Hiking up Germany’s highest mountain – for a good cause

“As the coronavirus crisis has taken hold, there’s been a huge jump in domestic violence – even among people we know well,” explains Benjamin Thielmann, currently studying for his Master of Finance at Frankfurt School. On 7 August, he’s planning to hike up the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest peak, with his friend Jonathan Sportmann, a student at WHU. “We consider ourselves very lucky to have made it through this difficult time in good shape. But what’s happening to female and male friends of ours has really upset us.” To draw attention to domestic violence, the students will hike 20 kilometres up the Zugspitze while climbing 2,300 metres in altitude. They aim to raise at least €5,000 for White Ring (Weisser Ring e.V.), a non-profit that supports victims of crime.

You can donate to their campaign here.

At 2,950 metres, the Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain; that’s what makes the route so appealing to the two students, both enthusiastic hikers. Benjamin and Jonathan met during a gap year after finishing their Bachelor degrees. “We quickly realised that we had similar ambitions and love hiking,” says the Frankfurt School student. So they had the idea of combining their passion with a good cause and raising money for every metre of altitude climbed.

Frankfurt School is supporting the project and wishes Benjamin Thielmann and Jonathan Sportmann every success – not to mention plenty of stamina! – during their hike on 7 August.