Northern Sweden - open your mind

Below Stockholm (actually still southern Sweden) we meet Michaela and her dog Sukhi (friend) at a campsite. Michaela is a lawyer from Berlin and has been traveling for a while. She eventually decided to leave the law behind and instead (on her own! - hats off to her) converted a small camper van and has been traveling with her sweet dog Sukhi ever since. Hats off!! What a cool person. Mic Bee: It was a pleasure meeting you. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross again. You always meet twice in life.

MID-SWEDEN: A visit to Stendörren National Park on the archipelago coast blew us away. One of the most beautiful coastal areas I have ever seen. Small rickety suspension bridges lead from rock to rock over the water. Hundreds of moss-covered rocks and old large trees create a magnificent forest. I can't put the camera down.

The next day, we are (once again!!) on the highway. We want to get through Stockholm (city motorway) as quickly as possible. We thought it would be easier than it was. Strong nerves were required. Five lanes on both sides. Trucks all around us. Traffic jams and construction sites. While Kilian is close to having a panic attack, I can't stop marveling. Prefabricated buildings and mass housing apartments as far as the eye can see. For over an hour, we drive past the bunkers. Stockholm is unbelievably large and the suburbs (from what we have seen) are extremely ugly. Eventually, the homes of the wealthy appear. The houses look nicer and are located by canals. Luckily, we didn't go into Stockholm. Amy and we would probably have had a nervous breakdown trying to find a parking space. It's just too big for us country folks. We are drawn back to nature.

Mid-Sweden is calling.

The next day (you won't believe it), the sun is shining again from a cloudless sky. And it has been like this for 4 weeks already!! Can you believe our luck? This is how summer in Sweden should be. (Even though the country could really use some rain. It is dry everywhere. Cracks are appearing in the ground and the crops are not growing. So dear weather god, we only want the best for the nice Swedes. You can let it rain for 2 days (but no more). It is urgently needed.

We have passed Uppsalla and continue north. The landscape is slowly changing. It is getting lonelier in the hinterland. The roads are twice as wide as ours. It is fun to cruise through the forests so comfortably and not encounter anyone for hours. We drive through beautiful spruce forests with many rocks and boulders. Lakes appear from time to time and suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, there is a typical Swedish red house or farmstead. All buildings here are painted in that beautiful red. Even the smallest stable or barn. Simply beautiful to look at. The people here really live incredibly isolated. I think you have to be born here to be able to live this life.

We have now hiked through countless national parks. Sweden has such beautiful forests and coastlines. It is breathtaking and we are intoxicated by this wild beauty.

After a night on the super sandy beach (which we had all to ourselves), we flee towards the sea the next morning. The mosquitoes are making our lives difficult. There are now really a crazy amount of them. Sweden lives up to its reputation. I hear from Mic Bee (a traveler from Berlin) that it's even worse in Finland. Oh dear, we will be heading there soon too. I am curious.

Meanwhile, we meet Fabian (early 30s) from Dortmund. He is cycling (the crazy one) from Dortmund. His route goes through northern Sweden; Finland, through the Baltics, and then Italy, France, Spain, possibly Portugal. In the 2 weeks he has been on the road, he has already cycled 1700 km. His route is similar to ours, but he does it all with muscle power. We eat together and spend a nice evening (until the mosquitoes ate us alive again after sunset). Dear Fabian: Hats off to you. We admire you. Have a safe journey. Take care... and I'm curious when and where we will meet again (I am convinced that our paths will cross again).

The current state of Midsummer: Between midnight and 3 am it is still dusk. The rest of the day and night are bright. Unbelievable to look out of the window at three in the morning and it's still bright. And it will get even brighter. Midsummer is not until 4 weeks from now. Our mileage tells us that we have covered over 3000 km.

