New guide for discovering Europe differently

We have just received a new selective guide Highest Peaks of European Countries by Jože Drab and Andreja Tomšič Drab in our premises these days, still with the scent of fresh printer ink. The guide is an excellent companion for a somewhat unusual journey through Europe. But since we are currently limited to Slovenian mountain destinations due to the epidemiological situation and the mountains still have very winter conditions, the guide Into the Snowy Mountains by Gorazd Gorišek is a good companion for a hiking tour. Perhaps you will get an idea for a hiking tour with the help of new hiking maps from Planinska založba PZS: Smrekovec, Raduha, Olševa, Peca, Uršlja gora, Domžale and surroundings, Kamnik and surroundings, and Semič with surroundings.



Slovenians are a nation of hikers and also a nation of travelers. On trips, we often swap comfortable shoes for hiking boots and like to conquer some mountain goal. The highest peaks attract people, not only mountaineers and mountain lovers, but also tourists who sometimes want to be at the highest point of something. Jože Drab and Andreja Tomšič Drab, hikers since childhood, have turned their long-term project of conquering the highest peaks of Europe into a hiking guide Highest Peaks of European Countries. The idea for a somewhat different guide came to them after a long tour to the highest peak of Sweden. "The idea from below Kebnekaise was realized in the next seven years, we wrote the guide in one year," said Jože Drab.



The guide describes 46 peaks of all 48 countries that make up Europe. They limited themselves to the border of Europe that runs through the Caucasus and the Urals, along the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. They added the highest peak of the European part of Turkey and the highest peak of Northern Cyprus to the list. Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco is a border mountain between France and Italy and therefore the highest point of both countries. The same applies to the peak Maja e Korabit or Golem Korab, which is the highest point of both Albania and North Macedonia.



"At Planinska založba, in our desire to offer mountain visitors as diverse guides as possible, we decided to publish a guide on the highest European peaks. The described points are very demanding mountains, over two thousand meters high, such as Triglav in our country, Austrian Grossglockner, Swiss Dufourspitze, or the border French-Italian Mont Blanc/Monte Bianco. As a true contrast to these, on excursions we might only encounter some marker of the highest point, as for example in the Netherlands, Monaco, or Hungary. The book collects excursions and ascents of all difficulties. It is intended for a wider circle of hikers, tourists, and families, in short, for everyone who looks beyond the borders of our country to all four corners of the sky. There are many options for ascents and excursions, we choose the one that suits us and we won't regret it," added the guide's editor Irena Mušič Habjan.



Indeed, some highest peaks are very easily reachable, but most require quite an effort. "Europe's highest peak Elbrus in the Caucasus is 5642 meters high and was the biggest challenge for us. Both high-altitude preparation and good tour organization were needed."



The guide contains all standard descriptions necessary to be as informed as possible for an excursion or ascent (starting point with access, elevation gain and walking time, possible huts along the way, maps...), in addition, GPS coordinates of the highest point and starting points will help you. The descriptions are concise and contain all important orientation points.



The guide is not just instructions for the path, but the authors have also recorded some interesting encounters with locals and experiences from travels in it. The couple Drab conquered all 46 peaks together and recorded colorful stories and adventures in the guide. Interestingly, it was the hardest for them to reach the lowest peak – Vatican Hill. "They do lead visitors to the Vatican Gardens, but not to the highest point. You can only get there with connections and a recommendation. And even then only when the Pope is not walking in the gardens," added Jože Drab. The adventure in Liechtenstein was also interesting, how the Drab couple swapped a fully loaded gondola for a ride in an off-road vehicle and pig trailer.



Quality photographs will encourage you to explore Europe differently, of course when it will be possible again. But it's good to have a clearly developed plan in front of you for writing new mountaineering stories.



Safely into the snowy mountains



In the meantime, with the help of the guide Into the Snowy Mountains, you can head to the Slovenian mountains, where the danger level is 2 on the European five-step scale these days. Gorazd Gorišek presents the characteristics of moving in winter mountains, dangers, and necessary equipment in the guide. You will find 55 thoughtfully selected excursions for more and less experienced hikers, from very demanding to easy snow tours.



The author and experienced mountaineer urges users of the book to remember that winter mountains, although beautiful and mighty, are also dangerous. Therefore, he recommends participation in one of the courses on safe movement in winter conditions and avalanche safety. You will be safer in the mountains, and the experiences more complete.



Don't go on the trail without a map



To make the winter trail even safer, use a map. In Planinska založba PZS, this year we published three new maps: Kamnik and surroundings, Domžale and surroundings, and Smrekovec, Raduha, Olševa, Peca, Uršlja gora. The fairly fresh map Semič with surroundings also includes popular viewpoints – Mirna gora with a mountain hut and observation tower, and Gače, the peak above the only white Krajina ski center.



Every path starts with the first step, may the first and last be safe, prudent, and reliable.