Luna Explores Europe
My first backpacking trip: Sweden
My first backpacking trip was, coincidentally, also my first solo travel experience. I had planned to meet a friend in Stockholm, Sweden, and continue our journey together from there. However, getting there meant enduring a grueling bus ride. Flights from Amsterdam to Stockholm were fairly limited, and due to the spontaneous nature of the trip (and my poor planning), they were prohibitively expensive for a student on a budget. The available flights had long layovers, making the total travel time exceed eight hours.
Since I was in for a long journey anyway, I figured I might as well make it affordable. That's when I discovered my now-favorite option: FlixBus.
With no straightforward train connections, the cheapest and most efficient way was to take the FlixBus from Amsterdam to Stockholm. I love road trips, so at first, I wasn't intimidated by the idea of spending two days on a bus. What did worry me, however, was the stopover. My bus from Amsterdam would only take me as far as Rostock, a city in northern Germany, dropping me off at the train station at 8 PM. My next bus wouldn't depart until 4 AM the following morning. Not the most convenient timing, as I'm sure you'll agree. In hindsight, I probably should have booked a hotel for the night, but in the spirit of keeping costs low (and due to my lack of planning), I decided to wing it. I spent the night wandering through Rostock, exploring the town, and chatting with locals and fellow travelers. What I initially considered a mere stopover turned into an unexpectedly enjoyable experience.
One of the first things I noticed was a plaque just outside the train station. It wasn't particularly surprising, but it was sobering to realize that Rostock station, one of the northernmost railway hubs in Germany, played a significant role in transporting Jews and other so-called "undesirables", during the Holocaust.
As I fought off sleep while waiting for my connecting bus, I couldn't shake the weight of the history surrounding me - a place I had previously thought of as just a footnote in my journey. That morning, I boarded the bus to Stockholm with a newfound appreciation for this unassuming town and its dedication to remembering the past.
Travel
Tip
Much like flying, seating on a FlixBus matters. When you're preparing to sit in a vehicle for hours on end, comfort is key. I always recommend choosing a seat at either end of the bus. From experience, the front is a great option, offering the best view of the road and the most legroom.
While you can travel with FlixBus without reserving a seat, I highly suggest doing so. Passengers with reservations get priority, and if the bus if fully booked, you won't be allowed to board without one. It's small extra cost, but your joints will thank you.
That morning, I arrived in beautiful Stockholm. One of the first things that struck me was the sheer verticality of the city. Coming from the wind-swept flats of the Netherlands, I wasn't used to such tall buildings and steep inclines. I met my friend at City Backpackers Hostel in the heart of the town, and from there, we started planning our journey. Our goal was to follow, more or less, a pilgrim path called the Ingegerdsleden. For those interested in backpacking, pilgrim paths are fantastic routes to travel, as they have been well-trodden for centuries and often hold deep historical significance. The Ingegerdsleden connects Stockholm to the northern university city of Uppsala. At just 76 kilometers, it was relatively short compared to most backpacking routes, but it still provided plenty of adventure.
While the Ingegerdsleden isn't a strict, singular trail, we found ourselves alternating between hiking through forests, walking along gravel paths, and navigating suburban roads.
This mix gave us a unique glimpse into daily life in Southern Sweden. One of the most memorable nights of our journey happened just past the Stockholm suburbs. A heavy downpour had us desperate to find shelter, and we stumbled onto a golf course near a lakeside. Following a gap in the treeline, we were lucky enough to find a beautiful clearing by the water. We ended up staying there for two days, making a supply run to a nearby suburb while using the lake to wash our laundry and cook our meals.
One major draw for campers in Sweden is the country's application of Allemansrätten, or the Right to Roam. This Nordic principle allows travelers to move freely and camp almost everywhere, provided the land isn't privately owned, too close to a residence,
or part of a protected nature reserve. The most important takeaway? Leave no trace. Always clean up after yourself, avoid lighting fires where it's prohibited, and respect the natural environment. Regardless of where you travel, this is a great habit to develop.
Travel
Tip
I heard that Uppsala was a beautiful city, and I can now confirm that it is. The cathedral is breathtaking, marking the official endpoint of the Ingegerdsleden. It's also the tallest church in all of the Nordic countries, reflecting Sweden's rich Christian history. Uppsala Castle, its two museums, and the surrounding botanical garden are all must-see spots for visitors. We spent only a couple of days in Uppsala, taking adventage of a short stay at a Nordic hotel to rest and freshen up. Afterward, we took the train back to Stockholm for one last day before parting ways. We relaxed by the docks and visited the Vasa Museum, where the preserved wreck of an ancient Swedish warship was on display - an amusing and fascinating sight.
Despite all these incredible experiences, I have to admit that the destination wasn't my priority on this journey. Everyone travels for different reasons, shaping their experiences accordingly. For me, this trip was about stepping outside my comfort zone, leaving behind the familiarity of home, and challenging myself to embrace something new. In that regard, I consider it a huge success in fostering my independence and sense of identity. I doubt I even scratched the surface of what Stockholm and Uppsala have to offer. Perhaps one day, I'll return to fully immerse myself in their rich history, art, and culture. But for now, my eyes remain on the horizon, ready for the next adventure.
Luka van Genderen