As a dweller of South Tyrol, Reinhold Messner is a citizen of a region, which lies between several countries in the heart of Europe. And, like his homeland, Messner is European to the core. He recalls the history of Alpinism, its triumphs and its tragedies. Messner has climbed all 8000m peaks; he has lost his brother on the Nanga Parbat, where he suffered from severe frostbites. Back then, his career as a rock climber seemed to be finished. Today, Messner is also known for his critiques concerning the event-like organized Alpinism.