Last weekend, we were in Amsterdam for a day filled with culture, canals, and bouldering. After visiting a museum and taking a walk through the city, we decided to check out Be Boulder. A bouldering gym in Amsterdam that is sure to surprise you.
First impression: height and vision
Upon entering, the first thing you notice is the impressive height of the space. You could easily fit a climbing gym in here. The layout is unconventional, completely different from what we're used to in other bouldering gyms in the Netherlands. It's clear that an entrepreneur with a distinct vision is at the helm, and I always respect that.
Gym layout: creative and multi-layered
The gym consists of multiple levels. Downstairs, you’ll find:
- Two top-out walls
- A mushroom-shaped boulder with a top-out
- Various walls surrounding the area
- A solid overhang featuring a tunnel where you can try creative traverses
On the first floor, there's a training area and smaller climbing walls. Every corner is put to use. Above that, a corridor offers traverse options and leads to an unexpected cave-like section with a foam pit. One level higher? Two trampolines await those who still have energy left after climbing. In short: a gym full of surprises.
Holds and difficulty level
Be Boulder uses a numbering system from 3 to 7, with each number representing a grade. Grade 6 is especially broad, ranging from roughly 6A to 6C. The hardest boulder we spotted was a 7B.
What really stood out was the choice of holds. We came across many we had never encountered before, including holds from Stax, Arctic Grips, and the Dutch brand Soul Holds. This adds a fresh challenge to every attempt. You never quite know what to expect.
Our journey of discovery
As always, we started with a warm-up. The footholds felt a bit slippery, likely because there’s no carpet on the mats. We then explored the boulders on the mushroom. For some of them, you can and have to climb on top, which creates an outdoor-like experience.
The gym truly feels like a journey of discovery. Boulders are tucked away in unexpected spots. As mentioned, you can also climb in the overhang, a tunnel featuring multiple traverses. The foam pit was a first for me. You climb around a soft pit and can literally fall into it. Nerve-wracking the first time, funny afterwards until you have to climb out, which is secretly the hardest part.
We wrapped up with a few top-outs downstairs, followed by a relaxing moment in the seating area where we discovered a small shop. Before heading out, we treated ourselves to a delicious pulled chicken burger.
Final thoughts
Be Boulder Amsterdam is a creative, unique gym that clearly sets itself apart from chains like Monk or Beest Boulders. The original layout, distinctive holds, and surprising features make it a joy to explore. And best of all: you can end your session with a tasty bite to eat.
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