We drive along the Virgin Coast, which lives up to its name. Like a good virgin, it doesn't let just anyone in easily. Incredibly many rocks and boulders are scattered along the coast and make access to the water extremely difficult. Furthermore, this stretch of coast is still not very touristy. So, it is still rather "virginal". However, we still find a place to sleep in a small sleepy fishing village almost by the water. In the evening, armed with our cameras, we march through the village. It is still deserted. In three weeks, the Swedes will invade here for Midsummer. Then the annual vacation begins and the children have 2 months of summer holidays. Luckily, we arrived a bit earlier. There are great (of course red) wooden houses to see, which are built on stilts. Practical with a boat garage on the ground floor.

The next morning, we continue inland towards the north. The landscape is changing dramatically again. It becomes wilder and lonelier. The roads are extremely wide, straight, and deserted. We drive through forests for endless stretches without seeing another car (you don't want to have a breakdown here). But it is beautiful to look at. Spruce forests, blueberries covering the entire ground (unfortunately not ripe yet). And occasionally, another red house in the middle of nowhere. Our path leads us into Sami territory. We find a fantastic place by a lake with a small waterfall. Typically Swedish: even in the middle of nowhere, there is a toilet with toilet paper (here even with a carpet), fireplaces with wood, and access to bathing. We decide to stay here. Light a campfire. Cast out a fishing line. Mmmmhhhh? There's schnitzel again, grinning. After a peaceful night, we decide to stay here for another day. Swimming, grilling, chilling. At this point, I want to say thanks to Sergeij (Kilian's colleague) for the incredible amount of delicious tea as a parting gift. We have them all with us and even Kilian is slowly but surely becoming a tea auntie. Thanks Sergeij!

In the evening, three Swedes arrive. Grandpa, dad, and son who want to go fishing. The son immediately catches a huge fish. The Swedes are optimistic and call out to us that if we want fish, we should come over. We don't need to be told twice. We quickly put on our clothes (we were already in bed) and go over to the Swedes. Unfortunately, the big fish managed to get away... and then nothing else bites. Grandpa catches a small red fish. He takes it off the hook and throws it on the ground, letting it wriggle miserably there!!! My heart skips a beat. Seriously? Poor fish. If he can't use it, he should throw it back into the water. We don't want to be impolite and say nothing. After 10 minutes, they pack up and disappear. Nothing else wanted to bite. We rush like crazy towards the little fish. It was still wriggling weakly. And quickly put it back into the water. Luckily, it survived. What a relief. We go back to bed without a fish, but with plenty of positive fish karma. - The Swedes are super friendly, but they have a different relationship with fish (which are also living beings) than we do. We also fish, but when we finally catch one, we kill it and then eat it, we don't just leave it ignored on land to die.

The next morning, under a cloudless sky as always, we continue north. The weather forecast promises bomb weather for the next 2 weeks. What more could you want?

At Forsaleden, we take a hike along a river. It's amazing, going over small bridges. Rocks with washed-out "bathtubs". Crystal clear water. This is how I imagine Alaska or Canada in the summer. We walk around with big eyes. It is a fantastic sight. In the middle of Sweden's wilderness. We spot fresh bear tracks, reindeer droppings everywhere. They still exist here.. the many animals that you usually only see on TV. After a 2-hour hike, we're back at the car with many great landscape impressions in our heads. The dear God has really put a lot of effort into this place. Such a beautiful spot on earth.

We look for a campsite for the next three days. We need a hot shower. It's Kilian's birthday and we want to bake a birthday cake. Thanks to my girls for the great camping oven. It works perfectly. We have already baked delicious bread, potato gratin (is that how you spell it? - no idea), and today we're making a sand cake with chocolate icing.

We find a great campsite 'at the waterfall'. Here you can take a hot shower for as long as you want (it's amazing how you can be grateful for little things - you become very humble). And internet. Also great. I can finally upload some pictures to the blog. It's not always easy to get internet access in the wilderness. Right next to our bus, a huge waterfall rushes down into the depths. It's beautiful to look at, but the noise should not be underestimated... (Uli, you would go crazy :))

Midsummer status. We had twilight at midnight last night and dawn at the same time in the morning. Unbelievable. Now it's bright around the clock. The sun sets at eleven and rises again shortly after three in the morning. And it shines down with incredible heat from the sky. We can only bear it in the shade. This is how life is in NORTHERN SWEDEN.

