With summer finally arriving in the Netherlands, it is the perfect season to explore outdoor climbing spots. During a recent visit to Schiedam, we stumbled upon something unexpected: a large public bouldering wall hidden under a railway. Naturally, we had to come back and give it a proper try.
Why Schiedam?
We were just as curious. There is nothing quite like this in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, so what is a full-scale bouldering wall doing right next to a train station in Schiedam? A bit of research revealed that Boulderwand Schieveste was built in 2019 by the municipality of Schiedam in collaboration with ProRail, as part of the broader SchieDistrict urban development project. And honestly, urban climbing fits Schiedam so well.
The wall
The wall covers 228 square meters and is packed with problems. Schiedam claims it is the largest urban climbing wall in the Netherlands. There are five circuits, ranging from child-friendly routes to fairly advanced lines. Since we were staying nearby, we could not resist trying it out right away in regular shoes, just to test the waters. Within minutes, it was clear that this is not only a kids' wall. Bring proper gear. It is real bouldering.
Back with gear
A few days later, fully equipped with climbing shoes and a crash pad, we returned. Lina climbed her way up to the blue circuit, but things got more serious after that. The lower traverses were fun and approachable, but the longer and more dynamic moves felt a bit too bold with only a pad underneath. There is a rubber floor on site, but we were not eager to trust it for hard falls.
We had assumed most circuits would be manageable for us, but we were both humbled. The yellow circuit, which is the hardest, is no joke. Some problems feel well into the 7A range. There is no TopLogger or official list, so the only way to find out how hard something is, is to try.
Atmosphere and practical notes
At the time of our visit, the wall had just been cleaned by Gemeente Schiedam ahead of its official reopening on May twentieth, 2025. We saw all kinds of people trying some boulders, from food delivery guys to children with their parents. It looked fresh, and while there was some graffiti and wear, which is typical for urban climbing areas, it also added to the charm.
As we climbed, trains rumbled above us and random passersby cheered when we topped out. We were later surprised to learn that the routes are updated a few times per year. Thanks to the roof above, it is climbable year round.
Planning a visit
The bouldering wall is situated directly beneath the railway viaduct near Schiedam Centrum station, right at the extension of Delflandseweg. It is easy to spot from the street and sits in a well-lit, accessible area. Bring your climbing shoes, chalk, and ideally a crash pad.
The wall is completely free to use, making it a great spontaneous option for outside climbing session. And when your hands are tired, Schiedam itself is well worth exploring! A charming city with canals, windmills, and a relaxed atmosphere.
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