Kompanj @photo by Ivana Staraj

Rebolting of Kompanj

Kompanj, one of Istria’s most popular and historic climbing crags, is undergoing a significant rebolting initiative to replace home made, old and worn anchors with new, high-quality bolts. This rebolting of Kompanj is focused on enhancing the safety and longevity of climbing routes, especially on routes where aging anchors have become a concern. For climbers, this means that soon, Kompanj will offer a better climbing experience with perfectly equipped routes for all skill levels. This initiative comes from local climbing club Hiperaktiv and Sport Climbing Association of Istria, and is well recognized by the Istria Region, Administrative Department for Tourism, which is founding the rebolting, as well as Buzet Tourist Board and Croatian Federation of Sport Climbing.

Why rebolting of Kompanj is necessary

With Kompanj being one of the most beloved climbing destinations in Istria, the natural wear and tear on bolts over the years is inevitable. The current rebolting of Kompanj involves not only replacing old bolts but also upgrading poorly equipped routes. This ensures that climbers can enjoy a safer and more reliable climbing experience. During this rebolting process, we ask all climbers to avoid sectors that are actively being rebolted. This will give the new equipment time to set and dry properly, making the crag even more durable for future use.

Important notices for visiting climbers

In addition to the rebolting efforts at Kompanj, we want to address the recent issue of climbers camping in the parking lot near the cemetery in Roč. We understand that Kompanj is a must-visit for many climbing enthusiasts, but we must also respect the local community. Camping in unauthorized areas is considered inappropriate by the residents of Roč, and they have voiced their concerns. Though no official actions have been taken yet, it is vital that climbers respect these guidelines to maintain a good relationship with the community.

Instead of parking lot camping, climbers can use the newly opened Vela Stina Camping site in Roč, which is just a few hundred meters away. It offers affordable rates and is a much more appropriate option for those staying overnight in a campervan.

The future of climbing in Kompanj

Once the rebolting of Kompanj is complete, climbers will be able to experience this beautiful crag with a new level of safety and enjoyment. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this important rebolting project and look forward to seeing the community come together to respect both the natural landscape and the local residents of Roč.

In summary, the rebolting of Kompanj represents a commitment to preserving this iconic crag for future generations. Let’s all do our part—whether that means respecting route closures during the rebolting process or following local guidelines—to keep Kompanj a beloved destination for climbers around the world.