Northern Sweden: We continue through Jämtland towards Lapland. We were in a higher area and suddenly everything looked like in the Allgäu. Huh? Is this for real??? We quickly moved on... (we love the Allgäu, but at the moment we are more focused on the Swedish landscape). After half an hour of driving... wham... we feel like we're in Canada or Alaska, or rather Northern Sweden. Simply amazing.

Finally, by the edge of the forest, we see wild reindeer for the first time. The former livestock of the Sami have now been released into the wild and for the Swedes, they are a completely normal sight. The average German tourist (like us) naturally freaks out with joy, hits the brakes, and takes out the camera. The Swedes look at us strangely. Great! Now all we need is a moose to complete the collection.

In a small village called Laxsjö, we find a dreamy parking spot right by the lake. And, as always in Sweden, there is a toilet, a playground, a sandy beach, tables, and benches... everything is there. We discover a sign that says: You can: park wherever and however you like, use everything on the site, make a fire, collect wood, etc... and all that for free. The residents keep the place running for tourists. Could there be such a thing? We quickly go to the shop in the village to buy some supplies and we really want to donate some money to the village, but no chance - no one wants our crowns. This place is for free! Wow. We are once again amazed and settle down comfortably on the beach. It is so hot, we have to get out our sunshades. We are baking in the sun (but we don't want to complain - everything is great). Then we finally take out our boat and at midnight (in that wonderful Midsummer light) we take a ride around the entire lake (about 2 hours). The lake is as smooth as glass and the surrounding forest is reflected with crystal clearness in the water. It is dead silent. Our boat glides silently on the water. I think I will never forget this sight and this amazing feeling. Laxsjö: Thank you very much.

The next day, we enter Lapland for the first time. It is getting even lonelier and the forests are getting sparser. Reindeer cross our path (it's already normal). In the distance, at the edge of the forest, there stands the first moose! (Unfortunately too far away for a picture).

We find another small lake in the middle of nowhere and make a campfire. In the evening, we wander through the forest with Amy and discover an incredibly cool rock formation. A giant rock is almost suspended in the air. What a sight. There are benches and a fire pit underneath. We quickly agree: in Germany, everything would be blocked off here.

There are supposed to be forest spirits here, it says on a sign. And to convince us, we immediately see some standing at the edge of the forest (made of tin). It was a brief moment of shock, hehe.

We have been on the road for over 5 weeks now, and slowly but surely, an extreme inner calmness and relaxation are setting in. Everything is happening in slow motion. The days become insignificant, most of the time we don't even know for sure what day it is. That's how it should be. We cruise through the forests at 70 km/h and enjoy this beautiful Lapland landscape. So much forest and so much loneliness. Unbelievable! Every now and then, a few red houses appear out of nowhere (people already live isolated up here). We see skibobs and sled dogs... it's probably also worth seeing up here in the winter.

Even in the deepest Lapland, people find Knut cute and wave at us with a smile.

We visit a national park again. Björnsgården. It is said to be the jungle of Sweden. We are curious. In the parking lot, we are greeted by a black snake. It is in no hurry to go away. On the contrary. We stay in the car until it finally leaves. It really is like in the jungle. Many hundred-year-old huge trees are standing around, rocks covered with lichen. Reindeer droppings wherever you look. Blueberries cover the entire ground. We spot fresh bear tracks (oh God, they're huge, gulp). We whistle and clap our hands repeatedly to scare them away (fortunately, we were given a bear bell by Mama, which is surely in the drawer in Knut). In the middle of the forest by a lake, we discover a log cabin and once again, we are amazed. The door is open and inside there are bunk beds, blankets, a complete kitchen, a stove, a table, chairs, and plenty of wood. You can stay here for free and use everything. We sign the guestbook and thank them for this luxury. No entrance fee and still all this. It can't get any better. Once again, we agree: Only in Sweden.

