Prilep: Eastern Europe’s Premier Bouldering Destination

Rich in culture, history and natural beauty Macedonia seems to pack in more than should be possible for a country of its size. Did you know Mother Teresa was born in Macedonia? Despite being one of the newest European countries, it feels as though things have stood still in time over the last four decades. Modern Volkswagens fight for road space against haggard communist cars, donkeys pulling carts and drunken cyclists. It is here, in the depths of Eastern Europe,a somewhat different bouldering trip awaits.

The Balkan Peninsula, Macedonia, isn't the first place you'd think of going on bouldering trip, but if you are looking for granite blocs, situated in a rarely travelled part of Europe, then Macedonia’s fourth largest city, Prilep, could be the place for you.

Dozens of villages scattered over the hills surrounding Prilep make up Macedonia’s largest extended community of 70,000 inhabitants. On these hills, criss-crossed with sheep trails, lie vast amounts of barely touched, sculptured granite blocs; sitting, admiring the stunning mountain scenery. From a distance the huge granite blocs portray many of the features seen Bishop and Hampi. Although Prilep certainly isn’t the new Bishop, it does offer the same striking highball lines. Many of the developed problems follow strong lines, wandering among the featured boulders you barely need the guidebook as you eye up arêtes, roofs, and patina covered walls. The style is predominately crimpy and the coarse rock is far from forgiving, so looking after the fingers is essential.Fortunately, many of the problems are basic and easy to read, but it's one thing figuring out what to do, and another to actually do it. Furthermore flat, grassy landings protect most problems, therefore requiring no more than one or two crash pads. With all the prerequisites, it seems the Prilep is destined to become a major bouldering venue in the not so distant future.
Charles Romijn at Kamena Baba sector at Prilep

Charles Romijn at Kamena Baba sector at Prilep

Locals first began to climb the impressive granite boulders in 2003. But it wasn’t until 2009 when developments really kicked off. Slovenian climbers came armed with billhooks, sheers, and brushes of all sizes to explore the hillsides that overlooked the famous tobacco fields of Prilep. On hearing the rumours, Rok Shishernik led several trips with a strong team to open numerous new problems and scoped out new sectors. Over the following years, Prilep’s reputation grew and grew gaining the attention of many of the world’s best climbers, including the likes of Arnaud Petit, Kilian Fischhuber, Anna Stohr, Jason Kehl, Dave Graham and Paul Robinson; this perhaps lead to decision from Petzl to include Prilep as destination on their renowned 2014 Petzl Roc Trip tour. Today, climbing in Prilep is expanding, turning the area into one of the world's most exciting places for bouldering. Yet, whilst traces of chalk are now a common sight, seeing anyone other than the local Sheppard is a rarity. The scope to develop new boulder problems and even areas is enormous. Strong Italian climber Nicky Ceria travelled to explore and add his own test pieces to the hills of Prilep stating “this unknown bouldering destination leads to a small taste of exploration; its valleys are a perfect setting in which to climb, offering great stones, lush green grass and stunning sunsets”.

Currently Prilep’s bouldering guidebook covers five areas in detail. For most visiting climbers efforts should be concentrated across the three main hillsides of Kamena Baba, Dabinca and Treskvec. It is in these areas that the most compact circuits on the best rock can be found. Although, each area is vastly different in what it offers, one common denominator is they all present that rare and privileged experience, being one of the first to sample one of the most beautiful bouldering areas in Europe. The chances of seeing anyone, bar the local shepherd and his dog, whilst wandering the chaotic hillsides are slim, leaving you to enjoy the climbing and scenery with just a few select friends.

Kamena Baba should be the first port of call for most being by far most extensive hillside and home to most of Prilep’s more popular classics. Eight sub-sectors offer 257 problems from 5a/V0 to 8a/V11. Unfortunately, the best rock and problems are found in the furthest sectors from the road, nearer the top of the hillside. The steep 25 minute walk-in may sound monstrous, but this simply adds to the experience allowing you to really appreciate the spectacular location and superb views over both the tobacco fields and town below. As you contour round the boulder strewn hillside, your hands sweat and mind race at the sheer number of boulders on offer. Where do you start and which of the many lines on offer are the classics? For those wishing to explore more, the boundaries are limitless as the ridgeline is riddled with boulders and continues for miles. Numerous high quality first ascents on virgin rock await those willing to carry a crash pad further than their predecessors.


