ON FOOT ACROSS THE ALPS

I feel a little queasy already. And my fellow travellers are probably feeling the same, at least the loud laughter suggests a certain gallows humour. After all, none of us has ever undertaken such a long and demanding tour.

We are accompanied by our experienced hiking guide Frank, a man of the mountains. With vision, empathy and experience he makes sure that we don't stray from the right path and that none of us gets in danger. He knows a lot to tell about flora and fauna, gives us encouragement when we don't want to go any further, and has a lot of stories to tell about the summit.

Let's go! With the mountain panorama in view, we ascend, very leisurely, along gushing streams, through shady woods, over flowering alpine meadows. It is not so bad at all! If only there was not the weighty and unfamiliar rucksack. Now I understand Frank's decided "No, that stays here" at the "luggage control" - because nothing weighs more easily than what you don't have to carry in your backpack (and definitely don't need it)!

It is very reassuring to place yourself in the trusted hands of this travel agency, which specialises in hiking and has a wealth of experience. Route planning, sleeping place reservations at the huts, "emergency descents" into the valley, alternative routes - you don't have to worry about (almost) anything. Even physical preparation, training for fitness, is offered in the form of day hikes in advance. Chapeau! That's what I call supervision!

For today it's done: the first 350 meters of altitude are behind us. We are very proud of our performance! Then it's only 10.000 HM to the finish...!

I'm curious: My first night in a mountain hut! How will it be in the bed camp, close together? Will I even get one eye closed there? Yes, one does! It is much more comfortable than I thought, and after a very tasty and rich dinner, a nightcap and a last view to the summit, blissful peace comes very quickly... because I am really exhausted!

What an overwhelming sight... anyone who has experienced the silence the next morning at sunrise high up here will be humbled by the sight of this incredibly beautiful nature. The entertainment of the marmots whistling over the mountain meadows reminds us that we are only guests in this mountain world. And it is the responsibility of all of us to protect and preserve these unique and transient paradises...

The group comes together. Each at his or her own pace, which he or she has to find first, and each step becomes easier with every meter of altitude, it seems. The mountains and we become friends, understand each other better and better. And are rewarded again and again with indescribably beautiful views!

It is not only the boundless vastness that makes our eyes wander longingly into the distance. No, it is also the manifold, shining mountain flowers, the ferns, grasses and Moses on the nearby

Rocks that invite you to pause. We are happy to accept the offer, take the moment for a drink and a muesli bar to regain your strength before continuing up the last few bends.

Arrived at the ridge, we see the hut lying above the crystal-clear, ice-cold mountain lake.

And again I will sleep wonderfully...!

Our last stage is coming up. Time is passing far too fast. Once again we ascend, up to the Kälbergrat, past the abandoned alpine hut.

We rest at this idyllic place, one last time on this 8-day hut tour. So close to our destination we become very quiet. Relieved, incredibly proud of what we have achieved and, admittedly, also touched, each of us hangs on to our own memories of the last few days.

The group has found together, has grown together! We will set out again, come back to this world of mountain giants! Let's go on new tours, new impressions and challenges.

We have (almost) made it, reaching the top station of the cable car in the early afternoon. The last part of the way we let go, quite comfortably.

But also this may (sometimes) belong to it...

"To the rush of the height"