During our holiday in Iceland, we could not resist visiting a few bouldering gyms alongside exploring the breathtaking nature. Iceland is famous for its wild landscapes, but there is plenty to discover for climbers too. The weather can be unpredictable, and indoor climbing is the perfect activity for a rainy day.
A new bouldering gym in Akureyri: 600Klifur
In the north of Iceland, in the town of Akureyri, a brand new bouldering gym called 600Klifur is set to open in mid-October 2025. On Instagram, we saw that the final preparations were in full swing. After a short chat, we were invited to explore the gym and test some boulders before the official opening.
The first question was of course: why did Magnus decide to build a climbing gym all the way in northern Iceland? And how did he get interested in climbing in a region without any commercial gyms? It all started when Magnus was training for a rescue team. There was a small practice wall there, and like many of us, he quickly fell in love with the sport. After spending some time abroad, he returned to Akureyri and decided that if no one else would build a climbing gym, he would have to do it himself.
He began in an abandoned building, later moved to an old fish factory, and shared the space with a powerlifting team. Eventually, his persistence paid off, and he secured funding to build the first fully professional climbing and bouldering gym in Akureyri. What we saw suggests that it will become one of the most modern climbing facilities in Iceland. Setters from Germany helped choose the holds and design the first structures, and there are even some Dutch holds on the walls. There are already plenty of routes to try.
The ground floor is compact but well-equipped, with a training area full of weights, a MoonBoard, and even a few ropes for routes up to ten metres high. From the upper floor you have a good view of these routes, as well as some shorter lines. The bouldering area is divided into two zones: one designed especially for children, and a more challenging section for adults. The wall transitions from slab to a gentle overhang and ends in serious roof sections, offering all styles of climbing.
Magnus also asked if I wanted to set a few boulders myself. Of course, I could not say no, because it is always a joy to set with new holds on brand new walls. In the end, I set two problems: one short but powerful line on small edges, and another with a decisive toehook to the final hold. It is always exciting to see how a boulder turns out on an unfamiliar wall, but I was quite happy with the results.
If you have children and it rains in Akureyri, their play area is absolutely worth a visit. Climbing, sliding, jumping... every child would enjoy it. Icelandic climbing gyms generally put a lot of effort into creating fun and safe spaces for kids, so there is clearly a new generation of climbers growing up there.
P.S. Take note of how they mark their holds. The wooden tags look stylish on the wall and make routes easy to identify. They also stay firmly in place, unlike stickers that often peel off in many gyms.
Bouldering in Reykjavik: Klifurhúsið
On our last day in Reykjavik, the weather was so bad that an indoor activity seemed like the best option. We ended up at Klifurhúsið, the only commercial bouldering gym in Reykjavik.
The gym consists of two separate buildings without a direct connection. The first one has been in use for more than ten years, and it shows. The walls are visibly worn, and the mats look like stacked mattresses covered with a tarp. Most of the walls here are overhanging. Fortunately, a lot has been invested in modern holds, although not all of them were perfectly clean. The difficulty levels are marked with tape, which can be a bit confusing. Do you climb the boulder with yellow holds, or the one marked with yellow tape? Still, this part of the gym offered some enjoyable problems. Upstairs, there is a training area and a slab wall.
The second building has a completely different atmosphere. It features a colourful children’s area, and once again: if you have children and the Icelandic weather turns bad, they will certainly have fun here. The walls are beautifully painted, and the holds are playful and inviting. Further inside, there is a large spray wall and several competition-style bouldering walls. The mats are new and firm, and the routes are clearly set at an international competition level. Large holds, dual texture, and dynamic moves. I tried a few of the harder problems, but they were well beyond my comfort zone, and I was already quite tired.
Outdoor climbing in Iceland
Although we focused mainly on nature and hiking during this trip, there are also several options for outdoor climbing and bouldering in Iceland. The website Klifur.is offers detailed information about these areas. For those who seek adventure beyond volcanoes, waterfalls, and glaciers, it is definitely worth exploring.
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