Albanian Climbing Festival

Throwback

🎉 Yesterday 'Four for Glory --> 8c+' got its second ascent by Léon!

This route in Brar was bolted by Frank Wehner back in 2010 and first freed by .ondra in 2018. After climbing it Ondra said it was the best tufa route he’s climbed so far!

That’s high praise coming from someone who has climbed so many great routes! Indeed it’s a special line that combines many factors that contribute to making a climb inspiring.  

It’s an aesthetic line of obvious tufas up the biggest overhang in the sector. Right next to ‘The Dream’ (9b), you see it immediately when you arrive at the crag. It’s a route with some significance in the story of Albanian sport climbing.

It blends the flow of climbing 40 meters of continuous tufas with a lot of varied movement: there is kneebars, frogging and drop knees as well as bouldery sections on crimps and pockets.
It has good rests and no extremely hard moves, but almost every move is interesting making climbing it an immersive experience and a big effort from the first move to the last. 

When heaping so much praise on a route it’s also good to mention that there is one crimp that has been reinforced with sika. Otherwise the route is entirely natural.

Keep on climbing! 🧗

Photo 1 -->
Photo 2 -->

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✨ What better way to greet you all a wonderful 2024 than this lovely photo of happy people taken by .. in Përmet.

May your year be filled with happiness and adventure.

Vjosa Wild River National Park is one of the main reasons for the festival to be organised in the Përmet region this year. And what better way to experience this special river than floating down it? Below you can find all the practical info you need for the rafting.

Special price for the Albanian Climbing Festival: 3500 lekë p.p., it provides the equipment (neoprene wetsuit and socks, technical t-shirt, life jacket, k-way, helmet. All new and according to European standards security, https://photos.app.goo.gl/9uMTNtsyKsV2aS9G6), fotos made by the staf, taste of mix local tea, biscuite and fruit, guide in the boat, transport from our rafting center (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xD5bd74KDVuTT5R86) to the starting point in the river and back to our center at the end of the tour, where are provided changing rooms, summer showers, toilettes, parking. The activity lasts approximately 3 hours and there is a stop in a panoramic place where it is possible to swim and jump from the cliff.

We recommend our guests to wear swimsuits, swim shorts/ leggings (cotton or jeans shorts hold back lots of water), long-sleeved technical/ synthetic long sleeved shirts, and sunscreen. It is necessary to wear sports shoes or aqua shoes (if you don't get any, it is possible to rent aqua shoes at our rafting centre, 200 lekë/ pair). It is necessary to have a towel and spare clothes to change after the activity.

🏞️The Vjosa river: Europe's first wild river national park

🌊The Vjosa is one of the last rivers in Europe where the river and most of the tributaries are free of dams. This makes it a special ecosystem, and with it a habitat for a wealth of biodiversity in a time where fresh water ecosystems are heavily threatened around the world.
In 2022 the river was declared a national park, helping to protect it from the construction of no less than 40 dams. This park is a big step towards protecting the Vjosa and is the result of more than a decade of hard work by committed activists!

*️⃣Bringing attention to this work, this river and the region is one of the main reasons for organizing the festival in Përmet, close to the Vjosa, this year.
This is important to us also because despite the big victory that the park has been, the work continues and many threats to this vital ecosystem remain. Those who want to learn more about the challenges Vjosa is still facing can follow to learn more.

💠 Don't forget to bring with you your yoga mat!

🧘‍♀️🌄Sunrise yoga with

Saturday 07:00
Sunday 07:00
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Check out the schedule for the 8th edition of !

Climbing is what will bring us together but besides it, you will be able to enjoy:

🧘‍♀️Yoga with

An open talk with special guests, about the story of the development of sport climbing in Albania.

🚣‍♀️Rafting with

🥳Party together

Are you getting ready?😎.........

ℹ️ Dear climbers heading to ACF 2023 here some useful information!
Registration link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eu4nXQ7WLN9yJXRF9ymDwCpU2mFu-bB4TTbhX-x-K8A/edit?usp=drivesdk

🔹 Transport

When planning your journey to ACF 2023 there are many ways of getting there.

