The climbing forest is calling: let's go on a mountain adventure!

A balmy summer breeze blows through the treetops. The rustling of the leaves mingles with the earthy scent of the forest. The clacking of carabiners can be heard. A joyful call echoes through the treetops: "Let's go on an adventure!" Then there is a brief hiss as someone glides down the zip wire between the tree trunks at a good speed. A slight tingling sensation rises in your body as you watch - excitement or anticipation? Perhaps both.

No special prior knowledge is required for the visit. Each climbing forest sets its own age limits and when an adult must accompany a child. Whether for families with children, people with disabilities, absolute beginners or real pros: the sport is suitable for anyone who wants to take on new challenges.

Off you go

A user agreement is signed at check-in. It provides information about user rules and liability claims. The equipment - climbing harness and gloves - is provided on site. A helmet is also provided on request, otherwise climbing without a helmet is recommended. The instruction by trained safety instructors then begins. They explain how to put on and take off the harnesses correctly and give an overview of the different courses and which level of difficulty is suitable for whom.

This is followed by safety training, during which the safety systems are introduced. In other words, how do you use the two carabiners to attach yourself to a belay device, a normal wire rope, a ropeway or a free-fall device? A corresponding system is used so that both carabiners can never be opened at the same time. After an initial test route and as soon as all the moves are in place, you're off to the heights.

Self-built: the Garmisch-Partenkirchen climbing forest

The Garmisch-Partenkirchen climbing forest on the south side of the Wank mountain has been thrilling visitors since 2007. Managing partner Andreas Hertle and Philipp Hertle, operator of Pepperblue Veranstaltungs GmbH, built it in cooperation with Tiefblick GmbH from Immenstadt. "We do everything ourselves: from marketing to the creative development and construction of our unique climbing elements," reports Philipp Hertle. "It is crucial that they are intuitively understandable and safe to use." The largest climbing forest in Upper Bavaria offers 13 courses for all levels of difficulty, including a children's course and challenges up to 17 metres high with a total of 130 climbing elements.

There is plenty to discover in three hours of climbing time: wobbly bridges in the wildest designs, hovering bicycles, balancing routes and a speedy 15 rope courses up to 90 metres long. The partner course requires team spirit, as Andreas Hertle explains: "There are obstacles here where you can support each other. Teamwork is particularly important to ensure that you both get to the other side without falling off." The entire course can also be completed alone, but is then a little more difficult to master. The focus is on playfully trying out your own skills.

Everyone is welcome

"We don't have any rigid age restrictions - as long as an adult is present, every child can try out every course. We take a family approach and give visitors plenty of opportunities," says Philipp Hertle. "Our oldest guest was 95 years old. Why shouldn't an eight-year-old be able to climb better than him?" For a short break in between, visitors head to the sun terrace to relax with an ice cream.

The two operators of the climbing forest have even more in store for their guests: the 270-metre-long Flying Fox in the Olympic ski stadium sends visitors hurtling through the air at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour. Alternatively, the outdoor escape game "Treasure Hunter" provides exciting puzzles in the open air. "On the grounds of the climbing forest, visitors slip into the role of an adventurer who is out in nature searching for his missing treasure," summarises Andreas Hertle.

Climbing fun in Biberwier: the Zugspitzblick climbing forest

There are also two climbing forest highlights on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze that will provide unforgettable memories. In the Zugspitzblick climbing forest in Biberwier, a breathtaking mountain panorama opens up at lofty heights. While the view sweeps over the Sonnenspitze and the Wetterstein massif, the courses demand full concentration from climbing enthusiasts. 60 exercises are spread over six courses with 66 platforms.

Beginners and pros alike will find their personal highlight in three hours of climbing time - from balancing routes to wobbly nets and swinging wooden bridges to adrenaline-fuelled flying fox rope slides. Children from the age of eight can take part, course five is accessible from the age of 14. Children under the age of twelve may only climb if accompanied by an adult.

But what if just climbing a ladder makes you break out in a sweat? If you have a fear of heights, the supervised high-altitude climbing training can help. Together with certified rope park staff, visitors are slowly introduced to the unfamiliar heights from a psychological point of view. The individual needs of each participant are at the centre of the process.

A day full of action: the Bichlbach climbing forest

The Bichlbach climbing forest is just ten minutes from the railway station in the Bichlbach Sports & Leisure Park. A variety of experiences await you there on 6,000 square metres: a natural swimming lake with playground, mini golf, disc golf, sports fields and much more. In the Bichlbach climbing forest, guests can put their courage to the test during a three-hour climbing session.

Whether it's suspended elements, sky trapezes or several rope slides up to 100 metres long: seven courses with 70 climbing elements and six ropeways will awaken your inner Tarzan. The three easy courses promise plenty of fun, especially for beginners and families with children from the age of five. The simple, playful elements at these moderate heights give visitors a feel for the demands of climbing.

Children under the age of 14 may only climb in the climbing forest if accompanied by an adult. Two medium and two difficult courses challenge more experienced climbers with balancing routes, climbing on the giant spider web and more. There is a kiosk at the Bichlbach bathing lake and a pizzeria 300 metres away for refreshments. In the climbing forest itself there is a drinking fountain and plenty of seating to enjoy your own picnic in the cool shade of the trees with the delicacies you have brought with you. While you savour the sausage rolls, you can watch the climbers go about their business. Which course will be next?