Silence, is a 45-metre (148 ft) overhanging sport climbing route in the granite Hanshelleren Cave, in Flatanger, Norway. When Czech climber Adam Ondra made the first free ascent on 3 September 2017, it became the first rock climb in the world to have a proposed climbing grade of 9c (5.15d), and it is an important route in rock climbing history. To complete the route, Ondra undertook specialist physical and mental training to overcome its severely overhanging terrain. As of April 2024, Silence remains unrepeated.
Hanshelleren Cave, in Flatanger, has some of the world's hardest climbing routes including Change 9b+ (5.15c), and Silence 9c (5.15d).
Ondra toe-hooking the start of the first crux (July 2017)
Ondra practicing the second crux (July 2017)
Ondra on the final jug, after the third crux (July 2017)
Sport climbing is a type of free climbing in rock climbing where the lead climber clips into pre-drilled permanent bolts for their protection while ascending a route. Sport climbing differs from the riskier traditional climbing where the lead climber has to insert temporary protection equipment while ascending.
Climber leading the sport climbing route Hulkosaure 8b (5.13d). Quickdraws have already been attached to the line of pre-drilled bolts that mark the route.
Climber following up the traverse section of Pichenibule 7b+ (5.12c) in the Verdon Gorge, one of the first-ever bolted sport climbing routes
Jessica Pilz clipping her rope into a pre-bolted quickdraw in the final of the women's lead climbing event at the 2018 World Championships
A rope clipped into a quickdraw clipped to a bolt