Climbing in Berdorf

Climbing in Berdorf is an art-topo climbing guide that deliberately steps away from the neutral, purely technical language of conventional topos. Rather than focusing on function alone, the guide combines precise route information with illustration, editorial design and a custom typographic approach—without compromising clarity or usability.

The project was initiated by a group of passionate climbers with the ambition to create a guide that reflects the character and culture of the Berdorf climbing area. It explores how editorial design and illustration can add narrative, orientation and atmosphere to highly functional content.

The guide was developed as a complete visual system. This includes a structured layout concept, an independent illustration style, a custom icon set for quick orientation (grades, height and key route information), and a bespoke typeface designed specifically for the publication. Editorial elements such as the Do’s & Don’ts spread and an illustrated interview extend the guide beyond route documentation, adding context, tone and personality.

While the project could not be published as originally planned, it remains a fully realised body of work. The visual identity was also translated into additional applications, including a T-shirt design, demonstrating the flexibility and coherence of the system beyond the printed guide.