Discovering the Hidden Gem of the Vosges Mountains: Roof Climbing at Sandkopf

Sandkopf, located in the northern Vosges Mountains about an hour’s drive from Strasbourg, may be small—with just 18 routes and walls up to 20 meters high—but it’s a paradise for roof climbing enthusiasts. 

Just 5 minutes away from the popular Château de Waldeck, which is well-loved by beginner to intermediate climbers, Sandkopf is well worth a visit if you've already explored Waldeck.

The biggest draw of Sandkopf is its large-scale overhangs / roof lines that feel straight out of an indoor climbing gym. The holds are straightforward, making the movements powerful and dynamic. There’s also a selection of beginner-friendly, yet technical and spicy routes on the flanks.

Sandkopf : Eclipse totale (de rocher) 7b

A 2-Year My Project: "Eclipse totale (de rocher)" 7b 

My goal this time was to finally send a route I had tried but failed to finish two years ago: Eclipse totale (de rocher) (7b). While clipping the quickdraws, I still progressed smoothly to the crux—a short, punchy sequence that starts just after the 6th bolt. But the bolt was slightly high, and I couldn’t link the moves cleanly—so I hung. After securing the quickdraw, I began to work the crux. 

The sequence I had been shown was: left-hand deadpoint to a crimp, switch right hand to an undercling, then go left again. But as before, it didn’t quite click. With some trial and error, I discovered that a right heel hook made all the difference.

After a short rest, I launched my second attempt. This time, I committed to the new beta: deadpoint to the left-hand crimp, switch right to the undercling, pull in tight, set the right heel on a small edge, then bump the right hand to a crimp. It flowed perfectly—I passed the crux. The rest of the roof, though steep, was manageable since I knew the holds. I stayed calm and sent the route. Project complete! 

And using the heel hook—something I’d previously struggled with—boosted my confidence going forward.

Despite its small size, Sandkopf is full of character. If you love roofs and want something different from Waldeck, it’s well worth checking out.