Under a Crescent Sun

Hiking and Caving in the Zillertal

Grandeur and the Smell of Fish

Cycling the Flemish Coast

Paddling Among Spirits, Stories, and Turquoise Dreams

Kayaking Guna Yala, Panama

In the Footsteps of Al-Andalus

Tears for Granada

Where the Forest Still Breathes

Gauja National Park in Latvia

Cool Travel Stories BY REAL PEOPLE

We are a small collective of passionate storytellers, dedicated to showing the beauty of the world and creating cool travel stories to inspire your next trip.

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‘Join us on our adventures. Through our stories, we’ll transport you and inspire you to chase the world’s wonders!’

BARBERA BOSMA | EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EDITIONS

Castellar de n’Hug, Catalonia, October 2025. A mountain village of stone houses perched high in the Pyrenees, where the River Llobregat is born, offering sweeping views and a glimpse into alpine life.
Catalonia Pyrenees Special

Edition #35

From the high passes of Porta del Cel to the quiet roads of Pallars Jussà, this Catalonia Pyrenees Special is about travel that is earned, not rushed. We hike deep into the Pyrenees, slow down at Casa Leonardo in Senterada, taste a cuisine shaped by volcanic landscape, and do a road trip that turns movement into memory. Welcome to slow travel in the Pyrenees of Catalonia.
A family walks along the rocky shore of Lake Superior towards the Split Rock Lighthouse, a historic landmark on Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive.
Minnesota Special

The Wild Heart of the North

In this special Minnesota edition, we travel from the creative pulse of Minneapolis to the quiet, untamed wilderness of the Boundary Waters. We paddle across mirror-still lakes, drive along Lake Superior’s rugged North Shore, and meet the dreamers and doers who call the North home. Wild, real, and deeply American – this is Minnesota at its most authentic.
The Gornergrat Railway train travels through a snowy landscape towards the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Valais Switzerland Winter Special 2025

Edition #33

Nowhere else in Europe will you find such a great concentration of high mountains as in the Swiss canton of Valais. We’re going to fully enjoy ourselves in a car-free village on the edge of the Aletsch Glacier, climb steep slopes with a heavenly descent to Les Marécottes, and take a train up to 3,000 meters for an evening of stargazing above the Matterhorn.
The Gamo Experience, exploring the tribal highlands of Arba Minc
Ethiopia - Arba Minch & Gamo Highlands Special

Edition #32

Where the Gamo Highlands rise and Lake Chamo churns with crocodiles and hippos, Arba Minch opens the door to Ethiopia’s most captivating tales. Join us as we explore the Omo Valley, meet master weavers in Dorze, trek cloud-wrapped ridges, savour bold flavours, and step into landscapes that feel ancient, untamed, and fiercely alive.
45_ De navette fluviale verbindt de stad over water
Wallonia Special 2025

Edition #31 2025

In this WideOyster special, we head south to Wallonia. We explore the raw yet romantic city of Liège, drift with the slow rhythm of the Condroz, and wander through the region’s most beautiful villages. A journey of stories, craftsmanship, and landscapes that stay with you long after you’ve left.
Midsummer nights in Levi, Finnish Lapland
Levi Finnish Lapland Special

Edition #30

Discover Levi, a region in Finnish Lapland, bathed in the glow of endless summer. This immersive edition combines story and film to explore sauna rituals, the midnight sun, untamed nature, and Arctic luxury. Drift in floating saunas, wander reindeer trails, and surrender to the light that never fades – reconnecting with land, spirit, and self.
All Editions

EDITOR's PICK

Hiking the Porta del Cel, Catalonia

Wild Beauty of 'The Gateway to Heaven'

‘On paper, Porta del Cel is poetry. High passes opening to endless horizons, glacial lakes reflecting silence, stone villages clinging to time. In reality, it is also calves on fire, lungs negotiating new terms’

 

FRITS-MEYST-LOWEPRO

Frits Meyst | Creative Director

The Adventurous Heart of the Middle East

WideOyster Magazine

Jordan features a rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Start your journey at Petra, the ancient city carved into rock and a UNESCO World Heritage site that highlights Jordan’s historical significance. Experience the Dead Sea with its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic properties. Adventure seekers can hike the stunning trails of Wadi Rum or float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. In Amman, the capital, enjoy a mix of modernity and tradition that offers insights into local life and cuisine. Jordan invites you to explore at every turn.
All Destinations

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Outdoor Adventures

Epic Adventures

Water Sports

Leisure

Winter Sports

Kings of Gear

Destinations

Sweden

Chile

Switzerland

Austria

Canada

Jordan

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Featured Authors

marco bio
Marco Barneveld

Global Editor-in-Chief

WideOyster Founder and Global Editor-in-Chief Marco Barneveld's travel stories have been published in magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Lonely Planet, Sidetracked (UK), Newsweek (US), and Explore (Canada) since 2004. ‘I like to inspire people to enjoy our gorgeous planet,’ Marco says. ‘Our goal is to motivate and create wanderlust.’
Frits bio
Frits Meyst

Creative Director, Owner

Frits Meyst is an adventure photographer and co-founder of WideOyster Magazine. A former documentary photographer, he now captures breathtaking outdoor experiences, culture, and remote destinations. Through WideOyster, he blends storytelling and photography, showcasing authentic travel, adventure, and nature to inspire exploration worldwide.

