Silence (formerly known as Project Hard) is a notoriously difficult climbing route located in the Hanshelleren Cave in Flatanger, Norway.
As of August 2020, it is considered to be one of the hardest routes ever climbed, and one of only two routes in the world to have a proposed rating of 9c (5.15d).
It was bolted in 2012 or 2013 by Adam Ondra, who first ascended it on September 3, 2017.
Ondra described it as "much harder than anything else" he had previously done, and cautiously suggested the 9c rating.
The route was originally named Project Hard by Ondra because it appeared harder than any other route previously climbed.
A few days after completion, Ondra renamed it Silence, stating that when climbing, he felt a sense of inner quiet, and also that on completion he felt unable to scream in exhilaration, which was his more usual reaction on completing a climb.


Climbing Silence took Ondra more than 4 years of practice and training visits, and long-term dedicated preparation, including extensive mental and physical training for the specific difficulties posed by the route.
Silence (formerly known as Project Hard) is a notoriously difficult climbing route located in the Hanshelleren Cave in Flatanger, Norway. As of August 2020, it is considered to be one of the hardest routes ever climbed, and one of only two routes in the world to have a proposed rating of 9c (5.15d). It was bolted in 2012 or 2013 by Adam Ondra, who first ascended it on September 3, 2017. Ondra described it as "much harder than anything else" he had previously done, and cautiously suggested the 9c rating. The route was originally named Project Hard by Ondra because it appeared harder than any other route previously climbed. A few days after completion, Ondra renamed it Silence, stating that when climbing, he felt a sense of inner quiet, and also that on completion he felt unable to scream in exhilaration, which was his more usual reaction on completing a climb.

Climbing Silence took Ondra more than 4 years of practice and training visits, and long-term dedicated preparation, including extensive mental and physical training for the specific difficulties posed by the route.
Silence (climb)