Highlander 2026

We are introducing a new challenge that we have been missing here, which involves hiking in mountains with higher altitudes.

The goal of the challenge is to visit 50 peaks above 1,000 metres (inclusive) in 2026 and, depending on the level, a certain number of peaks above 2,000 metres, 3,000 metres and 4,000 metres. Each peak counts only once, even if you climb it repeatedly. If the altitude is stated as above 1,000 metres, border peaks with an altitude of 1,000 metres are also counted, and the same applies to higher targets.

The high-altitude climber has the following levels: Level
1: 50 peaks above 1,000 m Level
2: 50 peaks above 1,000 m, of which at least 10 peaks are above 2,000 m Level
3: 50 peaks above 1,000 m, of which at least 15 peaks above 2,000 m and 1 peak above 3,000 m Level
4: 50 peaks above 1,000 m, of which at least 20 peaks above 2,000 m, 3 peaks above 3,000 m and 1 peak above 4,000 m

The definition of "50 peaks over 1000 m" means that all peaks between 1000 and 8848 m are counted. Theoretically, a person can complete the first, second and third levels at once if they log 50 three-thousand-metre peaks and nothing else. However, a person will not complete the second level if they visit, for example, 41 peaks between 1,000 and 1,999 metres and 9 peaks above 3,000 metres. The levels do not accumulate, i.e. a minimum of 50 peaks (not 200) is still required for the first and fourth levels, but they must also include peaks of higher altitudes.

This challenge is not for everyone, but only for experienced and trained individuals.
It is a supreme discipline that requires year-round effort and a love of high mountains.