The next morning, we enter Lapland for the first time. It is getting even lonelier and the forests are getting sparser. Reindeer cross our path (it's already normal). In the distance, at the edge of the forest, there stands the first elk! (Unfortunately too far away for a picture).

We find another small lake in the middle of nowhere and make a campfire. In the evening, we wander through the forest with Amy and discover an incredibly cool rock formation. A giant rock is almost suspended in the air. What a sight. There are benches and a fire pit underneath. We quickly agree: in Germany, everything would be blocked off here.

There are supposed to be forest spirits here, it says on a sign. And to convince us, we immediately see some standing at the edge of the forest (made of tin). It was a brief moment of shock, hehe.

We have been on the road for over 5 weeks now, and slowly but surely, an extreme inner calmness and relaxation are setting in. Everything is happening in slow motion. The days become insignificant, most of the time we don't even know for sure what day it is. That's how it should be. We cruise through the forests at 70 km/h and enjoy this beautiful Lapland landscape. So much forest and so much loneliness. Unbelievable! Every now and then, a few red houses appear out of nowhere (people already live isolated up here). We see skibobs and sled dogs... it's probably also worth seeing up here in the winter.

Even in the deepest Lapland, people find Knut cute and wave at us with a smile.

We visit a national park again. Björnsgården. It is said to be the jungle of Sweden. We are curious. In the parking lot, we are greeted by a black snake. It is in no hurry to go away. On the contrary. We stay in the car until it finally leaves. It really is like in the jungle. Many hundred-year-old huge trees are standing around, rocks covered with lichen. Reindeer droppings wherever you look. Blueberries cover the entire ground. We spot fresh bear tracks (oh God, they're huge, gulp). We whistle and clap our hands repeatedly to scare them away (fortunately, we were given a bear bell by Mama, which is surely in the drawer in Knut). In the middle of the forest by a lake, we discover a log cabin and once again, we are amazed. The door is open and inside there are bunk beds, blankets, a complete kitchen, a stove, a table, chairs, and plenty of wood. You can stay here for free and use everything. We sign the guestbook and thank them for this luxury. No entrance fee and still all this. It can't get any better. Once again, we agree: Only in Sweden.

The next morning, under a cloudless sky as always, we continue north. The weather forecast promises bomb weather for the next 2 weeks. What more could you want?

At Forsaleden, we take a hike along a river. It's amazing, going over small bridges. Rocks with washed-out "bathtubs". Crystal clear water. This is how I imagine Alaska or Canada in the summer. We walk around with big eyes. It is a fantastic sight. In the middle of Sweden's wilderness. We spot fresh bear tracks, reindeer droppings everywhere. They still exist here.. the many animals that you usually only see on TV. After a 2-hour hike, we're back at the car with many great landscape impressions in our heads. The dear God has really put a lot of effort into this place. Such a beautiful spot on earth.

We look for a campsite for the next three days. We need a hot shower. It's Kilian's birthday and we want to bake a birthday cake. Thanks to my girls for the great camping oven. It works perfectly. We have already baked delicious bread, potato gratin (is that how you spell it? - no idea), and today we're making a sand cake with chocolate icing.

We find a great campsite 'at the waterfall'. Here you can take a hot shower for as long as you want (it's amazing how you can be grateful for little things - you become very humble). And internet. Also great. I can finally upload some pictures to the blog. It's not always easy to get internet access in the wilderness. Right next to our bus, a huge waterfall rushes down into the depths. It's beautiful to look at, but the noise should not be underestimated... (Uli, you would go crazy :))

Midsummer status. We had twilight at midnight last night and dawn at the same time in the morning. Unbelievable. Now it's bright around the clock. The sun sets at eleven and rises again shortly after three in the morning. And it shines down with incredible heat from the sky. We can only bear it in the shade. This is how life is in NORTHERN SWEDEN.

