We were back in the heart of the Netherlands, and this time, Sterk Spoor in Utrecht was on the agenda. But we weren’t alone! For this review, we teamed up with Isa, who, along with her father and brother, thoroughly tested the boulders. Isa runs an awesome YouTube channel where she visits all the bouldering gyms in the Netherlands. Check out her videos on BoulderingIsa!
First Impressions: Atmosphere and Setup
Sterk Spoor is the second branch of Sterk in Utrecht. Right from the entrance, the gym gives off a cheerful vibe - the stylish wall colors create a pleasant, not overly busy atmosphere perfect for climbing and climbing videos. The route setters have not only designed challenging boulders but have also made them visually appealing. There isn’t a separate training area, but you’ll find hangboards available. While space is limited, it’s sufficient for warming up.
Getting Started: Bouldering at Sterk Spoor
After a quick introduction, we jumped into bouldering. Coincidentally, we were both wearing Bruut t-shirt which made for a fun touch on camera! Climbing together is always a big plus - you help each other with beta, learn from each other’s attempts, and motivate one another to push a little further.
We quickly got into the rhythm and climbed towards the 6B/6C range. The real challenge came in the corner with a steep overhang. One thing that stood out was how packed the wall was with holds. You could combine multiple routes, allowing for different starting and finishing variations. While this provided fun variety, it also caused some confusion, mainly due to the chosen route-setting system.
Route System: Takes Some Getting Used To
Sterk Spoor uses no-texture arrows screwed into the wall to indicate the start and end holds. The arrow color determines the difficulty level. For example, a boulder with white holds might have orange arrows (level 5), while another white boulder could have yellow arrows (6B/6C).
This system requires extra attention, especially if a boulder has multiple variations. Toplogger can help, but you still need to be cautious since the boulders are listed by hold color in the app. Personally, I prefer the system used at Energiehaven, where the levels are more clearly indicated.
Dynamic Boulders and Unique Setting Style
We worked our way from right to left through the gym, finishing with a circuit around the mushroom-shaped structure in the center. The variety in the boulders was impressive. Some walls follow a specific theme, meaning routes share similar styles or movements. A unique feature here, which I see less often in other gyms, is the stacking of holds in different colors. It takes some getting used to, but once climbing, it’s not really distracting.
Small Areas for Improvement
The atmosphere at Sterk Spoor is friendly and relaxed, and bouldering with Isa made it even more fun. However, one thing we’d change is the cleaning brushes. Instead of a fixed brush, there’s a tube where you have to insert your own. My brush didn’t fit well, and getting it out was a struggle. Luckily, Isa had a stash of brushes. A simpler solution here would be much appreciated!
Conclusion: Sterk Spoor is a Must-Visit!
After an intense session, we exchanged tips on which gyms to visit next—our to-do list is packed for now!
Sterk Spoor is a fun and varied gym with creatively set boulders and a great atmosphere. The route system may take some getting used to, but once you figure it out, it’s a fantastic place to climb. Have you been to Sterk Spoor? Let us know what you think!
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