dream realized – a culmination of years of experience, bold vision, and a deep connection to the vertical.

“From the very first moment I saw it, I knew I had to climb it. Crown Royale has this magnetic pull. It’s wild, it’s elegant, and brutally honest,” Jernej said after the climb.

The line, the climb, the flow

The route Jernej tackled is as poetic as it is punishing – a multi-pitch masterpiece weaving through technical slabs, explosive overhangs, and delicate aretes. Every move required the balance of raw power and refined finesse – skills that Jernej, known for his dynamic style and creativity, brings in spades.

What sets this ascent apart is not just the grade, but the style – clean, controlled, and on-sight. No pre-placed gear, no rehearsals. Just man versus mountain, in its purest form.

A statement beyond the send

For the climbing community, this ascent is more than a personal achievement. It’s a reminder of the value of adventure, of pushing into the unknown. It’s about embracing nature not as a backdrop, but as a partner in the experience.

Citywall, big supporter of Jernej Kruder, proudly celebrates this monumental feat.

“We’ve always known Jernej was capable of redefining boundaries. What he’s done on Crown Royale is not just a climb – it’s a work of art,” said a Citywall’s representative.

Looking ahead

While the chalk from Crown Royale still lingers on his hands, Jernej is already looking to new horizons. But one thing is clear: this ascent will echo in the granite corridors of climbing lore for years to come.

We can only wait – and watch in awe – as Jernej Kruder continues to ascend, both literally and symbolically.

CRACK Festival at Boulderwelt Dortmund was amazing

in ,

Crack Festival was the premiere event in Germany. The famous crack climbers and YouTubers Wide Boyz, world-known climber Jernej Kruder and others have teamed up to bring the extremely successful Crack Fest event from England to Dortmund (Boulderwelt)!

This time it was one step further: we didn’t just have one day of Crack Fest with Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall – no, we have been treating ourselves to a whole weekend and turned the event into a festival!

It was tons of fun and all about crack climbing in all its various forms and dimensions.

There was something for everyone, not just for professionals, but for those at Boulder World Level 3-4 (fb scale 4c upwards).

All attendees gained a lot of new technical inputs from the Wide Boyz and our other sponsors during the workshops and clinics, even for crack climbing beginners!

There was also a playful competition with great fun elements at the Crack Fest and additional challenges with fantastic prizes.

Jernej Kruder said: “Crackfest was really a unique festival. It surprises me how many people are interested in crack climbing in general. All the workshops were fully booked, and people were absorbing knowledge more than I’m used to.”

 

Check all the fun and unforgettable moments from the Crack Festival via gallery.

 

 

Sales agents and distributors wanted

in
Read more

The collaboration between Citywall & Illusion and Jernej Kruder

in ,

We are thrilled to announce the collab between Citywall & Illusion and Jernej Kruder.

Jernej Kruder’s partnership with Citywall and Illusion is a natural fit, combining his world-class climbing expertise with the innovative designs of Citywall and Illusion, a leading companies in climbing industry. Jernej will play a key role in advancing our products and elevating our brand’s presence.

This partnership embodies a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and the spirit of climbing itself.

About Jernej Kruder

Photograph: Moritz Konig

Photograph: Moritz Konig

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jernej Kruder embodies the spirit of a true climber. He started as a young boy in Slovenian bouldering gyms to an internationally recognized figure in both competitive climbing and outdoor rock climbing shows an unmatched dedication. Even though he has a laid-back personality and enjoys having fun, his intense and focused demeanor, like that of someone who trains every day, has stayed the same.

Some of his remarkable achievements include:

– 2024 Collab between Citywall/Illusion and Jernej Kruder

– 2024 Successfully completed climbing on the 1,000-meter El Corazon route on El Capitan in the USA

– 2023 Winner, Red Bull Dual Ascent, alongside his sister Julia Kruder

– 2023 National Bouldering Champion

– 2020 European Champion

– 2018 Overall Bouldering World Cup Winner

– 2016 Repeat of “Es Pontas” (9a+), deep-water solo

– 2014 2nd Place, Bouldering World Championships

 

Jernej Kruder’s focus on climbing is truly inspiring. For him, success has never been about winning competitions – though he has certainly won many-, but about constantly improving and pushing his own limits. He is always refining his technique, conquering new challenges, or experimenting with different styles, Jernej’s drive to become a better climber each day is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft.

 

 

 

Jernej’s talents extend beyond competitive achievements; he’s also a leading force in outdoor climbing. One of his most recent major accomplishments was completing the 1,000-meter El Corazon route on El Capitan in the USA. This was the first Slovenian free ascent of El Corazon, marking it as the most demanding climb ever attempted by Slovenians on El Capitan, according to the Mountaineering Association of Slovenia.

 

Jernej completed the route in just four days, with his German climbing partner Dirk Uhlig by his side. Free climbing, which they used for this ascent, means relying entirely on one’s physical strength, skills, and the natural features of the rock, without using additional equipment for progression.

 

Photograph: Moritz Konig

Photograph: Moritz Konig

 

Photograph: Moritz Konig

Photograph: Moritz Konig

 

Introducing a new adventure and entertainment concept by Citywall and Høyt & Lavt

in ,

We are excited to announce a partnership between our company Citywall and the Norwegian company Høyt & Lavt, combining our expertise to bring a fresh and innovative approach to adventure and entertainment. Both companies share a commitment to safety, inclusivity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of outdoor and indoor climbing experiences.

Together, we are launching a unique concept that merges the thrill of adventure with the joy of entertainment, setting a new standard for family-friendly activities that inspire and challenge.

About Citywall

At Citywall, we have over 25 years of experience in the climbing industry, designing and installing climbing walls that inspire and challenge climbers worldwide. Our mission is to make climbing accessible to everyone, whether in schools, gyms, adventure parks, or private homes. We are passionate about creating spaces that promote physical activity, cognitive development, and a sense of adventure.

Known for our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, Citywall has become a trusted name in the climbing community, with a global reach that spans from Europe to Asia and beyond. Our products meet the highest standards of safety and quality, as evidenced by our ISO 9001:2015 certification.

About Høyt & Lavt

Høyt & Lavt Adventure concepts is a leader in the creation of outdoor climbing parks in Norway, with 18 locations offering a range of exhilarating experiences set indoor and especially outdoor. Their concepts are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, allowing visitors to engage with the forest and terrain through ziplines, rope courses, and climbing challenges.

Safety is their utmost priority, and they are dedicated to providing a secure and inclusive environment where guests of all ages and abilities can explore and enjoy. Høyt & Lavt’s philosophy is rooted in sustainability and innovation, continually evolving their parks to offer new and exciting ways to connect with nature.

A new adventure and entertainment concept

Our partnership with Høyt & Lavt allows us to bring a new dimension to adventure and entertainment, combining Citywall’s expertise in climbing solutions with Høyt & Lavt’s adventure park experience. This collaboration will enable us to offer a comprehensive range of activities that cater to diverse audiences, from young children taking their first steps in climbing to seasoned adventurers looking for new challenges.

What’s coming next

With our new concept, we are expanding our offerings to include integrated indoor-outdoor adventure experiences that seamlessly blend the best of both worlds. Imagine climbing routes that start indoors and extend outside, interactive rope courses spanning various difficulty levels, and custom-designed play spaces that promote physical activity in a safe and engaging way.

Our joint venture also introduces dynamic climbing challenges, adaptable adventure courses for different skill levels, and themed climbing structures that immerse participants in captivating narratives. This collaboration brings a comprehensive adventure and entertainment experience that caters to all ages and abilities, making every visit an exciting and memorable journey.

Reaching new heights together

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Citywall and Høyt & Lavt, as we join forces to elevate the standards of adventure and entertainment. By leveraging our shared commitment to innovation and safety, we are not only creating fun and memorable experiences but also setting new benchmarks for the industry. Our collaboration with a leading Norwegian company reflects our dedication to going a step further and embracing new challenges.

Join us on this journey as we redefine what adventure and entertainment can be. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, a school seeking engaging activities for students, or an individual eager to explore new challenges, our new concept has something for everyone. Together, Citywall and Høyt & Lavt are making adventure accessible, safe, and more thrilling than ever before. Let’s reach new heights together!

 

If you want to know more about our new adventure and entertainment program then visit us at IAAPA EXPO Europe 2024, from 24th to 26th September in Amsterdam (booth 14406).