🚌 Public transportation: the buses from Tirana to Përmet leave every 50 minutes from the regional north-south bus terminal.

🚙 We encourage car-sharing. If you're traveling by car, or looking to, consider offering/asking for a spot! (PLEASE COMMENT BELOW 👇 IF YOU ARE OFFERING OR LOOKING FOR A SPOT.)

🔹 Accomodation

🏕️The base camp will be by the canyon of Langarice, near the hotsprings!
The price for the camping during the festival will be 5 euro per person per night.

⛺You need to bring your own camping gear!

🚐 If you have a campervan you can still stay near the camping area, but if you need services check the availability with Vjosa Explorer Camping.

🏠You can book an apartment or a hotel in the city.

🔹Food

🍞🍲The campsite will be offering some simple food options.
There will be eggs, cheese, vegetables and byrek for breakfast. Grilled meat and vegetables for dinner.

🛒 🍪 If you need anything else there are several grocery stores in the nearby town.

🍽️ We ask everyone to bring their own plates, utensils, etc. to minimize unnecessary waste.
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Please make sure to fill out the registration form, especially if you are planning to eat at the campsite.

*CHECK THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR MORE INFO AND USEFUL LINKS....................

Hi climbers!

✴️The weekend of the 27th to the 29th of October is quickly approaching, and with it the Albanian climbing Festival!

This is the first in what will be a series of posts sharing information about the festival.

Up first: introducing the crags!
Because no climbing festival without rocks.

🧗This year we will be in the Përmet region where we can choose from several crags.

Photo 1: Gjinkar
A nice crag bolted relatively recently by a small group of Greek climbers (thank you!). The cliff is found by a small village overlooking the Vjosa. There’s 30 routes in a wide range of grades. The grippy rock offers generally featured face climbing with some tufas here and there.

Photo 2: Langarica
The routes in Langarica were the first sport climbing routes in the region when bolted back in 2013. There are about 12 routes here, and they offer a range of styles from slab to tufa climbing, and grades from 4 all the way to an unclimbed project. The most defining feature of this crag is its location in a beautiful narrow canyon, directly off the river with hot springs nearby.

Photo 3: Petran
This crag, bolted back in 2018 offers up 18 routes on good quality grey rock. The grades range from 3 to 6b+, with a focus on pleasant easier routes. The short approach add to the accessibility of this crag.

Dear climbers, we are thrilled to announce that the Albanian Climbing Festival is back!

Mark your calendars from October 27th to 29th for an unforgettable experience of exploring the beauty of Vjosa through climbing.

This year, we will be located in the stunning region of Përmet in the south of the country.

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing more information about the program, the crags, and everything else you need to know. But for now, make sure to keep your agenda clear for that weekend and get ready for your next climbing adventure!

📆Dates: October 27th to 29th
📍Location: Përmet, in the south of Albania

Stay tuned for updates on our official website and our social media channels.
Happy climbing! 🧗🏻‍♀️🧗🏽‍♂️🌄👏

From all of us, A BIG THANK YOU!

It has been a busy year the last one, but seeing you all enjoying all three climbing spots was worth it all.

We counted more than 170 people from around about 20 countries, whom with their positive vibes make these days feel magic. Thank to you all for joining the festival and supporting by spreading the propaganda. 😉

Thank you for supporting our dream to make Albania a climbing destination.
Thanks , and and all the scientists who make possible the salvation of Vjosa.
Thank you .music for the amazing party, and making all of us dance.
A big thank you to the family who runs the Restaurant Rrapi for letting us having three day of fun in there.
An enormous thank you to all the volunteers of our community for the help in the organization of ACF.

We wish you all as much climbing as possible!...................
Soon picture and videos

😎 Are you ready to revive your love for climbing and grip undiscovered rocks in the heart of Europe?
🧗‍♀️Albanian Climbing Festival is back with its 7th Edition!
🌟 Save the date, book your spot and get ready for an epic long weekend in Albania.
📅 October 28th - 30th
🟢 30 min away from the capital, Tirana

📢 Tell your climber friends and bring along friends who want to try climbing for the first time. At Albanian Climbing Festival you will meet an enthusiast climbing community from all over the world, ready to connect and exchange experiences with other travellers, climbers and locals alike!

