Author: Klemen Vodlan

Slovenian climbing superstar Janja Garnbret continues to raise the bar in outdoor climbing. During a recent visit to the legendary cave of Osp, Janja onsighted Osapska pošast L2 (8c) and Working class hero (8b+) — all in a single session. Following recent breakage of holds on Working class hero, some climbers have proposed an upgrade to 8c, making Janja’s achievement even more impressive. With these two

Summer is coming, and with it, long days, sunny skies, and prime conditions for shaded sport climbing across Istria and nearby regions. While the temperatures are rising, passionate climbers continue to crush in the best summer-friendly crags like Baratro, Skedenj, the Cave of Osp, Befana sector in Buzetski kanjon, Pazinska jama, Rovinj (early mornings), steep Krkuž, and always-cool Nugla. Highlights from Baratro One of the biggest recent

Young climbers are taking over Mišja peč! The iconic limestone walls have been buzzing with energy as a group of young guns from across Europe recently sent some of the crag’s most demanding routes — many of them reaching personal bests. Juraj Gondžur: 12-year-old Slovakian talent At just 12 years old, Juraj Gondžur from Slovakia made a major breakthrough by climbing his first 8b+ — the powerful

The Easter holidays in Istria were all about girl power, with impressive ascents by some of the strongest young female climbers around! One standout was 13-year-old Austrian girl Ella Grad, who visited the iconic Buzetski kanjon. In sector Pengari, she made quick work of the stunning Too late (8a) and the long, technical Skitalica (7c+), sending both with style — Skitalica (7c+) on just her second

Heads up! There have been reports of car break-ins at the Osp/Mišja peč parking area. Most of the vehicles parked there were broken into, and cash was stolen. Please take extra care—bring all your valuables with you to the crag and don’t leave anything in your car. And what’s been happening on the rock lately? Tim Pahor and Mina Markovič both sent the long and crimpy masterpiece

Winter is slowly saying goodbye, and spring is just around the corner. But before we fully shift seasons, let’s take a look at some of the most impressive winter sends that have recently gone down in Istria. This winter has been kind to climbers—offering consistently perfect conditions across the region. While we’ve already reported on Janja Garnbret’s incredible ascents in Mišja peč over the past weeks,

Yesterday, Janja Garnbret made history again by climbing Za staro kolo in majhnega psa (8c+), an iconic route at Mišja peč. Originally established by Tadej Slabe in 1992, this route was once considered the third hardest in the world, following Germany's Action Directe and Britain's Hubble. Located in the left section of Mišja peč, in a small cave known as Tedi’s cave, this short yet intense

Janja Garnbret took advantage of good conditions to onsight the hard and crimpy Popolni mrk (Total eclipse), an 8c route in the central part of Mišja peč. The route is about 35 meters long, with the first 15 meters being pumpy, followed by a long and extremely difficult boulder section on small crimps and bad footholds in a gently overhanging wall. After this, a decent rest

On January 16, 2025, Italian climber Gabriele "Sbisi" Gorobey successfully completed his third 9a route, Xaxid hostel, at Mišja peč in Slovenia. Another 9a achievement for Gorobey Gorobey, a 38-year-old climber from Trieste, adds Xaxid hostel to his list of significant ascents. His previous successes include Sanjski par extension (9a) and Halupca 1979 (9a), both of which he sent within two weeks in 2019. Xaxid Hostel is

As we wrap up 2024, the Istrian climbing scene has once again proven itself a hotspot for some of the most impressive and best ascents and events in the climbing world. From groundbreaking sends by top climbers to community-driven initiatives, here’s a look at the best highlights of the year. Top female climbers of 2024 Laura Rogora made an extraordinary mark in Mišja peč, sending a series