Climbing The Highest Point Of Every European Country | Completed
- Adam Stevenson
- Oct 23, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2019
For nearly six months, my life was pretty much taken over by this crazy and unforgettable challenge. As a complete hiking amateur, I said YES a travel adventure; to climb to the highest point of every European country. Remarkably, I not only managed to complete this, but I also did it in a record-setting time.
This is my summary and a reflection on some of the things that have happened over my six-month adventure.
The Quick Stats
Project
48 summits,
50 countries visited,
174 days, summit to summit
5642 m, highest altitude
Ascended 50,000m+ combined altitude,
Over 3,000,000+ steps,
Transport
Over 35,000+ km of driving,
More than 24 hrs on trains,
2 car breakdowns,
18 flights,
4 ferries,
Accommodation
101+ different beds,
88 different venues,
18 nights spent at home,
57 nights in hostels,
42 nights in hotels,
17 nights in apartments,
13 nights in the mountains,
15 nights slept in the car,
5 nights couch surfing,
2 nights slept at airports,
1 night on a sleeper train.
About the Project
In short, it consists of reaching the summit of 48 peaks across 50 countries throughout geographical Europe. Two of the high points are shared, hence the fewer peaks (Mont Blanc for France and Italy, & Mount Korab for Albania and North Macedonia). They have come in all shapes, sizes and difficulties.
In total, they have a combined height of almost 90,000 meters.
But on top of the climbing, the other challenge has been the transport and logistics to getting all these different locations. They range from the massive 5642m Elbrus in Russia, all the way down to the tiny Catholic headquarters of the Vatican city. Only a handful of people are even known to have even done this.
Why?
The journey started for me from a proposal from a friend, and as soon as I heard it I just loved the concept. It was ambitious, crazy even, especially to someone with no experience in mountaineering. I knew that this was the kind of adventure that I had been longing for. We had set out to do the project together, but after returning from our first peak in Ireland, he, unfortunately, had to pull out of the serious ascents because of an injury. But I made the decision to continue on with the project, motivated by the possibility of breaking a Guinness World Record - some words that I never thought I would say.
I completed the project 174 days later. Making it twice as fast as anyone else has done previously. Landing on my first peak 2nd April, and finishing on the highest mountain in Europe on the 23rd September. It's not just been a challenge to ascend the mountains as it is just as much of a logistical project than a physical one.
What Peaks did I climb?
I never had a full plan of what order to tackle the peaks. It was constantly changing. But, looking back I can break the trip into five key sections. In the intervals between these, I often would have a visit back to the UK to see family. Below is my full list of country high points that I assented in order of completion.
Leg one - Western Europe
Leg two - Mediterranean and Balkans
Leg three - Islands and the East
Leg four - The Alps
Leg five - Tatra, Nordic, Baltic & Caucasus
Mountains for the MIND
As part of this challenge I have been delighted to be a part of the 'Mountains for the Mind' campaign. It's an initiative started by Trial Magazine to support the mental health charity, MIND. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits that the outdoors and mountains can have for people, in particular those suffering from mental health problems.
"We believe in the power of the mountains to change lives and improve mental health" Trail Magazine
With now up to one in four experiencing a mental health issue each year, this is work is vital.
So, I am incredibly thankful for everyone who has helped and supported me in this. I have a JustGiving page set up so if you would also like to help, any final donations if would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed my adventure. Whether it was through here or my Instagram, Your interest, kind words, and support has frequently given me extra motive in this very demanding project.
But if you are only just discovering my adventure. I hope it inspires you to do something crazy and challenge yourself! If I can do this, then you can too! The time and effort I put into this site is for that very reason. So, please explore my blog posts, (that I will continue to update) to hear my unique story on each of the peaks.
If you are planning on doing any of the European high points then I would love to hear from you!
Happy hiking.
Adam Stevenson
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