During his lecture, Messner, a mountaineering pioneer, author, museum founder, and winery owner, offered his 650 attendees fascinating insights into his experiences as an extreme mountain climber and adventurer. He also spoke on topics such as climate protection, sustainable living, and the upcycling of mountain stations, and discussed the more recent measures he has himself taken to raise awareness for the conservation of mountain landscapes.

“In keeping with themes of nature and mutual respect, we couldn’t have imagined a better opening lecture for our new lecture hall,” stated Professor Hans Reiner Schultz as he thanked Reinhold Messner for his inspiring talk. Robert Lönarz, the president of the VEG – Geisenheim Alumni Association e.V., and Ingmar Jung, Hessian Minister of the Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, also held welcome addresses at the event.

To thank him for his visit, Professor Schultz gifted Messner a magnum bottle of wine from the Rüdesheimer Krähennest, a special steep slope vineyard that was saved from closure through a student project. Local artist Michael Apitz also presented Messner with a hand-drawn caricature, which depicted the mountaineer climbing in the Rheingau vineyards.

A welcome program for guests took place directly before the lecture, which included a film screening by Messner Mountain Heritage, South Tirolean food and drinks prepared by chef Sébastien Loison and his cafeteria team, and a champagne reception with the university’s own Sekt. Guests also had the chance to meet Messner and ask for his autograph.