Increased complaints in the Murgtal bouldering area: Please follow the rules

Complaints about climbers are increasing in the popular Murgtal bouldering area in eastern Switzerland. The main issues are obstructions to the Murgtalstrasse at the Big Ben Block and illegal parking in the lay-bys.

The Murg municipal administration has recently received an increasing number of complaints concerning us boulderers. "The problem is that the Murgtalstrasse at the Big Ben Block is partially blocked by crash pads, spotters and people who take a break on the road between attempts," explains guide author Silvan Dermont. People are also parking in the passing bays in violation of the regulations.

  • The neuralgic point: The Big Ben Block directly on Murgtalstrasse.
  • Since the block borders directly on the narrow Murgtalstrasse, special consideration is required.
  • Area overview: Red marks the Pay Station sector with the Big Ben block.

Cooperation instead of confrontation

This is a thorn in the side of the municipality and it is requested that the road and the passing bays remain completely clear at all times, which does not restrict bouldering on the block.

Silvan Dermont points out that the municipality has to do a lot for the boulderers in murgtal has done so, for example, by building parking spaces in the Serpentine and at the Lake sector, although originally there was a general parking ban from the toll booth to the start of the circular walk.

Now we can do our part and respond to this simple request from the community.

Simon Dermont

"I am aware that there are members of the bouldering community who have a different opinion. We should all always be aware that we are guests in the Murg Valley. Instead of making demands, we should simply be grateful that we are welcome here and can pursue our passion in this beautiful place. Let us all do our part to ensure that it stays that way for a long time to come."

Thank you very much for your willingness to cooperate!

In the Murg Valley we can practice bouldering in an incredible environment. Let us appreciate and value this by taking care of the forest and the entire environment.
In the Murg Valley we can practice bouldering in an incredible environment. Let us appreciate and value this by taking care of the forest and the entire environment.

Bouldering in the Murg Valley – Rules of Conduct on Site

  • Locals – especially farmers and cows – always have the right of way out of courtesy
  • Only use parking spaces marked in the topo
  • No littering! Take all rubbish with you. This also applies to toilet paper, tape scraps and cigarette butts.
  • No wild camping! No overnight stays in vehicles (There is a beautiful and inexpensive Camping in the village).
  • No entry to the cow pastures during the alpine season (May 1 to September 30). Outside of the alpine season, the meadows may be entered but not driven on.
  • Fires are strictly prohibited! Exceptions are the two official fire pits. One is at the Forstgarten playground (see map Steibrächer), the other is in the See sector, on the edge of the forest near the Batmanblock.
  • Do not allow loud noise or light emissions into the animals' habitat. No music speakers!
  • Do not step on or remove peat moss!
  • Respect wildlife rest areas and protection regulations!
  • After bouldering, clean holds and remove tick marks!

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