What is a climbing forest? All about climbing between the trees

27 December 2025

A climbing forest is an outdoor adventure park where you climb through trees at height via challenging courses. Also known as a tree climbing park, climbing park or treetop adventure park, a climbing forest combines sport, nature and adventure. At a climbing forest, you move between platforms at different heights, connected by climbing elements such as rope bridges, ziplines, nets and ladders.

How does a climbing forest work?

In a climbing forest, climbing courses are built around the natural trees in the forest. The trees form the structure to which platforms and obstacles are attached. This makes climbing in a climbing forest unique: you experience nature from above and test your balance, strength and daring at the same time. It feels like floating through the treetops.

Climbing forest routes and difficulty levels

Climbing forests use colour coding for different levels of difficulty, similar to ski runs:

• Orange route climbing forest: Junior course for children aged 6 and over and at least 1.20 m in length
• Green route: Beginners' course, suitable for first climbing experiences (from 1.40m)
• Blue route: Average level with more challenge
• Red route: Advanced course for experienced climbers
• Black route: Expert route for daredevils, can reach up to 23 metres high

The climbing routes are carefully designed: you start low with simple obstacles and the height and difficulty gradually increase.

Height of climbing forest: how high do you climb?

The height of a climbing forest varies from course to course:

• Beginner's routes: a few metres above the ground
• Advanced routes: between 10-15 metres altitude
• Extreme routes: up to 23 metres high (e.g. black route Lage Vuursche)

The maximum climbing height depends on tree species, forest stability and local regulations. Higher courses require mental rest and concentration in addition to physical strength. At a climbing forest, you decide at what level and height you want to climb.

Safety climbing forest: how safe is climbing?

Safety in the climbing forest is top priority. All climbing forests work with:

• Continuous securing system: you are always locked in place, even when changing between obstacles
• Certified climbing equipment: compliant with European safety standards
• Professional instruction: clear explanation before start
• Supervision: instructors monitor climbing routes from the ground

Thanks to these safety measures, you can push your limits in the climbing forest with peace of mind.

Klimbos Netherlands: locations and differences

Klimbos Netherlands currently has six locations throughout the Netherlands. Although the concept is the same at each climbing park location, differences:

• Number of climbing routes
• Maximum height of courses
• Specific climbing elements and obstacles
• Natural environment and tree species

As a result, each climbing forest location offers a unique climbing experience, while you can expect the same high quality and safety everywhere.

Who is a climbing forest suitable for?

A visit to the climbing forest is suitable for:

• Families with children (from 6 years and 1.20m tall)
• Children's parties the most amazing party with friends
• Company outings and teambuilding activities
• Friends groups seeking adventure
• Sporting day trippers of all ages

Thanks to routes for different climbing levels, there is a suitable course for everyone - from novice climber to experienced adventurer.