Svenja

Pedaling Into Freedom: Svenja Nyffeler’s Journey of Courage and Discovery

“March 14th, 2020, I decided to leave for an open-ended bicycle trip around the globe.”

“When I was just two months old, I started my first bicycle trip with my family.”

Little did two-month-old Svenja Nyffeler know that she would one day travel solo to 33 countries and begin a journey cycling 3,000 kilometers through the wilderness at the age of 21.

“I lived in Switzerland and worked at a well-known agency as a graphic designer. On March 14th, 2020, I decided to leave it all behind for an open-ended bicycle trip around the world. I wanted to discover the proportions of this world’s sphere and feel its rhythm. To conquer geography by using a bicycle that helps me move forward on my own.

I left my life behind, but I couldn’t go because of the pandemic. I hoped things would return to normal. The Earth was waiting for new exploration while it recuperated. Just days later, I found a job at a national bicycle company.

Susan B. Anthony, a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement, once said a bicycle is a symbol of freedom that emancipated women worldwide. I never really thought of that, but once you feel the freedom a bike can give, you cannot help but step on the pedal.”

Svenja bought her first bicycle at 21 to plan a journey crossing from Ukraine to Morocco. The only necessities she carried were a tent, kitchen gear, and warm clothes as she prepared to cycle 3,000 kilometres alone.

Her first stop in Ukraine was complete isolation. She met locals but struggled to communicate because she didn’t know the language. What she loved most was the scenery, which gave her optimism and the passion for cycling that allowed her to experience the majestic beauty of the unknown.

“I cycled about 120 kilometres per day on uneven roads. My days started at 4 in the morning and often lasted until 9 at night. It got so hot at midday that without shade, I had to keep cycling all day. Finding and saving water was difficult. Even worse was dealing with stray dogs. Once, I fell into a pothole and injured my foot and leg. Without medical help, I worried my condition was getting serious.

Travelling solo can be frightening, especially if you’re a woman. I remember one time, a few hundred kilometres in, a man tried to stop me in an empty village by holding my front wheel and grabbing me tightly. Luckily, I managed to distract him and escaped as fast as I could. But there was only one road to go on, and that was my biggest challenge.”

When I learned about Svenja’s solo cycling journey, I admired her courage and her determination to lead her own path and gain knowledge independently. Despite the wonders she experienced, we must remember that a smooth journey means overcoming obstacles.

“What lay ahead was the biggest desert in the country. Cycling on sand is impossible, especially with a 50-kilogram bike. I managed to cross a few hundred meters into the desert and realized I still had about 30 kilometres to go. My surroundings were filled with black snakes and giant spiders jumping around. After just a few seconds of seeing this, I knew I had to turn back and retrace the last 300 kilometres.

Then three young men with an old Russian off-road vehicle stopped by. I was able to say океан (okean), which means ocean. One of them lifted my bike onto the back of the van. I sat up front while another gave me a beer. We drove for two hours over endless sand without speaking. At sunset, we reached the edge of the peninsula, where the land narrows and meets the Dnieper River and the Black Sea.

Finally, after days of sweat, sunburn, dust, and dirt, I washed up. I set up my tent and slept under a million stars. Those nights of isolation allowed me to embrace the sublime beauty of the boundless night sky. After a full day of cycling, the silence was magical.

I was utterly alone but never lonely. I learned to enjoy my own company. I felt lost in time without technology or a cell phone, and it was brilliant.

My travel doesn’t prove anything, nor advertise or break any records. It is a test of myself, venturing with few resources like a nomad who approaches nature, mountains, and the creatures inhabiting our incredible planet. Leaving my comfort zone with little luxury made the struggle worthwhile.

Cycling alone brings out a wide range of emotions that shape a new character. I learned that positivity comes from within and that courage grows when you stop focusing on problems and recognize what is truly important.

The journey also immersed me in new cultures. Visiting some of the poorest countries helped me understand the world’s situation better and how each country is unique. I became grateful for what I have and for the privileges of a healthy body and mind that allow me to think creatively when facing challenges.

Small things matter. I have clean water to drink and a roof to shelter me with a functional bathroom. Most importantly, I am free. As a woman, I can do, say, think, and wear what I want. I even had the chance to quit my job, give up my flat, and say goodbye to family and friends. What I truly know is that even though I left my life behind to explore the world, I always have a home and a stable job to return to.

In some of the poorest countries I visited, I met amazing people who treated me like family. I was born in a country of abundance, yet people often seem reserved and self-focused. It was incredible to experience how welcoming people can be, opening their arms and hearts. It made me reflect on how I react to prejudice and what intolerance I can accept. I learned so much about kindness and letting curiosity guide me to discoveries.

Whenever I see a cyclist on the street, I invite them to my home to rest, eat, and wash. Travelling in Switzerland can be expensive and difficult for many, so I want to share our culture, introduce them to us, and show them the magnificent landscape. I want to give back and share what I have as thanks for the hospitality I experienced on my journey.”

I am honoured to share Svenja’s story of courage with her permission. I hope it encourages anyone held back by fear to explore the unknown. We all have concerns, and every place has risks, but don’t let that stop you from pedalling forward. It’s the small things you see and discover that create a meaningful life.