🔗Follow the link in bio and fill the form in order to register.
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is an international event, which was born from a small and passionate group of climbers in order to develop and promote this sport in Albania.

Get ready to rock!

🗓️ Check out the schedule of the 7th edition of !
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☀️A sneak peek of the places where will gonna climb on Sunday this ACF.

🧗🧗🧗🧗🧗🧗
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Photo 1: 🧗.sheider 📸Irida Nallbani
Photo 2:🧗Leon Diependaele (Luan😉) 📸 Elion Çikopano
Photo 3: 🧗Greta Iljazi 📸
Photo 4: 🧗Irida Nallbani 📸Elion Çikopano

ℹ️ Here some useful information!

🔹 Accomodation!

The base camp will be in Brar! Brar is only a 20 min drive from the city center.

🏕️ Please bring your own camping gear!
🚐 If you have a campervan you can still stay near the camping area, but if you need services check out Dajti Camping. For info contact

🔹 Transportation

🚙 We encourage car-sharing. If you're coming from the region consider offering/asking for a spot! (PLEASE COMMENT BELOW 👇 IF YOU ARE OFFERING OR LOOKING FOR A SPOT.)

🚌 There is a bus that brings you from the city center to a roundabout (which is the last stop), from there we will help you with a passage. (PLEASE COMMENT BELOW 👇 IF YOU ARE USING THIS OPTION, SO WE CAN ORGANIZE AND PICK UP YOU ALL TOGETHER).

🔹Food

🍞🍲 There are two local restaurants near the camping area, they cook simple traditional dishes!
🛒 🍪 Before the roundabout on the way to Brar (where the last stop is), there are some small grocery shops and a bakery. You can always shop in the city.

There is a restaurant in Bovilla, we will be there on Saturday.
There are two tiny groceries and two coffee shops in Krraba, we will be there on Sunday!

Please if you have any questions write them on the comments 👇.

ℹ️Albanian Climbing Festival was created to serve three main reasons:

✅ Promote a sustainable active lifestyle

✅ Create more climbing crags and sustain existing routes

✅ Make an example how much potential natural resources can be through adventure tourism, wich empowers small local business and small local community.

🔩🔧The last two years we have been bolting around Tirana. We have added routes in Brar and Petrela, developed 4 more sectors in Bovilla and a new climbing area in Krrabë.

All this years we have bolted in Përmet, Skrapar, Petrela, we created the first bouldering are in Valbona Valley in 2021 and we are eager to discover what new projects the future reseves to us.

Follow to know more about the development of sport climbing in Albania.





Get ready to rock!😉

Changes are coming, and pretty soon our community will have more routes, that not only us as locals, but the whole climbing community will enjoy.
Thanks for the article, and all the exposure that you are giving to our beautiful crags Rock and Ice magazine Climbing Magazine and Aaron Gerry.

Europe's Best-Kept Climbing Secret Is Now On the Map Local climbers open Albania's first bouldering field, in Valbona Valley. But hydropower plants threaten to devastate the area.

Be ready for this October, we will be bouldering in one of the most beautiful valley in Albania, in the gorgeous Valbona Valley. Save the dates:
22-24 of October 2021

🪅Albanian climbing festival is back!🪅

EN::: We are happy to announce that we are getting ready to host the 7th edition of Albanian Climbing Festival, with the best climbing that Albania can offer!

🧗It started from the desire of a passionate group of climbers in order to develop and promote sport climbing in Albania.

ℹ️Did you know that Albania Climbing Festival was created to serve three main reasons:

✅ Promote a sustainable active lifestyle
✅ Create more climbing crags and sustain existing routes
✅ Make an example how much potential natural resources can be through adventure tourism, wich empowers small local business and small local community................................

AL::: Jemi të lumtur t'ju njoftojmë se jemi duke u bërë gati për të pritur edicionin e 7-të të Albanian Climbing Festival, me ngjitjet më të mirë që Shqipëria mund të ofrojë!

