For many refugees arriving in a new country, the weight of past traumas, language barriers, and the uncertainty of the future can feel like an insurmountable mountain. But inside the vibrant, chalk-dusted walls of the Bouldergarten in Neukölln, Berlin, a unique volunteer-led program is helping displaced individuals find their footing—Bouldering with Refugees one climbing hold at a time.
Every Tuesday evening, the gym fills with the rhythmic thud of climbers landing on soft safety mats, the smell of fresh magnesium chalk, and the chatter of a very special bouldering community.
Finding a Foothill in Berlin: The Power of Bouldering with refugees
Bouldering—a form of rock climbing performed on low walls without ropes or harnesses—is proving to be a powerful, unconventional form of therapy. Organized by the charity organization Malteser, the free program has been quietly changing lives since 2018.
Led by dedicated volunteers like 29-year-old project manager Janes Barjenbruch, the group brings together refugees from diverse backgrounds, including war-torn Ukraine, Russia, and Senegal.
For the participants, the sport offers two distinct, life-changing benefits:
1. The Ultimate Mental Escape
When you are on a climbing wall, your brain has to solve a physical puzzle. You must calculate your next move, balance your weight, and grip with precise strength. This intense focus leaves no room for intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or past trauma.
“At the climbing wall I can forget my fears and worries,” shares Mikhail Bobkov, a 27-year-old who fled Russia in 2023. For Mikhail, who schedules his climbing session immediately after his weekly therapy appointment, the physical challenge is a perfect mental reset. “First I work through my problems, and then I clear my head while climbing.”
2. Built-In Community and Language Practice
Unlike solo sports, bouldering is inherently social. Climbers sit together on the mats, mapping out routes, shouting encouragement, and celebrating when someone reaches the top hold.
Because the weekly sessions are conducted in German, it doubles as a safe space for refugees to practice their language skills in a casual, low-pressure setting. They swap stories about school, sports, and job applications while sharing chalk bags.
Peter, a 15-year-old who fled the war in Ukraine and now lives in Köpenick, highlights this team dynamic: “What I like about bouldering is that it happens as a team, you talk to each other.”
The Science of Climbing: Why Bouldering Heals the Mind
The transformative experiences of these refugees are backed up by a growing body of psychological research. According to an insight on how bouldering improves your mental health, climbing functions as a powerful tool for psychological well-being. The sport demands complete “mindfulness in motion.” Because a climber must stay perfectly present to avoid falling, it naturally forces the brain to pause the destructive cycles of rumination and anxiety that often plague survivors of trauma.
Furthermore, bouldering acts as a natural antidepressant. The physical exertion releases a flood of endorphins and dopamine, which significantly elevates mood and lowers stress levels. Overcoming a difficult route also provides an immediate sense of mastery and self-efficacy. For refugees who have lost control over almost every aspect of their lives—from their homes to their careers—successfully conquering a challenging wall rebuilds the exact inner confidence needed to navigate the hardships of displacement.
Why Sports Integration Initiatives Matter
Integration is about more than just housing and paperwork; it is about human connection. Traditional ball sports have their place, but teenagers like 16-year-old Bassir from Senegal find that bouldering offers a completely different type of growth. “You need much more control over your own body than in ball sports. That’s a challenge,” he says.
The program at Neukölln’s Bouldergarten removes financial barriers by covering gym entry and shoe rentals through donations. This accessibility ensures that those who need the community the most can access it without stress. As volunteer Janes Barjenbruch observes, the sport quickly teaches them to assess their own strengths and build confidence that extends far outside the gym walls.
For young immigrants and refugees navigating a new life in Berlin, these two hours on a Tuesday night aren’t just about exercise—they are a vital step toward healing, building new friendships, and conquering the steep learning curves of a new home.
