Anne Bryn cycles through Europe. Espen Mills and Torstein Årseth drive a boat through the canals in Germany. Nora Susort and Nils Jørgen Kristiansen have taken the train from Prague to Milan. Now it is slow travel that applies. Anne Bryn Means of transport: Bicycle Route: Kristiansand – Athens Kilometers: 3500 Accommodation: Tent, couchsurfing, motel Nora Susort and Nils Jørgen Kristiansen Means of transport: Train Route: Prague – Milan Kilometers: approx. 1500 Accommodation: Hotel and hostel Espen Mills and Torstein Årseth Means of transport: Boat, River 350 Route: Fredrikstad – Istanbul (Budapest) Kilometers: approx. 3000 Accommodation: Tent Cycling for 64 days Anne Bryn (24) from Stavanger set out on her slow journey on 12 June. She cycles from Norway to Athens in Greece, completely alone. – It is very good for the environment and is a great way to see things. I like traveling and experiencing things, and thought “why not?”. – Why was it Greece? – I thought it sounded cooler than going to Paris, and because it’s fun to do something that might not be as logical for everyone, she says. Bryn, who shares his experiences from the trip on Instagram and TikTok, does not have a background as a cyclist, but has worked as a bicycle messenger. Anne Bryn just outside Berlin. She says that both mother and grandmother were anxious before departure: – This is a great way to be able to reassure other mothers who are worried about their children going on a trip. Most people are generally hospitable and kind. Photo: @anne_on_adventure / Instagram Got a taste of fun Bryn has made several acquaintances on the road. She says that she spends the night in tents at campsites and motels, in addition to sofa surfing. – You get to know the local people well on such a trip. You also get to experience the culture and buildings in a completely different way. Anne with the luggage. She herself says that she enjoys traveling alone through Europe: – I am very independent, and I don’t feel lonely. I decide where I’m going and how long I’m going to stay. On the trip she met a couple from France, a couple from the Netherlands and a German when she was in Bosnia Herzegovina. They followed for some distance on the road. At the border with Croatia. She says she has become better trained on the trip: – That was not the goal, but it is a plus. Although the body can get tired, the bike ride has given her more pleasure. – This is definitely something I want to do again, and I really recommend this type of travel to others. The route to Bryn is 3,500 kilometres. By the time she arrives in Athens, she has visited eleven countries. The map shows the countries Anne Bryn is cycling through this summer. The itinerary is Norway – Denmark – Germany – Czech Republic – Austria – Slovenia – Croatia – Bosnia – Montenegro – Albania – Greece Slow tourism has become trendy According to travel researcher and associate professor at Høgskolen i Innlandet, Monica A. Breiby, there are more people who want to travel environmentally friendly now. – The “Slow” phenomenon is a trend that has arisen as a counterweight to the fast lifestyle, for example fast food. This trend has its roots back to the 70s, and started with “slow food”, explains Breiby. Travel researcher Monica A. Breiby Photo: Privat Then came “slow tourism”, as a contrast to mass tourism. – The journey is the destination, where parallels can be drawn to pilgrims and “backpackers”. The holiday starts from the moment you leave home, as opposed to arriving quickly by plane. Breiby refers to a study among the 18-25 age group that shows why people choose to embark on slow journeys. – Meeting local people and gaining an insight into their life and culture are among the “slow” factors that score the highest. – You learn a lot about yourself The dating couple Nora Susort (23) and Nils Jørgen Kristiansen (25) decided to take a train from Prague to Milan. – We went by train to experience several countries. You learn a lot about yourself on a trip like this, and realize how much you can fix yourself, says Susort. Nora Susort and Nils Jørgen Kristiansen chose to travel by train, before flying to Nora’s family in Portugal. Photo: Privat The map shows the interrail route for Nora and Nils Jørgen. The couple visited several tourist attractions, and made themselves known in the cities. – We have stayed away from taxis. We have instead taken local buses and trains, and have chosen local places to eat, says Kristiansen. The couple booked both accommodation and train tickets en route. – You find your own journey, and are not dependent on planning in the same way, and then you do something different from what everyone else is doing, says Kristiansen. Napoleon’s army soldier in Bratislava, Slovakia. Train exchange in Ajka in Hungary. Boat trip through Europe Friends Torstein Årseth (39) and Espen Mills (39) each drive their own small boat through the canals of Germany, Austria and Hungary. They also point out that it is the trip itself that is the goal. – We consider stops and visit sights along the way. We enjoy the landscape from the water and wave to people who see us in small boats with Norwegian flags. Torstein Årseth and Espen Mills are currently traveling through Europe with separate boats. Photo: @coastbuster2.0 / Instagram They share the journey on Instagram. Torstein Årseth and Espen Mills ready for departure from Fredrikstad on 13 June. Espen and Torstein covered 135 kilometers on the first day. Here from the Sea of Koster outside Denmark, where they had to brave two meter high waves. Photo: @coastbuster2.0 Arrival at Rødvig in Denmark. During the trip, several people have noticed the friends in small boats: – The people we meet are very interested in where we have traveled, and think it is very stylish. Espen Mills in good spirits in Travemünde. In the boat is the luggage. The goal was initially Istanbul, but now they are aiming for Budapest in the first instance. Mills still believes the duo are the first to complete this route. – I can never imagine that anyone has done this before. I also do not recommend it to anyone. You have to be the right type for it, it is expensive and very far, he says. The map shows the itinerary for Torstein and Espen Hi! Do you have any thoughts about the case you have read, or suggestions for other things we should check out? Feel free to send me an email!
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It is trendy to travel slowly and environmentally friendly, according to a researcher – opt for flying – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
