[around the world]
296 days. Seven continents. Seven mountains.
The Seven Summits are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. What for Anja started as a coincidental climb of the highest mountain of South America, evolved over time and led her to climb all Seven Summits. Through these climbs, Anja discovered remote and spectacular places, broadening and enriching her view of the world.
Mount Everest.
[8848m]
Asia, 2017. The world’s highest mountain, also called Sagarmatha, “Goddess of the Sky”, by the Nepalese. For many reaching the top of Mount Everest is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Anja has become the youngest German woman to climb Mount Everest. Up until then, just about 11% of all summiteers were women.
Aconcagua. [6961m]
South America, 2015. The highest non-technical climb. She and her team had the mountain almost entirely to themselves, and the great experience marked the starting point of Anja’s mountaineering pursuits.
Denali. [6190m]
North America, 2016. The longest climb from base camp to summit. With its extremely cold and windy climate and the complete self-sufficiency required, this has been the most rewarding summit to reach.
Kilimanjaro. [5895m]
Africa, 2015. The most frequently climbed peak. Its proximity to the national park of Serengeti and the archipelago of Zanzibar add to its popularity for good reasons, and the African sunsets will always be remembered.
Elbrus. [5642m]
Europe, 2016. The shortest climb. With a weather window closing in early, Anja decided to take the chance and, without acclimatization, successfully set out for the summit on her first night on the mountain.
Vinson. [4892m]
Antarctica, 2017. The most remotely located one. The pristine environment with its ubiquitous snow and ice cover kept Anja in awe throughout the climb, and inspired her to come back to this continent.
Carstensz Pyramid. [4884m]
Australia, 2016. The most technical climb. Sleeping in a tribal village, and trekking through a thick jungle before even reaching base camp made this journey unforgettable.
Mental Matters.
Having never touched a mountain book, Anja’s expedition literature is somewhat different from the usual. But perhaps it is just as apt and useful. Give or take the odd bad choice. See for yourself:
Meditations Marcus Aurelius // The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway // Nausea Jean-Paul Sartre // On the Shortness of Life Seneca // Vanity Fair William M. Thackeray // Candide Voltaire // Conversations of Socrates Xenophon
Interview (German)
Interview (German)
Magazine Feature (German)
Article (German)
Interview (German)
