- Odyssea Borealis: Four explorers to conquer the unknown Arctic
- The extreme challenge of 600 kilometers by kayak in East Greenland
- Drøneren: Climbing an unclimbed 1,980-meter mountain
- Extreme conditions and encounters with arctic wildlife during the expedition
- A new route on the northwest face: the feat of Odyssea Borealis
- Rediscovering the Essence of Exploration: A Mystical Journey into Nature
- Odyssea Borealis, the film that tells an extraordinary adventure
- Sustainability and environmental respect at the heart of the Arctic enterprise
- The epic return: closing the circle of the Greenland expedition
- A universal message: the importance of preserving the natural unknown
35 Days in Eastern Greenland: Kayaking, Climbing, and Respecting the Untamed Natural World
By Marco Arezio
Odyssea Borealis is not just an expedition but an anthem to authentic exploration and the discovery of the unknown. This extraordinary project featured four mountaineers and explorers — Matteo Della Bordella (Italy), Silvan Schüpbach (Switzerland), Symon Welfringer (France), and Alex Gammeter (Switzerland) — who spent 35 days in the unspoiled wilderness of eastern Greenland, undertaking one of the most challenging and inspiring adventures of recent years.
A Mission Like No Other
The journey began with a clear goal: to kayak 300 kilometers along the eastern coast of Greenland, reach the remote northwest face of Drøneren, a 1,980-meter-high mountain yet to be conquered, climb it for the first time, and return to their starting point, completing a total of 600 kilometers by kayak. This mission, as ambitious as it was complex, required meticulous planning and a deep spirit of adaptability.
Extreme Challenges in the Wild
The expedition was marked by extreme conditions that tested both the technical skills and psychological resilience of the team. During their kayak journey, the group faced fierce storms with winds up to 100 km/h and waves as high as three meters, making every stroke a challenge of balance and strength. The explorers also encountered polar bears up close — majestic but potentially dangerous creatures that demanded utmost caution and respect for the local wildlife.
Despite these hardships, the team's determination and spirit of collaboration enabled them to reach the remote fjord of Skoldungen. Here stood the imposing Drøneren face, a colossal rock formation that symbolized the heart of their adventure and their greatest challenge.
The Climb of Drøneren
Scaling the northwest face of Drøneren was a test of physical and mental endurance. Standing 1,200 meters tall, the wall was conquered by opening a new route named "Odyssea Borealis," consisting of 35 pitches with grades up to 7b. The climb was executed in pure traditional style, leaving no permanent traces on the rock except for belay stations and some essential anchors for safety. This respectful approach reflects the team’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
A Mystical and Authentic Experience
Odyssea Borealis is more than a mountaineering achievement.
It represents a return to the roots of exploration, an invitation to rediscover the essence of the unknown through eyes filled with wonder and curiosity rather than conquest. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, where every corner of the planet seems already explored and mapped, this adventure reminds us that untouched spaces still exist, beyond human control.The unknown becomes a bridge between humanity and nature, a realm to respect and protect, where personal experiences intertwine with a profound sense of connection and belonging to the planet. Odyssea Borealis teaches us that exploration is not solely about reaching physical destinations but also about inner discovery and dialogue with the surrounding environment.
The Return and Documentation
After completing the climb, the team embarked on their return journey, kayaking another 300 kilometers back to their starting point. This remarkable expedition was documented in the film Odyssea Borealis, directed by Alessandro Beltrame and produced by Vibram in collaboration with Ferrino. The film celebrates authentic exploration and the primal bond with nature, highlighting the importance of facing the unknown with curiosity and respect.
The Significance of Sustainable Exploration
Odyssea Borealis stands as a shining example of how modern exploration can be conducted sustainably and respectfully. Choosing to undertake this adventure entirely autonomously, without external support, reflects a deep desire to experience something authentic and unmediated.
This approach not only allowed the mountaineers to fully immerse themselves in the wild but also demonstrated that respecting the environment is compatible with achieving great feats. Through limited resource use, minimizing environmental impact, and choosing traditional climbing techniques, the team embodied an ethical model of exploration that can inspire future generations of adventurers.
Final Reflections
This extraordinary adventure is not merely a sporting milestone but a universal message. Odyssea Borealis invites us to rediscover our relationship with nature, to respect its rhythms and silences, and to look to the future with a renewed awareness of the importance of preserving the unknown for generations to come.
In a world increasingly connected and dominated by technology, experiences like this remind us that true wealth lies in discovery, wonder, and respect for our planet.
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