Bengt

vanlife

Agüero - Not just Riglos light!

The 300 meter towers of Riglos are both visible from kilometers away and very well known by fans of multi pitch climbing in Spain and beyond. However just a village over there is Agüero with its own Mallos that are just that bit smaller and less intimidating - but as beautiful and unique.

vanlife

Maraña - An outdoor enthusiasts dream playground

Our van based exploration of the regions of northern Spain brought us into the mountains of León and to the small village of Maraña. Sitting in a beautiful pastoral valley right at the foot of the Mampodre mountains, this place is a gem for hikers, climbers and anyone looking to get away from it.

Hiking

Peaks beyond Peaks: Traversing the Mampodre range

Besides the famous Picos de Europa there are many more ranges in Northern Spain. By traversing the main line of peaks of the Macizo del Mampodre I got to know one of the less famous but equally beautiful more closely.

Hiking

Scaling the Pico Gilbo from Riaño

The mountain panorama around the Riaño reservoir is stunning. But even among the many peaks here Pico Gilbo stands out. An almost perfect Toblerone pyramid that looks both inviting and foreboding. Its hard to see where an easy way might lead up - however there is one.

Climbing

Climbing on wild rock above the Bizkaia

The northern coast of Spain is known for its bizarre steep coastline and unforgiving Atlantic weather. And this provides the backdrop for a fantastic little climbing sector that we explored during our travels in the region.

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Cala Gat (East Coast DWS)

Tl:Dr: Nice, if somewhat busy, bay with some medium height rocks close to the beach. Good spot for a day at the beach with some climbing.

Climbing

South of Rosenheim: Sport climbing in Flintsbach, Ruhpolding and Zellerwand

Besides ticking off some cool alpine climbs in the Chiemgau alps we also took the chance to check out a few of the local sport crags that offer single and short multi pitch lines with very short approaches.

Climbing

A stunning line up the Staffelstein

Besides the classic Kampenwand traverse there are many other cool climbs to be done close to the main ridge. The Staffelstein is a prominent and striking rock tower that overlooks the Chiemsee and has several lines leading to the top. We chose one of the Nordwest Kante and enjoyed it profusely.

Climbing

A real alpine classic: The Kampenwand traverse

The many towers of the Kampenwand draw a striking line across the sky that can be seen from miles away in the Bavarian flatlands. The traverse from west to east is a classic technical route that combines climbing, scrambling and rappeling in a perfect alpine setting.

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Cala Provençal Bouldering

Steep and juggy boulders with sandy landings in a bizarre setting right by the sea on the east coast of Mallorca.

vanlife

In the shadow of Monviso

Our travels through this part of the Alps brought us over to Italy and the source valley of the river Po to continue our eclectic mix of outdoor activities.

vanlife

Exploring the Vallée de Vésubie

Like its cousin the Roya valley over the mountains to the east the Valley of the Vesubie river has much to offer to the outdoor orientated visitor. Tons of peaks, curious wildlife and twisty mountain roads provide more than enough to do!

2022

Outdoor sports and other adventures in La Brigue

The valley has been hit hard by the storm Alex in 2020 and it still shows. However this means that the area is quiet and the many outdoorsy activities you can do here are not crowded at all. And all of the alpine beauty is still there!

Climbing

A tasting menu of rock

After trying our hand in a multi-pitch line we had the chance to sample some of the sport climbing spots around Gandia in the Valencia region of Spain. And in short this area has Michelin grade quality and variety climbing on offer. So here it is: our little taste of everything around Gandia.

Climbing

Multipitch, sport climbing and folklore in Alzira

The Spanish Costa Blanca offers tons of climbing of all styles. But if you have only a little time just go to Alzira to get everything in one place: Great climbing, fantastic views and a good serving of Spanish sun.

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Punta de n`Amer Bouldering

Tl:Dr: Low stakes and varied bouldering close to the towns of Sa Coma and Cala Millor in a beautiful setting right by the sea.

Climbing

Climbing Penyal Bernat - Iconic and truly alpine

Mallorca boasts tons of great sport climbing but also offers quite a few more adventurous outings. Among the more „out there“ climbing are many striking rock spires that can be found all over the Tramuntana mountains.

Climbing

La Mussara - A Little climbing paradise

The Serra de Montsant is blessed with several world class climbing areas but even with Margalef and Siurana close by La Mussara can stand its ground more than well.

Climbing

An almost solo winter ascent of Pedraforca

With its prominence and iconic two-peak Pedraforca has a special place among the summits of the Pyrenees even though it is „just“ 2.500 meters high. Turns out in winter the harder of the two normal routes up can be quite challenging…

Hiking

Exploring the Torrent de s'Arboceret

The north-east of Mallorca has its own small mountain range that is much less well known than its bigger brother the Tramuntana. However there is a lot to discover here too - like this remote canyon.

lost place

A lost place rediscovered

Almost anyone visiting the island will have noticed the giant concrete structure by the road to Alcudia. Only the name is clear: „Es Fogueró Palace“ but not what this place was or what is inside today. We set out to find out!

Hiking

Climbing the elusive Puig Major on Mallorca

With its large radar facility run by the military the summit of Puig Major seems out of reach. Getting close to it is the Penyal de Migdia. However there is a way to reach the proper summit via the North Eastern Spur - it's tricky though!

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: Can Formiga (South West)

Tl:Dr: A very small crag high above the beaches of the south western part of the island. The climbing is okay, the approach short and the views great.

MRC

Rock Climbing Mallorca: El Bünker (El Toro peninsula)

Tl:Dr: Spectacular sea facing caves with very hard climbs alongside some easier routes on the neighboring walls. Near perfect protection.

Tips and tricks

Review Salewa Raven 2 GTX boots

In summary a pair of light mountaineering boots that are comfortable for hiking and keep your feet warm enough on most occasions. These boots work well for everything but technical climbing or extreme conditions.