Innsbruck Catholic church to be converted into bouldering gym
A Catholic church in Innsbruck, Austria, is going to become a bouldering gym.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Innsbruck is converting the former parish church of St. Peter Canisius in Innsbruck, Austria, into a bouldering gym – an indoor facility where people climb artificial walls at relatively low heights without ropes or harnesses. The gym is scheduled to open on November 7, 2026, according to the diocese's press office.
The project is being led by Guntram Mattl, director of Steinblock and a former professional boulderer. This will be his fourth such facility. Mattl oversaw construction and will personally manage the gym. According to the diocese, the church's architecture will be preserved and incorporated into the new facility.
Bishop Hermann Glettler of Innsbruck said that religious services will be held every Sunday evening amid the climbing walls. Once a month, he will preside over Mass. On other Sundays, the program will feature Taizé-style prayer services, associated with the ecumenical Taizé movement, or gatherings for Bible reading.
The project is a joint undertaking by Steinblock IBK GmbH, the Diocese of Innsbruck, and the city of Innsbruck.
As the UOJ previously reported, Bishop Glettler described the idea of women's ordination to the priesthood as “not so utopian.”
