In der Aar

In der Aar, also known as Dahlhauser Wand, Dahli, or Chursbusch, is a small but charming climbing crag located within the recreational area of Chursbusch, to the south of Dahlhausen. The former quarry enjoys a lot of sun, so it can become quite hot in summer. Luckily the crag shaded during the morning.

Despite its modest size, In der Aar offers diverse climbing on vertical and overhanging terrain. The crag features both sport climbing routes and boulder problems. All sport routes are equipped with modern glued-in bolts and finish at redundant lower-off anchors.

The area is especially suitable for a relaxed day outdoors. Situated directly next to a children's playground and within the Chursbusch recreational grounds, it lends itself perfectly to combining a climbing session with a picnic or barbecue. However, because the crag only has a limited number of routes it can feel crowded quickly.

In der Aar lies within a protected landscape area and should be treated as a small natural gem. Climbers are encouraged to minimize their impact, respect the environment, and preserve the routes in their original state. Altering holds by chipping or drilling is forbidden.

The climbing crag of In der Aar is closely linked to the industrial heritage of the Ruhr region. The rock face forms part of a former quarry located on the grounds of what was once the 'Zeche Vereinigte Dahlhauser Tiefbau', a coal mine that operated between 1860 and 1965. The mine emerged from the consolidation of several smaller collieries and became an important local employer during the height of coal mining in the Ruhr area. At its peak, the mine extracted coal from depths of more than 700 metres and employed hundreds of miners.

Following the closure of the mine in 1965 and the demolition of most surface structures in the early 1970s, the former industrial site gradually returned to nature. Parts of the area were redeveloped into the 'Chursbusch recreational grounds', where traces of the mining past still blend with woodland and open green spaces.

In this setting, the former quarry evolved into a small climbing destination known today by different names: In der Aar, Dahlhauser Wand, Dahli, or Chursbusch.