Prep-Day

24.06 - Gällivare - Kiruna - Torneträsk

Since we are already so far north, the last supermarkets before Norway can be counted on one hand. We want to proceed strategically and try to get everything done before we encounter prices that are 30-50% higher.

At the campsite in Gällivare, there is not only a washing machine but also a dryer, and instead of booking just one load of laundry, you book a time slot of 3 hours. Luckily, there's a free slot in the morning before we have to check out at 12 noon. With the possibility of washing and drying at the same time, we manage to wash not only all our bedding but also a second round of our sweatshirts. It's a bit colder in the north than we anticipated, and since we are really going to make it to the Lofoten (yay!!), we definitely need our fleece tops. At 12 o'clock, we check out with clean beds, clothes, an empty wastewater tank, and a full freshwater tank. Perfect. On the way, we fill up the tank and stop at the Vattenfall Museum, which is unfortunately closed. The many hydropower plants and huge AC facilities in the area sparked my curiosity, and I would have liked to have the system explained directly by the operator. But off we go straight to Kiruna to the large ICA (supermarket).

Unfortunately, Kiruna as a city is really ugly. It's not surprising when you find out that the city exists only because of the huge iron ore mine, which has been exploited so heavily that the city is now at risk of collapsing and is supposed to completely relocate by 2024. In this very mine and its surroundings, rare earths have also been found. Therefore, the mine will probably be upgraded instead of shut down, how fitting that the city will already be gone. The sight of the huge hole just outside the city is, unlike the city itself, extremely impressive but also frightening. Henry compares the feeling to standing in front of a cruise ship - it's just too big to grasp. The only other attraction, the local church, is currently closed - probably due to the relocation? Anyway, in Kiruna, we only use the shopping opportunities that are arranged American-style around a large parking lot. We buy all the durable goods that have proven themselves; oats, wraps, beans, veggie sausages, Oatly, and later have to designate a new cupboard in the van as storage to accommodate everything. Ahead of us shines a large 'Intersport' logo, and the familiar sight draws us in like a picture-book German. I have been looking for a lightweight sweater/additional fleece since the beginning of the trip because I couldn't find mine while packing. At the good old Intersport, I finally find what I’m looking for. Light blue and on sale, it smiles at me. With that, the last point on the agenda is checked off. Norway can come! :)

On the way along the E10 north lies the National Park Abisko, which gives a taste of the nature of the Lofoten. This will be our last stop in Sweden for now (spoiler: and a new highlight). The parking options are unfortunately quite sparse and all close to the road, but it should suffice for a night or two. We cook our current favorite dish this vacation: wraps with egg and vegetables. Flavor 10/10, effort manageable, and moderately healthy. Then our chosen parking spot surprises us with a beautiful round that starts right there. A really good day :)