There are mountain climbers – and then there is Reinhold Messner. The legendary Italian mountaineer and explorer from South Tyrol who pushed the boundaries of what humans were capable of. He chose peaks and adventures no one else dared, and did it without oxygen, without compromise, with nothing but pure willpower, raw experience, and fascinating courage.
23. January 2026 we will experience one of the world’s greatest adventurers – a living legend – here in Norway, at Eventyraften. Messner is not only the first to climb all 14 mountains over 8,000 meters without supplemental oxygen; he is also a pioneer in mindset and expedition philosophy. He has set a new standard in adventure with deep respect for nature, silence, and human potential. Messner’s lectures are known for being intense, honest, and incredibly inspiring. He doesn’t talk about achievements – he talks about risk, identity, fear, freedom, and accomplishing what seems impossible. These are the stories that have shaped an entire generation of climbers, polar explorers, and adventurers.
Messner grew up in the Dolomites and his father introduced him and his brother Günther to climbing. Reinhold was the first to climb all 14 eight-thousanders (peaks over 8,000m), including the first ascent of Everest without oxygen with Peter Habeler in 1978, and the first solo Everest summit in 1980, all without supplemental oxygen. Messner is a pioneer of the "Alpine style," emphasizing light gear and minimal support.
Mountaineering Milestones
- Nanga Parbat (1970): First Himalayan expedition with brother Günther; tragedy struck on descent with Günther's death, hardening Messner's resolve.
- Everest (1978): First ascent with Peter Habeler without bottled oxygen, proving it was possible.
- Everest (1980): First solo ascent, again without supplemental oxygen.
- All 14 Eight-Thousanders: The first person to summit all peaks over 8,000 meters, completing this feat by 1986.
