Every traveler knows that feeling from deep within him/her that you just have to go somewhere….explore distant lands and uncover new places just for the hell of it. This feeling is often labeled wanderlust. Some travelers have an extreme urge for wanderlust; they have Fernweh!
Fernweh and extreme wanderlust
Fernweh is a word that originates from German and it describes a strong ache to get away and travel to a distant place. It can be literally translated as farsickness or longing for far-off places
Fernweh’s meaning is somewhat similar to wanderlust, except the feeling is much much stronger. You literally must travel and get out of your living area. So in a sense Fernweh and extreme wanderlust can be compared.
But…..
This wonderful untranslatable German word describes the feeling of homesickness for a faraway land, a place you have never visited. Do not confuse this with the word Wanderlust. Fernweh is much more profound, it is the feeling of an unsatisfied urge to escape and discover new places, almost a sort of sadness. You miss a place you have never experienced, as opposed to lusting over it or desiring it like wanderlust. You are seeking freedom and self-discovery, but not a particular home. There are too many feeling wrapped up into this wonderful, little word. Remember, the world is your home!
At the same time Fernweh is the opposite of home-sickness. You crave going away from your home and visit new places and destinations. You are literally homesick for a place you have never been to.