With 175 boulders in eight sectors, Silvapark Galtür is one of the largest bouldering parks in Europe. Bernd Zangerl played a key role in the design and development of the park, creating a paradise from beginner-friendly friction slabs to overhanging roofs.
Summerin Galtür in the Paznaun Valley means bouldering, climbing and via ferrata in front of a breathtaking glacier backdrop. But summer in Galtür also means being able to practice your beloved climbing and bouldering sport in pleasant temperatures on hot summer days. This is because Tyrol's only climatic health resort is located at an altitude of almost 1,600 meters - the Silvapark Galtür is even at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,000 meters. A nice side effect of this altitude: Galtür has been ECARF-certified since 2018, making it the ideal place for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Incidentally, the certification also means that the requirements of this group of guests are taken into account when furnishing the guest rooms and even a supermarket has a range of food labeled for allergy sufferers. The pure mountain air does the rest, so that everyone can breathe easy here.
Another plus point of Galtür: the boulder park is designed for beginners and children as well as professionals. The different sectors with topos and descriptions guide bouldering fans perfectly through the many boulders and the 175 boulders in total. The rock experience is rounded off by two interesting via ferratas: the "Little Balun" family via ferrata and the challenging Silvapark via ferrata. If you still haven't had enough, you can choose one of the many trail running routes or grab an (e-)bike to explore the high alpine region.
Tip: Use the Silvretta Card. Every overnight guest in the Paznaun Valley receives the basic package. It allows free use of local public transport as well as free use of the cable cars and chairlifts (with restrictions). Those who want more, such as free entry to the outdoor and indoor pools, bike transport on the cable cars and much more, should take advantage of the Silvretta Card premium package.
The big ones boulder in Paznaun ..., Photo: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl
... and the little ones, photo: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl
Silvapark Galtür - bouldering paradise in a class of its own
With great attention to detail and even more passion for the great sport, bouldering legend Bernd Zangerl was in charge of designing and developing the Silvapark. The steadily growing bouldering community from all over the world thanks him and regularly makes a pilgrimage to Paznaun and right to the end of the sun-drenched high valley. You can reach this paradise either on foot, by car (toll) or with the Birkhahnbahn. The children's and beginners' area, for example, is just a ten-minute walk from the mountain station. And then it's time: Set up the bouldering mat and solve the designated bouldering problems - sometimes playfully, sometimes technically, sometimes with strength and sometimes with everything together. But the focus is always on having fun.
In the breaks in between, you can lie down on the grass or on the thick mat, watch the cloud sheep and take a nap. Or you can go exploring, for example in the "Anam Cara" sector and look over the shoulders of the specialists. This is where the pros regularly try their hand at the extremely challenging routes. Watching the boulderers in their athletic movements as they combine strength and technique to perfection is definitely both inspiring and motivating.
Tip: If you have forgotten your mat at home or need more equipment: Bouldering mats can be hired on site.
Bouldering with a view in Silvapark, photo: Michael Meisl
Rope acts for young and old
Only bouldering seems (at first) too one-sided for a vacation? No problem! Because the "Silvapark" via ferrata, which is graded from moderately difficult to difficult (C/D), will also satisfy your mountaineering soul. On the north side of the striking Ballunspitze (2,671 m) and virtually at the foot of the boulder park, the via ferrata stretches up to the summit over sometimes steep rock faces. A good 350 meters in altitude are conquered, secured by a wire rope, in the primary rock. At the top, a breathtaking view makes up for all the exertion. In view: The glacier world of the Silvretta and the rugged rock towers of the Rätikon. The Kops reservoir pampers the eyes with its turquoise water. The via ferrata can only be tackled in good weather conditions and when it is dry. Via ferrata and mountain experience are a prerequisite. It is suitable for children aged 12 and over.
The via ferrata on the Ballunspitze, photo: TVB Paznaun - Ischgl
The via ferrata ends directly at the exposed summit of the Ballunspitze, photo: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl
Via ferrata beginners are in good hands on the "Little Ballun". On the family via ferrata (suitable for children aged 8 and over), both the handling of the via ferrata set and the correct walking and kicking technique can be learned in a playful way on easy terrain (difficulty A/B). There are just 100 meters of altitude to conquer. This should not be too much for anyone, but should instead whet the appetite for more iron paths.
An overview of all climbing options and via ferratas can be found here:
www.climbers-paradise.com/klettern-paznaun/
After-climb and culinary delights
After bouldering, the scene either meets up in the meadow or, from this summer, in the Faulbrunnalm. The Alm is located in the immediate vicinity of the bouldering area and is therefore THE meeting place par excellence.
Everything except climbing
Trail running and (e-)biking in the luxury class! Why? Because with the Ischgl Ironbike, Silvrettarun 3000 and E-Bike World Championships, the crème de la crème of the best runners and bikers meet in Paznaun anyway. The network of trails for trail runs and bike tours is correspondingly excellent.
Bad weather tip: The Alpinarium in Galtür. The award-winning building alone is extremely interesting for (amateur) architects. Inside, you can visit changing exhibitions or stretch your fingers on the indoor bouldering wall, which is also conveniently located in the Alpinarium.
Stay overnight
The Paznaun Valley with its towns of See, Kappl, Ischgl and Galtür offers a wide range of accommodation options. From campsites to luxury wellness hotels, there is something for every taste and requirement. There are also three climbing accommodations in Paznaun: the newly opened Aparthotel "Adrenalin" in Kappl and the "Toni" and "Hubertus" in Galtür.
Silvretta Card
Every overnight guest receives the Silvretta Card
