2 Min.The Camino Real, once a vibrant trade route between the Pacific and the Caribbean, is a hidden gem in the Panamanian jungle. Disappeared and overgrown for centuries, the original route was only rediscovered in 2008 and now allows adventurous hikers to travel back in time.
Would you like to check it out? Voilà: all blog contents.
Canyoning, Hiking & Glacier Trekking
Switzerland – Pearls of Valais
18 Min.Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, an ice stream that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a via ferrata that ends in a cave, delicious hut cuisine – the gorges, valleys and mountains of the Swiss canton of Valais offer plenty of history, delicacies and awe-inspiring sights.
Sea breeze, sheep & silence
Scotland – wide views and wonder islands
17 Min.The islands in the west of Scotland offer spectacular backdrops for outdoor adventures: Windswept coastlines, sheer cliffs, rolling geography, dark skies, endless views. The barrenness, vastness and harsh beauty of this landscape, its rustic and warm-hearted people – that’s what this story is about.
In the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien
Swiss Valais photo gallery
2 Min.Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, an ice stream that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a via ferrata that ends in a cave, delicious hut cuisine – the gorges, valleys and mountains of the Swiss canton of Valais offer plenty of history, delicacies and awe-inspiring sights.
Becoming ranger in South Africa
Becoming ranger in South Africa
16 Min.Four days on foot in the Kruger National Park. With sleep-outs and night watches. I accompany prospective rangers and field guides in what is probably the most dangerous part of their training: Encounters with wildlife and large animals. The reportage is also about self-management, discomfort, life goals, fears and personal growth.
Hokkaido's winter wilderness
Japan photo gallery
2 Min.Blakiston’s fish owls, majestic sea eagles or codfish seeds in hot broth – Hokkaido offers something truly extraordinary. I was also amazed by the caffeinated noodles and the long-tailed tits that bring good luck. Particularly fascinated me the philosophy of the indigenous Ainu people.
Dumplings, temples and deep valleys
Taiwan – Capital in the jungle
22 Min.Taiwan offers impressive natural diversity and spectacular landscapes. From the turquoise waters of the beaches on the east coast to the green mountain ranges of the central mountains. The Taroko National Park with its deep gorges and waterfalls and the emerald green Sun Moon Lake attract visitors from all over the world. The diverse flora and fauna as well as the traditional tea-growing areas make Taiwan a paradise for nature lovers and explorers.
Deities. Djungles. Dumplings.
Taiwan photo gallery
2 Min.A capital framed by lush green jungle, with countless delicious restaurants, lush nature parks and colourful temples. Gigantic gorges with rushing rivers and paths only for those with a head for heights. Dark, silent forests with ancient giant trees. Beautiful lakes, mountain meadows and tea fields interspersed with seas of clouds. Welcome to Taiwan!
Caves, castles, wide open views
Scotland photo gallery
2 Min.The impressive basalt columns of Staffa Island inspired painters, composers and writers to create masterpieces. On Lismore you will find Duns, Brochs and shepherds, but no police. At Buchanan Castle, nature proves that everything is ephemeral, even the most magnificent buildings.
Keynote by ex-Navy Seal Commander Mark Divine
Progress Inspiration Summit: My personal highlight
2 Min.Last week Thursday I moderated the first Progress Inspiration Summit. My personal highlight was the keynote by Mark Divine – former investment banker and Navy Seal Commander, black belt holder in several martial arts, yoga instructor, government consultant, university professor, book author, entrepreneur (SEALFIT & Unbeatable Mind).
Adventures in the world's longest country
Chile – Colourful harbours, exhilarating nature
24 Min.Valparaiso is world-famous for its colourful houses and historic lifts, the ‘Ascensores’. Situated on the Pacific Ocean, the port city with its colourful street art and exciting architecture turns every visitor’s head – in the truest sense of the word. In Chile’s Conguillio National Park, the volcanic peaks, the magnificent araucarias and the condors gliding through the sky are sure to turn at least as many heads.
In the historic domed hall at the Landungsbrücken
Lecture ‘Departure into the unknown’ at the Rotary Club Blankenese, Hamburg
3 Min.Yesterday I held my lecture ‘Departure into the unknown’ at the Rotary Club Blankenese, Hamburg. My heart leapt as I looked from the west dome of the harbour club onto the jetty of the Landungsbrücken.