The Unchained Expedition: Noah Will and Joshua Sellheim's Bicycle Journey from Germany to Istanbul
Journey Beyond Bounds: Account from the Highway
Noah Will and Joshua Sellheim embarked on an extraordinary adventure, pedalling their way from Eutin, Germany, to Istanbul, Turkey. This journey took them through 12 countries, offering a unique blend of challenges, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes.
Starting Point: Eutin, Germany
Their journey began in the charming town of Eutin, known for its lakes and Renaissance architecture. Cycling through Northern Germany, they found the route well-maintained, with temperate climates making for a relatively easy start.
Countries Visited and Key Experiences
- Germany to Poland
As they moved east, they crossed the border into Poland, experiencing a mix of modern cities and vast rural landscapes. Challenges included adjusting to different road conditions, with Poland boasting well-paved roads but also some rougher, rural stretches. Highlights included immersing themselves in Polish culture, tasting pierogi, and enjoying hospitable locals in towns like Gdańsk and Poznań.
- Poland to Slovakia
Pushing south, the terrain became hillier, approaching the Carpathian Mountains. Climbing several mountain passes, enduring cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, and navigating less frequent services in mountainous areas presented obstacles. However, the stunning scenery of forested mountains, traditional Slovak villages, and hearty local food like bryndzové halušky made the journey worthwhile.
- Slovakia to Hungary
Entering Hungary, the flatter plains and vibrant cities provided a welcome change. Challenges included managing the summer heat and navigating busy roads. Highlights included exploring Budapest’s famous baths, enjoying the countryside dotted with sunflower fields, and engaging with welcoming Hungarian cyclists.
- Hungary to Serbia
Crossing into Serbia, the duo encountered a rich history and natural beauty. Potential language barriers and less predictable road conditions on some rural roads posed challenges, but the diverse culture, local delicacies such as ćevapi, and historic sites in Belgrade and Niš offered memorable experiences.
- Serbia to Bulgaria
Entering Bulgaria, the route might lead through mountainous areas like the Balkan Mountains. More significant climbs and descending on potentially less maintained roads presented challenges. However, visiting ancient monasteries, tasting Bulgarian yogurt and traditional banitsa, and interacting with friendly locals keen to hear about their journey made the effort worthwhile.
- Bulgaria to Turkey (Istanbul)
The final stretch into Turkey, crossing the dramatic landscapes of Thrace, was not without its challenges. More traffic approaching Istanbul required careful navigation, but the moment of entering Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, was a profound experience. They immersed themselves in the rich blend of Europe and Asia, bustling markets, the Bosphorus Strait, and historic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Common Challenges Throughout the Journey
- Physical: Long days of cycling with steep climbs, occasional muscle fatigue, and endurance-testing weather (heat, rain, or cold).
- Logistical: Finding accommodation, securing food and water regularly, and bike maintenance such as repairing punctures or adjusting gear.
- Cultural & Language: Navigating different languages required goodwill and sometimes using gestures or translation apps.
- Safety: Dealing with the variability of traffic laws and some regions where road safety can be less predictable.
Memorable Experiences
- The camaraderie with locals and fellow cyclists who offered rest stops or shared meals, making the journey more personal.
- The sensory diversity—from the sounds of church bells in German towns to lively bazaars in Istanbul.
- The breathtaking landscapes—cycling through alpine meadows, vast plains, river valleys, and historic cityscapes.
Conclusion
Noah Will and Joshua Sellheim’s bicycle expedition from Eutin to Istanbul was not just a physical journey but a deep cultural immersion across seven countries. They faced numerous natural and logistical challenges but collected rich rewards in experiences, friendships, and a profound sense of accomplishment arriving at the crossroads of East and West.
The duo is currently standing before the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, about to leave Europe and step into Asia for the first time in their lives. They plan to travel much further, around the world. To support their cause, they are raising funds to protect rainforests in Canada through their website, www.unchained-expedition.de. They appreciate donations.
The expedition offered various forms of travel, from cultural-travel experiences in Gdańsk and Niš to adventure-travel challenges in the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan Mountains. Their budget was managed by opting for budget-travel options such as camping and staying with locals, ensuring a unique lifestyle on their journey. Sports was an integral part of the exploration, as they endured the physical rigors of cycling long distances, ascending steep mountain passes, and dealing with varying weather conditions.
