Dreams Fulfilled

The exceptional life of a special woman

»I did know about a mountain called the Eiger, but I had never heard of the north face,« Carina Harrer writes, even though her husband was the very first person to climb the said north face. Carina came from a very middle-class, artistically influenced world, whereas Heinrich was a nature lover and scientist. This interesting tension in their relationship made for a happy marriage. Carina went on many travels with her husband and supported him on his expeditions, while at the same time fulfilling her own interests. Many personal anecdotes and numerous private photographs show an unknown side of this great adventurer.

Carina Harrer, born in Cologne, Germany, in 1922, studied philosophy and art history, but due to the war was unable to finish her studies. She later trained as a physiotherapist. In 1957, she met Heinrich Harrer. The couple got married in 1962, and lived happily together until Heinrich’s death in January 2006. Carina still lives in their house in Knappenberg in Carinthia, Austria.