Climbing and bouldering

Source: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/study/student-life/um-sports-you/climbing-and-bouldering Parent: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Our 11-metre climbing wall at the University Sports Centre offers a diverse climbing experience with about 30 routes available for top rope climbing, ranging in difficulty from 3 to 7a (French grades). The wall is outfitted for bouldering, pre-climbing and lead climbing, presenting a challenge for climbers of all skill levels.

Climbing vs. bouldering

Climbing is a challenging sport where you can reach great heights. On our climbing wall, you can climb top rope on 12 ropes (about 30 routes) up to 11 metres. The wall is also suitable for pre-climbing. To keep you safe, you climb with a rope and the help of an instructor. Or, you can climb on your own only if you have a Dutch NKBV climbing license.
Bouldering focuses on climbing shorter routes (boulders) without ropes but with a safety mat at the bottom of the wall. These short routes reach a height of 4.5 metres. The challenge is to figure out how to climb the boulder using strength, explosiveness, flexibility and technique. A climbing skills license is not required for bouldering.

Access to the climbing wall

Access to the climbing wall requires a ‘Sports’ membership and, only for solo long-route climbing, a Dutch NKBV climbing license.
Without a climbing license, you can still go bouldering, take climbing classes or courses, or climb with an instructor.
Foreign climbing licenses are not recognised, but you can climb under supervision or obtain a Dutch NKBV license by taking the Climbing exam (description in Dutch).

Climbing classes and courses

If you're looking to start climbing or enhance your skills, we offer classes and courses at various skill levels. The classes and courses on offer vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the current overview for the latest schedule:

Climbing intro class: ideal for first-timers and those without a climbing license, this class offers supervised climbing and basic instruction.
Learning to rope climb course: this is a beginner course that safely leads to your Dutch NKBV climbing license through five guided lessons.
Training for climbing course: our new four-week course for climbers with a top rope licence, this course provides in-depth insights into the world of climbing and teaches you essential techniques needed for successful climbing.
Climbing exam: successful completion of this exam enables experienced climbers or those with a foreign license to obtain a Dutch NKBV climbing license.
Advanced rope climbing course: for climbers who want to explore the challenging world of pre-climbing, this six-week course allows you to master the skills of pre-climbing and obtain an indoor lead licence.

All classes and courses require a minimum of two participants.

Climbing equipment rental

If you have a climbing license and show it to the USC front desk, you can rent climbing equipment for solo practice. Please note that the equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available during busy times.

Discount at Radium Boulders

As a UM SPORTS member, you get a discount at Radium Boulders in Maastricht. Also in 2026, all UM SPORTS members with a valid membership pay a reduced rate of €8.00 for bouldering on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday evening between 18.00 and 23.00. To unlock this exclusive rate, simply demonstrate your active UM SPORTS membership by logging into MyUSC on your phone when you visit Radium Boulders during these times.