🧗Çdo gjë filloi nga dëshira e një grupi pasionant alpinistësh për të zhvilluar dhe promovuar ngjitjen sportive në Shqipëri.

ℹ️A e dini se Albanian Climbing Festival u krijua për t'i shërbyer tre arsyeve kryesore:

✅ Promovimin e një mënyre jetese të qëndrueshme dhe aktive
✅ Zhvillimin e sport climbing në zona të reja dhe mirëmbajtjen e itinerareve ekzistuese
✅ Të japim një shembull se si burimet natyrore mund shfrytëzohen përmes turizmit aventuror, i cili fuqizon bizneset e vegjël lokal dhe komunitetin lokal.

Help us protect Vjosa Valley!

Can you spare a minute to help Enis Shehu? 469 signatures are still needed! STOP kerkimeve per nafte dhe gaz ne luginen e Vjoses dhe Deshnices ne rrethin e Permetit!

AL::: Rock Tirana do te fillojë nje workshop për hapjen e itinerareve dhe zhvillimin e sport climbing.
Programi do të jetë intensiv, pjesa teorike e programit do të zhvillohet online ndërsa pjesa praktike do të organizohet në palestrën tonë dhe më pas jashtë në shkëmb.

Ky është link për tu rregjistruar në program!

https://forms.gle/N6nFjXFe4WhfBt518

EN::: Rock Tirana will start a workshop to teach how to develop a sport climbing route.
The program will be intense, the theorical part will be online and the practical part will be organized in the gym and later outdoor.
This isthe form for the registration.

https://forms.gle/N6nFjXFe4WhfBt518

If you cannot access it DM to us, and we will send you the link.

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When you bring together a group of highly motivated and passionate people about climbing, they can turn a secluded island in the middle of the ocean into a tourist destination. Starting with rock climbing, a project in collaboration with Maewan and Makatea Islanders set up a sustainable economy based on eco-tourism.

Makatea Vertical Adventure - Petzl Makatea Vertical Adventure is way more than a climbing movie. Discover the fascinating story of Makatea island.Thanks to Maewan and a group of motivated peop...

Dear climbers of the world,
the Albanian climbing community wishes that everyone can stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.
We have decided, due to the world wide situation, to postpone our Climbing Festival, till the situation becomes more safe for the health of everyone. Keep checking our social media and website for future notifications.
All the best to everyone from the Albanian Climbing Festival Team!

This year we will be in Gjipe 8, 9 and 10 of May!
Soon more details!
Stay tuned!

The Coolest Climbing Festivals in Europe to Get You Stoked for 2020 Climbing trips are one of the perks of the sport. Sometimes the hardest part can be choosing where to go. Let The Coolest Climbing Festivals in Europe guide your itinerary in 2019.

Here is a nice article for, whoever wants to know more about the climbing in Albania. Thanks Aaron Gerry for this nice article, and for the promotion of our beautiful crags!
Meanwhile we are on the preparing phase of this years Climbing Festival, stay tuned on our social medias for future details. See you all soon on our crags in 2020!

5 destinations that prove Albania is perfect for your next climbing getaway Albania’s climbing routes are a wonderful introduction to the country’s spectacular natural scenery

Albanian Climbing Festival updated their business hours.

Despite the weather, around 70 participants from around the world joined the 5th edition of the Albanian Climbing Festival! In addition to the highly motivated local climbing community, climbers from France, Serbia, Italy, Slovakia, States, Poland, Germany, and Spain joined our event, and we where happy to share our crag with them. Today we finished this edition, and can't wait to meet more climbers on the next edition.
Many thanks to all the people and businesses that helped us organize this great event! Many thanks to .al .al and of course
See you in 2020 with new surprises!
Albanian Climbing Festival Team

Yesterday's party was magic! Perfect music from great people and the amazing view that Bovilla has to offer.

For whoever want's to join the Festival at the last minute, a minivan will start at 18:00 from Rock Tirana Climbing Gym towards Bovilla. If you haven't been to Rock Tirana here is a link with a video that shows you how to get there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbsqmdBobUs
and a google location: https://goo.gl/maps/ooYFD9TiUEuHadqP6