Last week, we were in a church at Boulder Veldhoven for competition. This week, we visited another church, but this time it was the brand-new Boulderhal Nirvana in Scheveningen. The best part about this location? You can easily combine your climbing session with a trip to the nearby beach and pier, making it perfect for a day out! The gym has only been open for a few months and still has some minor improvements to work on, like adding hooks in the changing rooms.
Practical Information
If you visit in the winter season during the morning, you can park for free right outside the door. Outside those times, paid parking applies. As you step inside, you're greeted by the impressive old church doors and a sign that reads "Climb hard." A perfect start to your visit!
The friendly staff gave us a thorough explanation of the facilities and the grading system. The system is similar to that of, for instance, Energiehaven, but the distribution of difficulty levels across grades 1 to 10 is slightly different. It’s always nice to know exactly what to expect when visiting a new climbing gym!
The Gym: Compact Yet Complete
The gym isn’t very large, but the space is cleverly designed. At its center is a prominent climbing structure, surrounded by various climbing walls. The walls are packed with routes, offering plenty of options for an intense bouldering session. One thing that stood out during the warm-up was that the holds are brand-new. This provides excellent grip but also means your skin wears out faster - your fingertips will definitely feel it after a few climbs.
The routes are varied, but my personal favorites were the slab boulders. Technical, subtle, and a real challenge for your balance and foot placement. Although I don’t consider myself the best slab climber, I appreciated the focus on this style. It forces you to climb with precision and patience, which made the experience all the more rewarding.
A Unique Atmosphere
What truly sets Nirvana apart is its atmosphere. The old church details, like the drawing of Jesus on the wall and the high wooden vaulted ceiling, give the gym a unique ambiance. From the training area on the upper floor, you not only get a fantastic view of the gym but can also focus on building your strength and technique. And it gets even better: a Kilterboard will soon be added, expanding the training possibilities even further!
My Bouldering Experience
During my session, I encountered a white boulder graded 7a+/V7 in the overhang. The challenge? Making a jump and controlling the swing. Despite multiple attempts, I couldn’t quite crack it. What I love about bouldering is that you can step away from a route, let it rest, and return later with a fresh perspective to try again.
At the end of my session, I decided to give the boulder another shot. This time, I found the solution and sent it after a few attempts. A fantastic way to cap off a successful day!
Final thoughts
Boulderhal Nirvana is a fantastic addition to the Dutch climbing scene. Its unique location and special atmosphere make it absolutely worth a visit. As a bonus, you can easily combine your climbing session with a stroll on the beach or a visit to the pier. Highly recommended!
What’s Next?
With this visit, we’ve now explored all climbing gyms located in churches across the Netherlands. Soon, we’ll publish an article comparing the unique features of these remarkable locations. Stay tuned on our website for more!
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