While most 17-year-olds are just beginning to consider the idea of leaving the nest, Lasse Stolley (pictured) has already been on his own for over a year and a half. Convinced that his school studies were already behind him, he convinced his parents to allow him to leave their home in Fockbek, Germany, to embark on a unique train-hopping adventure. It took a lot of convincing, but they eventually agreed. The teen has since been living on trains, traveling all over his home country, working as a self-employed coder during the day, and sleeping on trains at night. Calling himself a digital nomad, Lasse sold most of his possessions in 2022 and packed what was left in a backpack that he’s been carrying with him ever since. Minimalism and resisting the urge to acquire new things are an essential part of his lifestyle. It’s not always easy, but he’s found a way to make it work. Lasse says the most important things are his laptop and noise-cancelling headphones, which give him a little bit of privacy on the train. He signed up for Germany’s rail discount card, Bahncard 100, which allows him to ride on any Deutsche Bahn train indefinitely. He estimates his unusual living arrangement has cost him around €10,000 ($8,544) a year. Living on trains also has its perks, as it allows the young nomad to visit virtually every part of Germany, from the sea in the north to the Alps for a nice hike. Everything is just a train ride away, and he travels approximately 600 miles a day. He estimated that he has traveled more than 300,000 miles since leaving his parents’ house. As for food, Lasse mostly eats at Deutsch Bahn lounges at train stations. Personal hygiene is a bit trickier, as he has to shower at gyms. He says living on a train isn’t ideal and he doesn’t see himself doing it for the rest of his life. For now, he still has much of Germany to see, and his Bahncard 100 is still valid for another 6 months.
