Part 03 | About the highest peaks in Europe
As I know from your videos, your plan is to reach the highest peak in every European country. Sounds amazing! Tell us more about it!
50 peaks are currently on the list and I can hardly believe it! In all seriousness, it’s been one the best journeys I’ve ever embarked on. It challenges me physically, mentally and emotionally – and I love it!
If you’re a geography buff you probably know there aren’t 50 countries in Europe, so I’ll admit I added a few. Also, there are some peaks like Mont Blanc that check off two countries – Italy and France.
So as I created my neat little spreadsheet to keep my peak project organized, I realized that there are some peaks and countries that I may never be able to visit due to war or politics. It didn’t feel right to do less so I decided to add extra ‘highest peaks’ which are in; Portugal and Spain’s mainland, Denmark and the UK.
What I didn’t anticipate was how much I would fall in love with the project. Whether it’s travelling to the smallest peak, which is not even a hill, to conquering 5000m+ high peaks, I love it all.
You know why? It’s the people I meet on the journey, the nature I see around Europe, the insane physical challenges I push through, the new foods, languages and cultures I can experience. The very essence of the project is everything I love in life.
Natasha, which countries have you already visited and which peaks have you already climbed?
When I came up with this project in December 2020, I gave myself a time limit of 2 years. I based this off of two things; one, because Emma Svensson, a Swedish mountaineer that I look up to did the same project in one year and two, because I figured I’d get bored.
Well I can tell you that I was certainly wrong! I will not be completing the 50 peaks in two years, so I’ve given myself an extra year. It doesn’t come down to pure will and being fit enough – that’s not a problem for me. It’s all the other obstacles I never anticipated.
So far I’ve been able to conquer 10 peaks! With one failed attempt in Liechtenstein. Here they are in order:
📍Chemin de revoires, Monaco (163m)
📍Mount Olympus, Cyprus (1952m)
📍Ta’Dmejrek, Malta (253m)
📍Carrantouhil, Ireland (1038m)
📍Dinara, Croatia (1831m)
📍Triglav, Slovenia (2864m)
📍Zugspitze, Germany (2962m)
📍Coma Pedrosa, Andorra (2942m)
📍Mount Pico, Portugal (2351m)
📍Snêžka, Czechia (1603m)
Many of these I was able to do on a budget while my little family, my partner, pup, and I lived and traveled around in our van.
That's the beauty of the project! Sure, it would bring me to the peaks but in many cases I’d also have the opportunity to explore new places nearby or other neighbouring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Italy (whose peaks I still haven’t done).
I can’t wait for what’s next!
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 Quick links | Natasha BergenLet yourself be inspired for new adventures! Follow Natasha on the social media! YouTube: @NatashaBergen | Instagram: @bergennat |
