Indoor climbing is becoming more and more popular. Many people are attracted by the fascination of the coloured holds and the interesting boulder problems. The raise in the number of climbers in recent years is very significant and for this reason it is now very common to find at least one indoor climbing space in every major city in Italy. If you are in the country and want to try the best climbing gyms here is a short list of the most famous ones.
Here you will discover three gyms:
- The tallest in Europe: Level 24
- One of the most complete in Italy: Salewa Cube
- One if the most popular destinations: Arco Climbing
Tallest climbing walls in Europe
Recently inaugurated and located in Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region, Level 24 is currently the tallest indoor gym in Europe. The longest routes reach a height of 24 meters (this is where the name comes from). Even thought it is not the biggest one in Italy no other place offers routes that long. It is a very well organised gym, with changing rooms, a restaurant, a bar and many climbing areas. It includes a vast selection of boulders and easier routes for kids. If you are alone you can use one of the auto-belay systems in place. You can choose between more than 100 boulder problems and more than 100 lead lines. If you want to train there are many training areas as well, including a kilterboard and a moon board.
Link to the website: https://www.level24.it/
Read our article about the gym: https://6bpump.com/level-24-tallest-indoor-climbing-gym-in-europe/
Most complete climbing gym in Italy
Salewa is a brand specialized in mountain gear and apparel. In Bolzano, in the north of Italy, you can visit the Salewa Cube. This is one of the best gyms in the country. It is a combination of shop and gym. You will find more than 80 lead lines and around 150 boulders. There is also an outdoor wall that can be used when it’s not too cold, with around 20 incredible lines. The overhang reaches 9 meters and you can climb routes from grade 3 to grade 7 (French grades). Bolzano is in Alto Adige and it is the perfect place if you want to explore the surrounding mountains.
Link to the website: https://www.salewa-cube.com/it
Arco indoor
The area around lake Garda is the perfect destination for sport enthusiasts. Arco is on of the most popular climbing destinations in Italy and for this reason you will find a big climbing community here, and many climbing shops. The best climbing competitions take place here and there is an amazing climbing gym as well. Arco Climbing is the perfect spot if you are looking for somewhere to train or to climb on a rainy day while you plan other outdoor activities.
Link to the website: https://www.arcoclimbing.com/
As we said climbing is becoming more and more popular so you will find gyms in most cities you visit. It is more common to find them in the north, close to the mountains and especially the region of Trentino has the highest number of indoor climbing areas.
More considerations on indoor climbing
Indoor climbing has evolved far beyond a niche sport—it’s now a mainstream physical and mental workout embraced by people of all ages. In Italy, this growth mirrors a broader global trend, with modern climbing gyms popping up in cities from Milan to Naples. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a total beginner, indoor climbing offers an accessible, safe, and community-driven way to challenge your body and mind. One of the biggest appeals of indoor climbing is its versatility. Climbers can choose from bouldering, sport climbing, and top-rope climbing, all in a controlled environment where weather isn’t a concern. Most gyms offer auto-belays for solo training, dynamic walls with adjustable difficulty levels, and even moonboards for advanced strength conditioning.
What makes indoor climbing particularly attractive in Italy is the strong connection to its outdoor climbing culture. With the Alps, the Dolomites, and world-famous crags like Arco and Finale Ligure, Italians grow up aware of climbing as a national sport. Indoor gyms provide a year-round training ground for those looking to stay in shape during the off-season or prepare for outdoor adventures. Moreover, climbing has become increasingly social. Modern climbing gyms often double as co-working spaces, cafes, and yoga studios, creating hubs where people connect through movement and shared goals. The vibe is inclusive, with classes and workshops for kids, women-only groups, and adaptive climbing options for people with disabilities. This sense of belonging is one reason why indoor climbing continues to gain popularity across Italy.
Other aspects
Beyond the fun and social aspects, indoor climbing offers significant health benefits. It’s a full-body workout that develops functional strength, especially in the core, arms, and back. But it’s not just physical—climbing sharpens your problem-solving skills, patience, and focus. Each route, or “problem,” presents a puzzle requiring both strategy and endurance. This mental engagement makes climbing particularly appealing to those who find traditional gym workouts repetitive or uninspiring. It also means that progress is easy to track: when you conquer a route that once felt impossible, the sense of achievement is addictive. For this reason, climbing is often seen not just as a workout but as a personal growth journey.
Italy has also embraced climbing’s competitive side, especially since its debut as an Olympic sport in 2020. This has led to increased investment in indoor facilities, with many gyms now hosting local competitions and offering coaching programs. Young climbers are training with Olympic dreams, while adults use structured plans to push their limits. Importantly, indoor climbing is also a safe entry point for newcomers: falls are cushioned, equipment is provided, and instructors are usually on hand. Whether you climb to train, compete, socialize, or simply stay fit, the indoor climbing scene in Italy is thriving—and it’s only getting stronger.
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