Dabinca offers 61 problems from 5a/V0 to 8a+/V12. An accessible venue being compact and close to the car can make for a pleasant change; your legs will thank you. The fascinating drive along 3 kilometres of less than ideal track through the city outskirts displays Macedonia’s diverse range of wealth, living conditions and motor history. The area hosts a collection of exceptional problems on arguably the best rock in Prilep. Although the number of developed blocs is less than a quarter of that at Kamena Baba the quality here more than makes up for the lack of quality. That said Dabinca has the best potential for putting up five star first ascents, with easy pickings for those willing to walk more than 15 minutes from the car. 

Charles Romijn on Kush Kaval (V6) at Dabinca sector.

Tresavec is one of the newest hillsides to be developed and currently offers 82 problems from 5a/V0 to 8a+/V12 across four established sectors, again with potential for a lot more. The main benefit of this area is that it is much higher than the rest making it a good option for hot days or an escape from low lying cloud. Be aware, the road does get cut off in snow. Once again the views are fantastic and the sunsets memorable. The developed problems are a little more hit and miss at Tresavec, with the rock quality varying greatly from boulder to boulder. Still, some of Prilep’s finest are hidden on this hillside and well worth seeking out. The ‘Monastery’ sector is the best place to start.

Prilep's Top 10 Boulder Problems

Wild Nothing V5, Treskavec. If one problem summed up Prilep bouldering; high, crimpy, amazing moves and a superb setting! The neighbouring arête, Golden Haze V8, is also a Prilep crimpin’ classic.


Kush Kaval V6, Dabinca. A problem that screams to be climbed. Follow the rising line of large, juggy Heucos up to the centre of a proud house size boulder. A heart in mouth pop for the top means it won’t be forgotten quickly. V5 from standing.


Cocon V6, Kamena Baba. A rare and unusual sculpted feature, not often seen on granite. Bring your guns, it sure is burly! And don’t underestimate the inimitable top out.


Babastic V7, Kamena Baba. If you could describe this problem in one word it would be BIG; BIG walk in, BIG boulder, BIG line, BIG moves and a BIG fall potential! Babastic is one of a trio of neighbouring highball V7s, which arguably make up the three best problems in Prilep.


Pornic V7, Dabinca. The high and aesthetic arête is a “proper line”, with balancey, sequencey and technical climbing that may leave you either frustrated or elated.


Marmelade V8, Kamena Baba. A popular classic, despite being hard for the grade; it must be good! Two tactics can be utilized… brute strength or cunning trickery. Suits indoor climbers.


Ni-Mus V8, Kamena Baba. Smuggled over from Bishop. Seeking out this hidden gem is a must do for those operating at the grade. It’s a friendly on the skin too!

Tom Newberry climbing Waves, V9, at Dabinca sector

Tom Newberry climbing Waves, V9, at Dabinca sector

Waves V9, Dabinca. Wow! This featured granite wall seems unique to Macedonia. Perfectly sculpted, high quality granite. This boulder is more than worth making trip out for and will be the highlight of anyone’s trip. 


Excalibur V9, Kamena Baba. - Some of the coolest moves around make this a guarantee for your all-time top 5 list. Stand start goes at a brilliant V5.


Terrormeer V11, Treskavec. Physical, Gymnastic yet precarious climbing on perfectly sculpted pinches up an impressive golden prow. Looks like it should be in Hampi.

Prilep Bouldering - Fact File

Useful Information and local guidebook

The local currency is the Macedonian Denar, although some places do accept euros at a less favourable exchange rate. Money (£, $ or €) can be changed at the airport or in town. Climbing gear isn’t sold locally, so bring plenty of chalk, tape etc. It is also worth buying the Prilep bouldering guidebook in advance, which is up to date as of March 2015 and is one of the best guidebooks I have ever used. The topos, anecdotes, information and layout are superb, as are the numerous inspiring photos.


Season

The winter months provide the best conditions for those seeking out the harder classics. There is also the opportunity to make use of the nearby ski resort too if you do visit in winter. However, expect snow and temperatures dropping to below 0° C. March/April and October/November offer the best compromise of sun and conditions. Summers in Macedonia are way too hot to boulder and there is very little shade amongst the boulders.


How to get there

From all over Europe there are flights to Macedonia’s capital, Skopje. Hiring a car is recommended, though be warned some of the tracks to the boulders are “bumpy”. Prilep is an hour and a half drive from the airport. All the bouldering areas are located to the north of the city no more than 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre.