From spotting volcanic geysers in Iceland to hunting for the Northern Lights in Greenland, the countries of northern Europe have always held a special draw for travelers. It is even more compelling for lovers of food and cycling, offering delicious gastronomy, hearty traditional dishes, and ultra-rugged, scenic bike routes that will please any outdoor enthusiast. After years of competitive racing, world cup mountain biker Tobias Woggon set out on a journey to explore the region on his own terms and in his own time, discovering the best trails and best food along the way.
“I have already seen a lot of the world, but unfortunately, during my active racing career, I didn’t have the time to really get involved with the countries and people when we traveled. Therefore, I started traveling without the pressure of racing and spent much more time with the locals,” Tobias shared with GoTravelDaily.
The Allure of the North
With a special draw to the Nordic countries, Tobias felt the urge to return to learn more about the culture, as well as to tackle the trials and tribulations that the severe conditions can present to an experienced cyclist. “The north has always fascinated me, the rough nature, the unpredictable weather, and the peace. It consistently surprises you with challenges; for instance, you may ride your bike against strong headwinds, and instead of the planned 100km, you only manage 50. Or your gear system freezes while riding in Greenland, forcing you to completely disassemble and repair it,” Tobias expressed.
Culinary Adventures
With years of experience practicing mountain biking outdoors, Tobias has become adept at creating meals that are practical, easy to prepare, and serve as excellent fuel for his body. Consequently, the food culture of the Nordic countries was a significant draw for him, and he was eager to delve deeper into it as he traveled through the region.
These two interests—cycling and food—have been combined in a project titled Nordic Cycle – Bicycle Adventures in the North. This project not only explores some of the most treasured biking trails across the Nordic landscape but also contains over 20 recipes with step-by-step instructions documented by chef Markus Sämmer while on the road with Tobias.
Many recipes pay homage to local cuisine, offering both meat and vegan options. To discover authentic recipes, the pair engaged with local chefs and people from the food scene in each location. “The idea behind this is to bring the taste of a country home and give the opportunity to travel there, even if it is just for dinner. What fascinated me is how simple the cuisine in these countries often is. You don’t always have to cook with the most extravagant ingredients. If you know what you are doing, then the ingredients for a dish grow not far from the stove,” Tobias revealed.
Cycling Through Nordic Landscapes
Bike routes include the spectacular glaciers and fairytale-like snowy plains of Greenland and the mountainous trails of the Faroe Islands, showcasing illustrated maps and routes charted by Tobias. Throughout this expedition, Tobias traversed Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and Kamchatka. More information can be found at the official website.
