50 PEAKS
CLIMBING THE HIGHEST PEAK IN EVERY EUROPEAN COUNTRY
This Peak Project is called ‘Just the Tip’ and for very good reason!
It’s stems from the commonly used phrase, ‘it’s just the tip of the iceberg’ because this project is more than simply reaching the highest point in each country. It’s the journey.
Also, because of my last name, Bergen, which in some languages translates to mountain. AND I’m from Canada and figured an iceberg is kinda just like a cold, floating mountain that changes.
But okay, WHY this project then?
In 2021, I was going back and forth between states of depression and anxiety. I was stuck, lonely and didn’t know what my purpose in life was anymore.
WHY THIS PROJECT?
Once I was finally allowed to leave Barcelona and travel - pandemic restrictions were lifting - I booked a trip to Sweden, a place that felt like home. I spent 2 glorious weeks solo traveling and filming for what was just a hobby back then, my YouTube channel. Returning from wandering the lands of Sweden, feeling reinvigorated, I knew I had to make some changes in my life.
A few months went by and I had a pivotal conversation after uploading my Sweden series. It was a simple one. A friend was encouraging me to go full time with YouTube. But this one thing he said changed everything for me, “your videos are great, but what’s your story?”. I was floored. I had no idea. What was I doing with my life? I needed to challenge myself, to get out of my comfort zone, do what I love.
A few days and a potential existential crisis passed, and I was listening to a podcast about climbing K2 (one of the most treacherous mountains in the world). Then it hit me. I would climb mountains.
There in the dog park the idea was born, I would climb the highest peak in every European country. Not for glory or fame but for growth, joy and what I hoped would be the beginning of my next big journey through life.
Why 50 Peaks?
That’s right, there aren’t 50 countries in Europe and there are even some countries that share a peak, like France and Italy’s Mont Blanc/Monte Bianco. So what gives?
With certain political situations in Europe, there are some countries that I likely won’t be able to enter. So, I added in a few extra! They are still following the theme of being the highest but I did this to make sure I would at least reach 49, which is what others who embark on this challenge do. So after setting up my rules and writing out all the peaks, it came out to 50.
A few of the ‘extra’ ones are in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland.
PEAK 1
PEAK 2
PEAK 3
PEAK 4
PEAK 5
PEAK 6
PEAK 7
PEAK 8
PEAK 9
PEAK 10
PEAK 11
PEAK 12
PEAK 13
PEAK 14
PEAK 15
PEAK 16
I love what I do! As an independent content creator I invest what I earn from your support, back into the peak project and YouTube channel. There’s a lot that goes into it, from camera equipment to mountain gear, permits, etc.
If you’re interested in supporting, check out my Patreon page. It’s not only helping me, but you also gain access to exclusive content and benefits.
Thank you simply for considering the support!