Iceland – An Island of Fire and Ice

2009 · 48m · ★ 10.0

Albert Leichtfried is not only an experienced extreme climber but also the head of training for the Austrian Mountain Guides Association. Together with his ideal partner Benedikt Purner—also a mountain guide instructor—they are considered Austria’s most renowned ice-climbing duo. The far north holds a special allure for the pair; they return from every trip there with spectacular stories and first ascents. On their fourth trip to Iceland, one particular objective proves nearly impossible: the first ascent of a "sea cliff"—an icefall that extends all the way down to the ocean. Winter storms make the boat journey required to reach it extremely dangerous.