In the course of last year I started climbing (again, after a handful of excursions with my sis a few years ago, showing me the bliss of the adrenalin rush). So this winter I regularly practice, mainly at the university climbing hall here in Bonn, but now and then also at Bronx Rock in Cologne (Endenich to be precise) who have more and higher walls. Also on the weekend it tends to be full of children, which I enjoy (it's great to see them climb and it is something I want to do with my son as soon as he is old enough).

My "Boss" at Fraunhofer has recently pointed out to me a climbing area nearby, so today I took the bike and checked it out:

There are at least 20 routes, up to about 10m high. Most of them have 2-5 hooks on the way. Some have the first hook quite high. The rock is (mostly) rather sharp. There are quite a few routes with deep cracks and a few noses. I am particularly looking foward to the singular rocks, as they seem to be less sharp.

There are signs around everywhere saying to only climb in designated areas (which I suppose are the ones with hooks and all), but they are generally all scrubbed out :). They also say something about designated times (as far as I could decipher weekends from 10-18) and that everyone has to be member of the local "Alpenverein". Will have to find out how much enforced that is. Judging by the scrubbed out notes and a grafitty saying "Alles ist verboten" (everything is forbidden) there seems to be a little struggle going on between authorities and the climbing Folks.