The idea to cross the Alps came back in 2017 after I had cycled 1700 km from the southernmost point of Sweden to the westernmost point of Norway in 15 days. I figured that if I could cycle very far I need to see if I could walk very far. Already 10 days after my return from Norway I boarded a plane to Geneva and started walking south towards Nice. I made it 100 km in three days and in Chamonix I had to call it. I had developed a huge blister and my ankle was swollen to double size and I could not progress as fast as I had planned. I was not fit for the mission. However, it was still an incredible trip, you can see more about it here: The Best Failure of My Life.

Two years later, more specific training (running), and carefully selecting every piece of gear a brought I boarded another plane to Geneva again. This was the gear I brought along.

After hitting a wall like ascent just after getting off the train in St. Gingolph I could enjoy the view of Lac Leman.

The first night I pitched the tent in a field outside La Chapelle-d'Abondance after eating the best spaghetti of my life in town.

After a few days with sore legs my body had adapted to the daily strain of 10-12 hours of strenuous hiking in mountainous terrain.

The halfway camp. At that point I felt like I had been on the trail for a long time but knew I had to keep on going for just as long.

Most days started with my alarm going off at 5:30 AM. After eating a light breakfast usually consisting of a few cheap pain au chocolat I drifted onto the trail and headed south in the sunrise. The mornings were my favorite time of day. Waking up together with nature is special.

Just as special was the wildlife encounters. While taking a break on the top of a mountain pass this goat was watching me from afar. A few moments later a baby goat appeared.