Messengers on Bikes Journeying to Lapland for Old Saint Nick
In an extraordinary summer task, three postal workers from Germany are embarking on a 3,000-kilometer bicycle journey from St. Nikolaus in Saarland to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland. The purpose of this journey is to personally deliver letters and Christmas wish lists addressed to Santa Claus, sent to the St. Nikolaus post office, which receives over 30,000 such letters annually.
The cyclists, Simone Nehring, Artur Hajduk, and Ralf Schüttler, are part of the German postal service's volunteer team who answer children's letters to Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus. This year, Saint Nicholas entrusted the cyclists with his own wish list, hoping to get a reply from Santa Claus in Finland.
Their journey begins at the Nicholas post office in St. Nicholas, Saarland, where they were presented with a personal letter from the local Nicholas figure before their departure. The cyclists are traveling with two yellow postal bicycles and one mountain bike, all without electric motors.
The cyclists' first stop is Rüsselsheim, and they plan to visit postal branches in Bremen and Hamburg to collect more wish lists during their journey. After reaching the Santa Claus village, they aim to continue on to the North Cape, which is another 700 kilometers.
While riding primarily on country roads, the postal workers are collecting donations for the "Bunter Kreis Hagen" association, which supports families with seriously ill children. A support vehicle accompanies them to transport clothing, tools, and spare parts.
At the Santa Claus village, there is a post office where answers to the wish lists are sent. After delivering the wish lists, the postal workers' plan is to complete this symbolic handover and presumably return home. The main emphasis is on maintaining the tradition and connection between the different Christmas figures' communities through this journey.
Interestingly, the Nicholas figure in Saarland is also sending his own letter to Santa Claus, hoping to receive a reply. "I wish that Santa answers my letter," he said, delighted with this unusual summer task.
The cyclists have undertaken extreme tours before, including a trip from the Spreewald to Venice in 2024. This current journey, however, holds a special significance as it brings together the magic of Christmas and the spirit of adventure.
[1] Local news article about the cyclists' journey [2] Official press release from the German postal service
- The cyclists, on their distinctive yellow postal bicycles, are integrating their passion for sports and travel into their unique lifestyle, as they embark on a 3,000-kilometer journey to deliver Christmas wish lists, fostering the connection between the traditions of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus.
- Alongside this extraordinary travel experience, Simone Nehring, Artur Hajduk, and Ralf Schüttler are raising funds for the "Bunter Kreis Hagen" association, hoping to uplift families with seriously ill children through their sporty endeavors, enhancing the joy and spirit of the holiday season.
