Humboldt climbs the Teide
During the 18th and 19th centuries, many European scientists went on expeditions all over the world to study nature.
Alexander von Humboldt, German explorer, geographer and naturalist, went on one of these expeditions in 1799. Before crossing the Atlantic to America, he stopped on the island of Tenerife.
Humboldt climbed the volcano Teide and measured its height. He also studied the relief, rocks and plants of the island.
On the mountain, Humboldt wrote: ‘The peak of Mount Teide appeared in a clearing above the clouds. Just the summit was visible, its tip reached up against the purest blue sky…’.
Humboldt was deeply impressed by the 3,718 metre summit of Mount Teide and the beauty of La Orotava Valley. When his ship sailed, he said: ‘I’m leaving this island with tears in my eyes. I wish I could live here forever’.