What to Wear at the Ropes Park: Clothing, Shoes and Preparation
The gear you get on site: helmet, harness, safety system. All provided, all included in the price. What you bring yourself, though, decides whether after three hours in the trees you think "that was great" or "I wish I'd worn different shoes".
The good news: you don't need anything special. No climbing gear, no outdoor brands, no sports shop beforehand. But a few things make a difference.
Shoes
The most important thing first: closed shoes. Mandatory at all three ropes parks (Interlaken, Rigi, Grindelwald Indoor). No sandals, no flip-flops, no open shoes.
What works well: trainers, hiking shoes, trail running shoes. Anything with a solid sole and a firm fit. The sole should have grip, especially at Ropes Park Rigi where the wooden platforms get slippery in wet weather.
What doesn't work: new shoes (blisters after an hour), shoes with smooth soles (you're standing on wood, rope and metal), high shoes above the ankle (the harness sits on your legs, it gets tight).
For kids, the same applies: sturdy shoes that fit well. No slipping, no sliding.
Clothing
Long sleeves recommended. Not because it's cold, but because the harness sits on your shoulders and thighs. Short sleeves work, but a thin long-sleeve top protects against chafing, especially if you're climbing for several hours.
Sporty and comfortable. You'll stretch, step over obstacles, hang in zip lines. Jeans work but aren't ideal. Better: hiking trousers, joggers, leggings. Anything you can move freely in.
No loose parts. Scarves, long necklaces, open jackets can catch on carabiners or ropes. Zip up, jewellery off, hair tied back.
Weather check:
On warm days (summer at Interlaken and Rigi): bring sun protection. You're in the forest, but on the upper platforms the sun comes through. Cap or buff under the helmet, sunscreen on face and neck.
On cool or damp days: a light rain jacket in your backpack doesn't hurt. The outdoor parks (Interlaken and Rigi) stay open in light rain. Wet wood is slipperier, shoes with grip are especially important then.
For the Indoor Ropes Park Grindelwald: the courses sit above the ice rink in the sports centre. It's cooler than outside on a summer day. Pack a warm jacket or fleece, especially for breaks between courses. You'll warm up while climbing, but not while waiting.
What Else to Bring
Water and snacks. Both Interlaken and Rigi have barbecue areas with seating. Bringing your own food is explicitly welcome and recommended, especially on warm days. At Rigi, the Alpenhof restaurant right next to the park serves warm meals.
Small wallet or phone pouch. You won't take large backpacks onto the courses. Leave valuables in the car or carry them in a small waist bag.
Change of clothes (optional). If you climb at Rigi in wet weather, you might not get soaked, but you won't stay dry either. A fresh t-shirt in the car is never wrong.
Packing Checklist
Closed shoes with grippy soles | Mandatory |
Comfortable sportswear | Mandatory |
Long-sleeved top | Recommended |
Sun protection (summer) | Recommended |
Warm jacket (Grindelwald Indoor) | Recommended |
Water and snacks | Recommended |
Rain jacket (if weather is uncertain) | Recommended |
Change of clothes | Optional |
Hair tie (long hair) | If needed |
What you DON'T need: your own climbing gear, gloves, carabiners, helmets. Everything is provided. Just show up in the right shoes and the right clothes, the team on site takes care of the rest.
All info on courses, prices and requirements for Interlaken, Rigi and the indoor park is in our complete guide to the OUTDOOR ropes parks.