EPIC CREATORS

Fotografía Outdoor

Mikael Helsing: Winter Sports

Photo Portfolio

After a few seasons working in the Alps, a young Swedish photographer decided to change scenery and travel with a group of friends to Spain to try to enjoy skiing and make a living from photography in the Pyrenees. It was the late 80s, and what he didn’t know then..
John-Donica-Tokyo-001

John Donica: Streets of Tokyo

Photo Portfolio

May we introduce our latest member of the WideOyster family? We are thrilled with John Donica, photographer and cinematographer from Moldova. He shot all the scenes for our Ode to the Journey: Japan. He also created these stunning images of the streets of Tokyo. A short introduction...

Masthead

Global Editor-in-Chief

Marco Barneveld

Creative Director

Frits Meyst

Executive Editor

Barbera Bosma

Editor-in-Chief Spanish

Javier González

Editor-in-Chief German

Malte Clavin

Technical Editor

Hendrik Morkel

Need Storytelling?
Let us write your story!

Let the best storytellers work their magic for you and share your story with WideOyster’s travel loving audience, consisting of 180,000 English, Spanish, German and Dutch speaking newsletters subscribers and 2,200,000 visitors annually from all over the world.

For more information visit WideOyster Creative or send an email to letstalk[at]wideoyster.com

Cool Travel Stories
by Real People

All stories on this site are authentic first-hand accounts of travel experiences and adventures by our human storytellers. We are dedicated to showing the beauty of the world by creating cool travel stories to inspire your next trip.

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Gear & Gadgets

120 Years of Adventure

The Legacy of Deuter

Kings of Gear is dedicated to showcasing exceptional gear brands, and in this case, it’s Deuter. Founded in 1898 in Germany, the company has a long history of innovation and craftsmanship. From hiking backpacks to climbing gear, sleeping bags, and accessories, Deuter is renowned for its focus on durability, comfort, and functionality, ensuring its products withstand various outdoor conditions. WideOyster’s gear expert, Hendrik Morkel, shares how and why Deuter has always accompanied him on his adventures.
Read More
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Helly Hansen

Verglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket

A mountaineering must

This ultralight 180g jacket is a must-have for hiking and trekking—ideal for all excursions, especially in regions with unpredictable weather. Built with a 2.5-layer construction, it features the Helly Tech Performance membrane, offering both breathability and complete protection against rain and wind. Its high elasticity ensures extra comfort and freedom of movement. It can be packed into its pocket. €230
More information
12015_860_HH_ASCENDER_MID_HELLY_TECH_ANGLE

Helly Hansen

Ascendir Mid Helly Tech Boot

Superior Comfort

A lightweight (490 g) mid-cut hiking and mountaineering boot featuring Helly Tech’s waterproof and breathable membrane. It offers extra ankle support for walking on varied terrain and comfortably carrying a loaded backpack. The upper is made with 5D printed overlays, and the high-traction Max Grip outsole delivers an optimal balance of torsion and stiffness for superior comfort, plus reinforced toe and heel protection. €220
More information
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Deuter

AC Lite 22 SL

Specifically for women

Deuter was among the first to design backpacks for women. The AC Lite 22 SL features the lightweight Aircomfort back system for ventilation and comfort. With a roomy main compartment, phone pocket, side and lid pockets, gear loops, rain cover, and hydration compatibility, it’s a smart, trail-ready pack built for all-day hiking adventures.
Buy it here
3200221-1316-TransAlpine30_lapis_navy-D-04

Deuter

Trans Alpine Mountain Biking Backpack

Trusted companion for bike enthusiasts

This multi-day backpack is perfect for bike enthusiasts. It features smart storage, with compartments for tools and pumps, a secure helmet pocket, and a dividable main section for easy organisation. The breathable Airstripes back system keeps you cool and comfortable, while the compact, body-hugging fit ensures stability — even on the wildest trails. A reliable, adventure-ready companion for every ride.
Buy it here
3820025-6015-Drout20_bone-D-06

Deuter

Drout Lifestyle Backpack

Safe and dry, no matter the weather

This backpack is my ultimate everyday companion. It’s made of durable, waterproof material that keeps everything safe and dry. I love the top-loading design with the secure Fidlock closure. Inside, the spacious compartment has a removable organizer that keeps my MacBook, notebook, and documents neatly in place. Practical, stylish, and functional — it’s perfect for work, travel, and everything in between.
Buy it here
3312125-7000-AlproofRide18_black-D-06

Deuter

Alproof Ride 18

Avalanche airbag

At some point in skitouring, you face the question: skip avalanche terrain or invest in an airbag? I chose peace of mind. With the Alproof Ride 18 and its advanced Alpride E2 Airbag System, I feel safe in the backcountry. Its supercapacitor tech ensures fast, reliable deployment — even in freezing conditions.
Buy it here

TRAVEL HEROES

Travel Hero Roy Ortiz

‘Luxury isn't a five-star hotel, but an authentic experience’

Travel Hero Vanessa Marino

Conserving the Amazon through Authentic Experiences

Travel Hero Sababu Safaris

Travel with Purpose

Wideoyster-wit

©WideOyster, 2026. Every journey we share is protected by copyright. Please explore and enjoy, but remember: all rights reserved.

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