Why Join Our Tower Craft: Czech Sandstone Mastery Course

Experience Europe’s Most Unique Climbing Tradition

In the heart of Europe lies a climbing experience unlike any other in the world. Czech sandstone climbing represents one of the purest, most traditional forms of the sport—a living heritage that has influenced generations of climbers for over a century. Our Tower Craft course offers you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in this extraordinary tradition under expert guidance.

A Climbing Style That Time Forgot

Czech sandstone climbing is not simply another style of ascent—it’s a philosophical approach to the vertical world that has remained largely unchanged for over 100 years. When you join our course, you’re not just learning techniques; you’re becoming part of a storied tradition where:

• Metal protection is forbidden – Instead of modern cams and nuts, you’ll master the art of placing knotted slings and textile protection in cracks
• Chalk use is restricted – Experience climbing in its purest form, developing sensitivity and technique rather than relying on grip enhancers
• Ethics matter as much as achievement – Learn the strict local climbing code that prioritizes rock preservation and traditional methods

As Tom Randall of the Wide Boyz once described it: “It is, completely, a new style of climbing; I climb almost as if I am soloing. The head must be as strong as the hands.”

Towers That Inspire Awe

The sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland and Adršpach-Teplice are nothing short of magical—slender spires and labyrinthine walls rising from misty forests like something from a fantasy landscape. These aren’t just climbing routes; they’re monuments to an evolving philosophy that has survived wars, political changes, and generations of climbers.

Many of these towers were first climbed in the early 1900s, with some routes dating back to 1905. When you summit one of these spires using the same techniques as the pioneers, you create a direct connection to climbing history that few other experiences can offer.

Technical Skills You Won’t Learn Elsewhere

Our course teaches specialized skills that have nearly disappeared from modern climbing:

• Knotted Protection Techniques – Learn to create and place monkey fists (knotted ropes of varying thickness) and UFOs (specialized webbing chocks)
• Delicate Footwork – Master the precise movement required on fragile sandstone, where the rock “has the consistency of compressed sugar”
• Mental Fortitude – Develop the psychological strength needed for climbing with minimal protection and occasional long runouts
• Traditional Summiting – Experience the unique joy of topping out on freestanding towers, a practice often missing from modern sport climbing

Learn From Those Who Live the Tradition

Our instructors aren’t just guides—they’re keepers of a climbing heritage. They understand both the technical aspects and the philosophical underpinnings of Czech sandstone climbing. They’ll share stories of legendary first ascents, explain the historical context of the climbing ethics, and help you navigate the complex cultural aspects of climbing in this region.

More Than Just a Climbing Trip

Joining our Tower Craft course offers benefits beyond the climbing itself:

• Cultural Immersion – Experience authentic Czech cuisine, local traditions, and the unique climbing culture of the region
• Historical Connection – Climb in the birthplace of free climbing in continental Europe, where techniques developed over a century ago still influence modern climbing
• Environmental Awareness – Learn climbing approaches that preserve fragile environments for future generations
• Mental Challenge – Push yourself in ways that modern, well-protected climbing rarely demands

A Rare Opportunity in Modern Climbing

In today’s world of increasingly homogenized climbing experiences, Czech sandstone offers something genuinely different. As climbing areas worldwide adopt similar protection standards and styles, the Czech tradition stands apart—a reminder of climbing’s diverse heritage and the different paths its development has taken.

Adam Ondra, perhaps the world’s greatest climber, still honors these traditions when establishing new routes on Czech sandstone—all must be climbed ground-up, respecting the country’s century-old climbing ethics.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure

The Tower Craft: Czech Sandstone Mastery course isn’t just another climbing trip—it’s a journey into climbing’s soul, a chance to connect with its history, and an opportunity to develop skills and perspectives that will enrich your climbing forever.

Whether you’re seeking to expand your technical repertoire, challenge yourself mentally, or simply experience one of climbing’s most unique traditions, our course offers an adventure that will transform how you think about climbing.

“The Czech sandstone experience transformed my climbing. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of summiting these towers using traditional methods that have remained unchanged for over a century.” – Previous Course Participant

Limited to just 4 participants per course—secure your spot today and become part of a tradition that has shaped climbing for over 100 years.

• Local transport (we are happy to organize shared rental cars within the group)
• Flights
• Travel & climbing insurance
• Food & drinks

Reasonably tight climbing shoes / harness / helmet / belay device / 2 screw gate carabiners / 60cm sling

We provide most of the gear, but you will need to bring your own climbing shoes and harness. We have belay devices, slings, and helmets, but you might prefer to bring your own you use to. We strongly suggest bringing a down jacket, a hat, a rain jacket, a pair of comfortable approach shoes, a headlamp, a sleeping bag, and a backpack big enough for carrying lunch and gear to the crag.

Upon arrival, before you get to the place of your final destination you will need to stop in the store to shop for breakfast and lunch food for the week. Usually, there is equipped kitchen with a refrigerator in the place and close by shops to replenish supplies.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars to have dinner. Communal dinners can be organized if required.

• Shared accommodation in a local climbing cottage run by local climbers
• Private room possible if required ahead (will be charged extra)

For accommodation of higher standards please make a personal inquiry through email/WhatsApp