🏔️ Phase 1 Summary — “Climb High”
Duration: 11 July – 2 August 2025
Countries covered: Russia 🇷🇺, Netherlands 🇳🇱, Belgium 🇧🇪, Luxembourg 🇱🇺, France 🇫🇷, Italy 🇮🇹, Monaco 🇲🇨, Vatican 🇻🇦, San Marino 🇸🇲, Slovenia 🇸🇮, Austria 🇦🇹, Liechtenstein 🇱🇮, Germany 🇩🇪, Denmark 🇩🇰, Norway 🇳🇴, Finland 🇫🇮, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Total distance travelled: Over 19,000 km
Total summits completed: 17
Summary
Phase 1. “Climb High” was the foundation and true test of the Crown of Europe expedition.
It began on the steep, sunlit slopes of Mount Elbrus (Russia) and ended on the frozen, wind-beaten summit of Dufourspitze (Switzerland), linking together the highest and most technically demanding peaks of the first half of Europe.
Across 23 relentless days, I crossed 18 countries, often driving through the night, sleeping in airport lounges or inside the car, and climbing on only a few hours of rest. Each border crossing marked a new rhythm, each mountain a different battle.
The journey moved from the scorching heat of Monaco to the calm forests of the Netherlands, from the icy ridges of the Alps to the fog and silence of the Arctic North. It was a collision of extremes, physical, emotional, and geographical.
There were moments of doubt: knee pain on Großglockner, the endless rain on Zugspitze, and thick fog on Grauspitz.
But there were also moments of absolute perfection: the flawless blue sky over Triglav, and the still, crystal morning on Hvannadalshnúkur in Iceland.
By the time I reached Switzerland, my body was exhausted, but my mind was sharper than ever.
This phase proved that endurance, adaptability, and sheer willpower could overcome fatigue, unpredictable weather, and the constant movement between worlds.
Each summit became more than a peak; it became a story, a fragment of the greater journey.
By the end of Climb High, nearly half of Europe’s highest points were behind me.
The dream that once felt distant was now real, unfolding one summit at a time.
