Im Kajak zum Polarkreis
Ein Ostseeabenteuer

Alone on the Baltic Sea - 2,500 km solo kayak expedition to the polar circle -
(Book in print in German language only so far)

Henschel took off for a kayak expedition which leaded him across the Danish Strait and along the Swedish coast up north to the polar circle living only from the land - that was the first plan. The boreal harsh spring climate with storms, 43 days of rain, cold, the loss of 13 kg in weight encouraged him to change some of his plans, as well as he was driven over by a motor boat leaving him half paralysed behind. This is a story of stunning adventure and deep understanding of the rough rigors of an often underestimated Baltic Sea surviving in a small float. On his journey Henschel, holding a doctor in botany, was looking for "some practical proof" for a new book about edible plants and how our European ancestors could survive centuries ago. In fact this book became a best seller and has been translated in several languages ever since. Henschel describes the mystics of the sea "from a point of view by someone who is glued to the seas surface with his butt" often in ironic words about himself while testing "ancient food" by try and error. On top of that he is able to offer insider knowledge about the Scandinavians where he was living for a couple of years.

Dr. Detlev Henschel , scientist, management consultant, Leica sponsored photographer and best selling author with a title about Edible plants has become known by his outstanding single kayak expeditions up to the polar circle (Alone on the Baltic Sea - 2,500 km and 91 days solo in a kayak - in print for 2007) and the first single circumnavigation of the deepest lake of the world ("Adventure Lake Baikal, [Siberia, Russia] - 1,700 km first solo circumnavigation in a kayak" - August 2006) and his 3,000 km walk from the southern to the northern tip of Japan [2005] ("Walkabout Japan - 3,000 km 100 days with a 30 kg backpack in a tent" in prep. ). Henschel always realizes his projects with a great respect and understanding of the nature and a scientific background. He has written also countless articles in various magazines.

Expose on the cover of this book written by my publisher Delius Klasing, Bielefeld, Germany, 2006 (translated from German)

Detlev Henschel
Namibia's Lost World - "The Brandberg"

Namibia (Africa)- that is heat and dust, desert and water, mountains und plants - and lot of animals - big animals! -, insects and an endless sky.
Namibia - das is modern life as well as archaic simplicity.

On his journey to the mystic massif "Brandberg" in midst the oldest desert in the world "The Namib" Detlev Henschel, who did work for years in this country as a tour guide, is accompanied by his friend, camera man (and very outdoor fresh man) Stefan Bischoff when travelling into this fascinating and odd world. He talks about the crazy stories he experienced in this country and about the efforts it took to reach the massif with its incredible variety of life the first time - some ten years ago. Henschel introduces the reader to the awareness and thinking of the native "Desert Bushmen" ("Damaras") with their unique click language and who lived in these vast area for thousands of years as well as to the white people, who lived in Namibia for generations and call themselves "Afrikaner".

The fascinating and sometimes strange nature, the very basic life far away from civilisation and the interest in the unusual are the mayor topics of this travel.
What drives Henschel is the desire to live all this very close and straight.

Dr. Detlev Henschel , scientist, management consultant, Leica sponsored photographer and best selling author with a title about Edible plants has become known by his outstanding single kayak expeditions up to the polar circle ("Alone on the Baltic Sea - 2,500 km and 91 days solo in a kayak - in print for 2007) and the first single circumnavigation of the deepest lake of the world ("Adventure Lake Baikal, [Siberia, Russia] - 1,700 km first solo circumnavigation in a kayak" - August 2006) and his 3,000 km walk from the southern to the northern tip of Japan [2005] ("Walkabout Japan - 3,000 km 100 days with a 30 kg backpack in a tent" in prep. ). Henschel always realizes his projects with a great respect and understanding of the nature and a scientific background. He has written also countless articles in various magazines.

Expose on the cover of this book written by my publisher Delius Klasing, Bielefeld, Germany, 2006 (translated from German)

Detlev Henschel
Adventure Baikal - 1,700 km alone in a kayak

Once to discover something new circumnavigating Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia -this must be possible. To realize this idea Henschel had to overcome many problems from getting a proper visa, finding a paddle partner and reaching east Siberia with ALL his equipment and in ONE piece! And Henschel wouldn't be himself; he wouldn’t take a kayak as a vehicle. That he was the first one circumnavigating Lake Baikal was just a nice coincidence.

Well Lake Baikal is not just a lake; it is the deepest lake- in the world and the biggest mountain lake of Asia. Situated near the Mongolian boarder, with a coastline of 1,700 km, almost 1,700 m deep - and with respect - not really a safe area. No wonder things turned out to be different than calculated. Meeting different "unknown" cultures like Evenks, Burjats and the Russian Mafia, "enjoying" hundreds of kilometres of bush fires, haze and dim light, crazy cows and loads of Grizzlys around his tent, but also a physical experience of the unique Siberian landscape. Henschel talks about all of this very open, honest, and with deep respect about the "Sacred Lake of Siberia" with his wonders. With this adventure probably nobody came closer to the soul of that lake - also called the "Well of the World"

Once started, this book brings back all the dreams one might have had and the strong urge to realize them.

Dr. Detlev Henschel, scientist, management consultant, Leica sponsored photographer and best selling author with a title about Edible plants has become known by his outstanding single kayak expeditions up to the polar circle ("Alone on the Baltic Sea - 2,500 km and 91 days solo in a kayak - in print for 2007) and the first single circumnavigation of the deepest lake of the world ("Adventure Lake Baikal, [Siberia, Russia] - 1,700 km first solo circumnavigation in a kayak" - August 2006) and his 3,000 km walk from the southern to the northern tip of Japan [2005] ("Walkabout Japan - 3,000 km 100 days with a 30 kg backpack in a tent" in prep.). Henschel always realizes his projects with great respect and understanding of the nature and a great scientific background. He has written also countless articles in various magazines.

"Bestseller" - Edible plants and berries

This handy book is a review of 110 ancient edible plants our ancisters used to survived in north- and central Europe - but enhanced to a culinary point of view for all day use.

This book is also published in polish, czech and french, so far.