Extremhohe

Extremhohe is a fictional term used in German-language speculative geography and science fiction to denote a distinct high-altitude environment categorized by conditions beyond ordinary mountain zones. The name combines elements meaning extreme and height, and it is used to describe both a physical region and the environmental parameters that define it.

Geography and climate: In common worldbuilding depictions, Extremhohe lies above the traditional alpine zone, often portrayed at altitudes from roughly 4,000 to 6,500 meters, though the exact range varies by author. The air is thin, temperatures are freezing, winds are fierce, and ultraviolet radiation is intense. Weather is volatile and can change rapidly, creating an ever-present challenge for inhabitants and visitors.

Ecology: Life is sparse, with hardy lichens, mosses, and cold-adapted invertebrates dominating rock faces and snowfields. Some settings feature high-altitude fauna such as specialized birds or small mammals, while others depict no native terrestrial life, relying on human settlements and imported biota for ecological dynamics.

Human activity: Explorers, scientists, and athletes operate in Extremhohe, using oxygen systems, insulated habitat modules, and pressurized ascent routes. Hazards include hypoxia, frostbite, avalanches, and sudden storms. Governance, land use, and safety protocols vary across works, reflecting different fictional worlds.

Cultural impact: The concept is used to explore themes of isolation, resilience, and the boundary between human capability and environment. It appears in novels, films, and role-playing settings as a backdrop for exploration and testing of technology.

See also: High-altitude environment, extreme environment, altitude sickness.