Innsbruck church set to become a bouldering hall

A former church in Innsbruck is being converted into a bouldering hall, in what ORF reports is the first reuse of a church building for a new purpose in Tyrol. Vorarlberg entrepreneur and former professional climber Guntram Mattle is investing 2.8 million euros in the project, which is due to open in November.

Work began in May at the 600-square-metre Petrus Canisius church in Innsbruck’s Höttinger Au district. The building was deconsecrated before the conversion. Mattle, who already runs three bouldering halls, is leading the project.

The altar at the centre of the former church will remain consecrated, with services continuing on Sunday evenings while climbing is paused. The parish now meets in a small original chapel in the building, and the church’s Stations of the Cross images will also remain.

The conversion is part of the Diocese of Innsbruck’s search for new uses for its more than 400 church buildings as membership declines. The parish initially had reservations about sharing the building, but Mattle said many people had since come around to the idea. He said the parish’s senior group had also expressed interest in trying bouldering.

The church, designed by architect Horst Parson, was consecrated in 1972 and has been used less frequently in recent years. It is a protected building. The climbing walls have been installed so they can be removed, and a café area has been added on the south side. The new hall is also intended as a meeting place for young people, with the grounds opening towards the Inn promenade.

Tags: Innsbruck, climbing, churches