Excalibur the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world

The opportunity to climb Excalibur was on Nicola and Candice’s bucket list.

The Klimcentrum Bjoeks, in Groningen northern Netherlands, is a great spot for indoor climbing enthusiasts featuring over 1,200 square meters of climbing surface with walls reaching up to 17 meters high.

But the main attraction is the freestanding behemoth called Excalibur with a scary height of 37 meters and has massive 11 meters overhang, which is an extreme overhang that resembles what climbers might find on a real peak!

 Excalibur is considered the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world and it is scary to behold.

A person ascends a tall indoor rock climbing wall with colorful holds, while another below expertly belays, managing the rope. The atmosphere is reminiscent of conquering Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world, amidst multiple gym routes and equipment.

There is a need for a bit of a warmup in the amazing indoor area of Klimcentrum Bjoeks. This also shows the local instructors that you are experienced in climbing and belaying so that you can climb Excalibur without supervieion.

An indoor rock climbing wall features various colored holds, with a climber partly visible near the bottom. Inspired by Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world, overhead lighting and a ceiling window illuminate their ascent.

Not sure how this can be called a ‘warm up’ it looks like very hard work!

I can’t imagine the superhuman strength and coordination needed to transverse that roof section, unless you are Fly Man/Woman.

Three people stand at the base of a tall, orange climbing wall, reminiscent of the renowned Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world. The wall features various handholds and routes for climbing under an overcast sky, surrounded by some greenery.

There must be many nutcases that do this, otherwise it would not be there, right??

Two people wearing climbing gear smile at the camera in front of a tall, yellow outdoor climbing wall with multicolored holds. The backdrop suggests this might be Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world. The sky is overcast, and trees are partially visible to the side.

The wall, the challengers and nervous excited smiles. Let’s do this!!

A tall, curved outdoor climbing wall with multicolored holds rises impressively. A climber nears the top of Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world, while another enthusiast belays below. In the background, trees contrast against a cloudy sky.

Even though Excalibur offers routes for climbers of all skill levels, from beginner to expert, including top-rope and  lead-climbing there is no way I am going to swap the camera for climbing this thing.

Mother earth is good thanks and the ground under my feet feels wonderful and more appreciated.

A towering outdoor climbing wall, inspired by Excalibur, is shaped like a dinosaur head and covered with multicolored holds. As the sky remains overcast, a tree stands watch at its base, adding to the grandeur of this tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world.

No matter what the angle you look at it from, it looks like madness……..no scratch that – IT IS MADNESS!!!

A tall, curved outdoor climbing wall, known as Excalibur, extends upwards against a cloudy sky. Climbers are visible on the wall dotted with multicolored holds. Trees and greenery form the backdrop to this impressive structure, renowned as the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world.

Then there is the overhang side, that is a whole new level of insanity. Where did Nicola and Candice get their genes from? Definitely not from me!

Standing triumphantly atop Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world, a person raises their arms in victory against a clear sky, surrounded by vibrant climbing holds.

The top via the overhang is definitely an achievement.

If for some unexplainable and totally unlikely reason I found myself up there, my arms would be desperately hugging something, no waving!

By the way: it is possible to sleep overnight on top of Excalibur, a unique bivouacking experience! Evidently, you do so at your own risk. Go figure!

A person is captured mid-air after jumping from Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world. Another individual stands at the base of the curved wall, which is dotted with colorful holds. Trees and shrubbery surround the area.

The descent just makes it look even worse! And then there is some wind!

No thanks!!

From atop the vibrant, Excalibur climbing wall—the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world—a secured rope cascades down. Below, a patchwork of grassy and sandy landscapes stretches out, dotted with trees, a modern building, and distant figures moving about.

Those indistinguishable blobs at the top of the pic are Ann and I, in the better location.

From a high vantage point, gaze upon a serene lake framed by trees and a sandy beach. In the foreground, Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing tower in the world, stands tall with hooks gleaming. Beyond, a small town nestles under the embrace of a cloudy sky.

The view from the top is not and will not qualify as an adequate incentive for me to climb Excalibur. Well done Nicola and Candice you have a bucket list tick.

This is definitely worth it for those so inclined. You can hire all the equipment you need on site and they even offer training and supervision for beginners who are braver than me.

For more information, pricing and requirements check out the website of Klimcentrum Bjoeks.

Other Picture Stories