Passionate photographer and adventurer Jarda Zaoral is a record-holder. He reached all the highest peaks in Europe in incredible 365 days. Let's find out what was the motivation and how did he get to the Sweden.
Hi Jarda, greetings from Stockholm.
Jarda: Hi.
Could you tell us how did you get here, to Sweden?
Jarda: Ehm, it was definitely due to the nature. I have missed the "wilder" nature in the Czech Republic so that's why I wanted to move to the north. I applied to the university at Umeå and luckily, they have accepted me. After finishing my studies, I decided to stay here in Sweden.
Did you study photography?
Jarda: No, it was something totally different - business. Actually, I worked at the Czech Embassy in the business department. Then I have realised that I want to do photography. I have changed the direction and have started to be a freelancer.
Sweden was your first choice? Or did you just want to be at Scandinavian peninsula?
Jarda: Sweden was the right choice. I love winter and I knew that in Sweden I can expect beautiful winter, especially there, on the north. I wasn't thinking of Norway anyway. Sweden was the only country that I had in my head, that I was thinking of.
Do I understand correctly that you have already paid attention to photography in the Czech Republic?
Jarda: I have started with photography here in Sweden (laugh). I bought the first one in here and I was amazed. I took many photos of aurora on the north, then I started to document my trips. The idea of being a freelancer was born here.
And now? Do you work in the Czech Republic or in Sweden?
Jarda: Mainly here in Sweden. I'm trying to be heterogeneous. Taking photos of apartments and weddings is the main goal. Also, I am trying to do my own projects. One of the main projects is to reach the highest peaks of Europe. I have also reached all the peaks above 1 000 m above sea level in the Czech Republic. My second book will be about it.
What about your passion for mountains and nature. Was it born earlier? Do you like the Swedish mountains, or you rather travel back to Central Europe, to the Alps?
Jarda: Absolutely, absolutely was born earlier. I like the variability of Europe. All the mountains across Europe are different. I cannot say that some country is not handsome, you can always find something interesting.
When the idea of reaching all the peaks was born?
Jarda: It is funny. I was thinking of my own expedition for a long. I was thinking of something interesting and I was not really sure what it will be especially without big rock-climbing experiences. There was nothing cleverer than take a book of Guinness world record (laugh). What could I do? I realised that European Peaks were reached in 800 days. So I have tried to do it faster. Successfully!
So then you are the record-holder!
Jarda: Yes, I was for over a year. Until one British reached them faster.
How much faster he was?
Jarda: He did it in a half year. It is possible. It is also possible to do it in three months. It's about 45 peaks, so it is a peak every second day. But one has nothing from it. I wasn't hurrying. I tried to see much more from the countries I have visited.
Did you reach a peak then travel to the other country then you reach other peak. Or was it the year project?
Jarda: I did it in two phases. In the first one, during the summer holiday, I reached all the peaks in the European Union, it was 27 peaks. I bought a ticket that allowed me to travel through the EU. It was fine. I knew that I have to earn other money to reach the remaining peaks from Europe. I did around two peaks, earned some money, other peaks. And after that all I did it in a year.
Would you try it again? Try to beat the new world record or just your record?
Jarda: I don't want to be faster, I would rather know how nature and cities have changed after twenty, thirty years. How it will look like in comparison. With my descendant, maybe.
In your book "Koruna Evropy" (European Peaks), which you are bringing to the presentation, do you have photos from the whole expedition?
Jarda: Yes, definitely. From the whole journey, not only from the peaks.
Thank you very much for your time, we wish you other successful expedition. We are really looking forward you at your presentation.
Jarda: Thank you, we are really looking forward.
