Published: 30.07.2024
What were those 2 days about?
That was the best place we have found in Sweden so far (well, this place shares the top spot with Norra Dellen).
Right upon arrival we still thought 'yeah, it's pretty nice here.' But just a few hours later we were completely in love. And extended our stay by another day. So Norway will have to wait this year.
Near Torsby lies this nature campsite on a river dammed by a dam with adjacent forest area. Civilization is far away, so the saying 'this is like wild camping, only with the amenities of a campsite' is quite accurate. In the lower area, there are pitches directly by the water with their own fire pit. You can pull electricity anywhere you want. There are clean sanitary facilities or you can use your RV toilet, which can be disposed of easily. For canoeists and anglers, it's a true paradise, and there is also a swimming beach at the site. And against the mosquitoes, several gas-powered 'mosquito magnet devices' have been set up, which even showed effectiveness. In a week, there can easily be 2L containers full of mosquitoes. Or you can make a campfire.
We chose a spot in the upper area and had about 5m next to us a large fire pit with grilling options. On the way there, we had already collected some wood in the forest, but that was too little. At Björn's, the operator, you could buy wood, so we immediately ordered a 40L sack. With a fire steel and cotton pad, it was quickly ignited, and we decided to buy a second sack. So we sat together, steaks were laid on, and the campfire romance began. It didn't take long before a Swedish woman joined us, and we chatted about this and that. Later, Björn stopped by and we invited him to sit with us. And so it happened. Björn, his wife Rieke, Ben and his parents (friends from Germany) all came together at the fire and it was just a celebration! Wood supply was guaranteed. Until deep into the night, we sat as eight, talking about experiences, friendships, and how a German couple ends up at a campsite in Sweden, what winter is like, whether guests behave well concerning fire, etc. We will never forget that evening!
Yesterday we slept in comfortably, had breakfast, and then walked along the forest path by the river. There are supposed to be elk here, but unfortunately, we couldn't spot any. But next year, Björn has to show us the lookout point, from where there is said to be guaranteed elk sightings.
In the afternoon, we met up with Ben, the 14-year-old son of the family we are friends with. He gets along perfectly with us, knows all about outdoor gear, has various equipment (e.g., a survival first-aid kit, 2 axes, knives, and much more), and knows all the YouTubers we follow for outdoor content. We showed him our water filter, and André got to test Ben's axe. We also discussed fire-making, tarps, and paracord. Wonderful... such a great guy! In the evening, we made a campfire again; as long as you have the opportunity, you have to use it.
This morning we had to say goodbye to Rieke and Björn with a heavy heart, sending many greetings to the others, but with the promise that we will return next year.
Now we are sitting here by Vänern, at a free pitch without any comfort, but with the best view of the motorboats racing across the lake. The sun is shining, we will soon cook Köttbullar, and the ferry is booked for Saturday. Catamaran to Sassnitz! But we still have a few days left until then. Norway will be next year.
Stay curious
Tina&André