Kletterkirche, Waldhausen
Built in 1933 by Clemens Holzmeister, the church in Waldhausen, Mönchengladbach, was repurposed in 2010 as a climbing facility. It features a prominent tower and original stained glass windows.
About this building
The church in Waldhausen, Mönchengladbach, was built in 1933 by architect Clemens Holzmeister. It features a symmetrical cubic design with brick construction and a rectangular tower that serves as a prominent landmark. The interior has a high, wide central nave and two lower side aisles, with the altar area elevated on the west wall. The original stained glass windows by Anton Wendling and Josef Höttges were removed.
The church remained unused from 2007 until 2010 when it was repurposed into a climbing facility known as the "Kletterkirche" (Climbing Church). The building was leased to a private operator for 25 years, and the interior was fitted with climbing walls while preserving the original structure. The altar, baptismal font, tabernacle, and lectern were removed. Additional amenities such as changing rooms, restrooms, and a catering area were added. The climbing activities extend outside with installations for activities like slacklining.
The adaptive reuse of the church was initially met with mixed opinions, but it was seen as a way to preserve the building and provide a unique space for recreational activities, including group experiences and opportunities for disabled individuals.
