Belgium's largest bouldering hall opens in Ghent

The largest bouldering hall in Belgium has opened in Ghent. There are 1,200 square metres of climbing space, with some 180 routes for all levels, VRT reports. The hall cost 1.2 million euros, with the Flemish government bearing a quarter of that cost.

Bouldering is climbing without a rope, and originated as preparation for outdoor climbing. Fall mats are used to protect the climbers.

Ghent already had a reputation as a climbing city, with three climbing gyms in the city. The new hall is operated by brothers Pieter and Bram Bruyland, who previously ran a paintball hall on the site. They also have plans to further optimise the hall. In early 2025, they will add another “kilter board”, a modern climbing wall on which routes can be highlighted via an app on the smartphone. It will also be possible to adjust the gradient.

The Galveston building was a textile factory from 1910 to 1999. It was named after the Texas port city from which cotton was shipped to Europe. Besides the bouldering hall, its facilities include an events hall, a boxing club, an indoor playground and a restaurant.

Bouldering has been an Olympic discipline since 2021. Last summer, Hannes Van Duysen became the first Belgian climber to qualify for the Olympics.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Belgian sports climber Hannes Van Duysen in action during the men's Boulder semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}