Northern Sweden: We continue through Jämtland towards Lapland. We were in a higher area and suddenly everything looked like in the Allgäu. Huh? Is this for real??? We quickly moved on... (we love the Allgäu, but at the moment we are more focused on the Swedish landscape). After half an hour of driving... wham... we feel like we're in Canada or Alaska, or rather Northern Sweden. Simply amazing.

Finally, by the edge of the forest, we see wild reindeer for the first time. The former livestock of the Sami have now been released into the wild and for the Swedes, they are a completely normal sight. The average German tourist (like us) naturally freaks out with joy, hits the brakes, and takes out the camera. The Swedes look at us strangely. Great! Now all we need is a moose to complete the collection.

In a small village called Laxsjö, we find a dreamy parking spot right by the lake. And, as always in Sweden, there is a toilet, a playground, a sandy beach, tables, and benches... everything is there. We discover a sign that says: You can: park wherever and however you like, use everything on the site, make a fire, collect wood, etc... and all that for free. The residents keep the place running for tourists. Could there be such a thing? We quickly go to the shop in the village to buy some supplies and we really want to donate some money to the village, but no chance - no one wants our crowns. This place is for free! Wow. We are once again amazed and settle down comfortably on the beach. It is so hot, we have to get out our sunshades. We are baking in the sun (but we don't want to complain - everything is great). Then we finally take out our boat and at midnight (in that wonderful Midsummer light) we take a ride around the entire lake (about 2 hours). The lake is as smooth as glass and the surrounding forest is reflected with crystal clearness in the water. It is dead silent. Our boat glides silently on the water. I think I will never forget this sight and this amazing feeling. Laxsjö: Thank you very much.

The next day, we enter Lapland for the first time. It is getting even lonelier and the forests are getting sparser. Reindeer cross our path (it's already normal). In the distance, at the edge of the forest, there stands the first moose! (Unfortunately too far away for a picture).

We find another small lake in the middle of nowhere and make a campfire. In the evening, we wander through the forest with Amy and discover an incredibly cool rock formation. A giant rock is almost suspended in the air. What a sight. There are benches and a fire pit underneath. We quickly agree: in Germany, everything would be blocked off here.

There are supposed to be forest spirits here, it says on a sign. And to convince us, we immediately see some standing at the edge of the forest (made of tin). It was a brief moment of shock, hehe.

We have been on the road for over 5 weeks now, and slowly but surely, an extreme inner calmness and relaxation are setting in. Everything is happening in slow motion. The days become insignificant, most of the time we don't even know for sure what day it is. That's how it should be. We cruise through the forests at 70 km/h and enjoy this beautiful Lapland landscape. So much forest and so much loneliness. Unbelievable! Every now and then, a few red houses appear out of nowhere (people already live isolated up here). We see skibobs and sled dogs... it's probably also worth seeing up here in the winter.

Even in the deepest Lapland, people find Knut cute and wave at us with a smile.

We visit a national park again. Björnsgården. It is said to be the jungle of Sweden. We are curious. In the parking lot, we are greeted by a black snake. It is in no hurry to go away. On the contrary. We stay in the car until it finally leaves. It really is like in the jungle. Many hundred-year-old huge trees are standing around, rocks covered with lichen. Reindeer droppings wherever you look. Blueberries cover the entire ground. We spot fresh bear tracks (oh God, they're huge, gulp). We whistle and clap our hands repeatedly to scare them away (fortunately, we were given a bear bell by Mama, which is surely in the drawer in Knut). In the middle of the forest by a lake, we discover a log cabin and once again, we are amazed. The door is open and inside there are bunk beds, blankets, a complete kitchen, a stove, a table, chairs, and plenty of wood. You can stay here for free and use everything. We sign the guestbook and thank them for this luxury. No entrance fee and still all this. It can't get any better. Once again, we agree: Only in Sweden.

The next morning, under a cloudless sky as always, we continue north. The weather forecast promises bomb weather for the next 2 weeks. What more could you want?

At Forsaleden, we take a hike along a river. It's amazing, going over small bridges. Rocks with washed-out "bathtubs". Crystal clear water. This is how I imagine Alaska or Canada in the summer. We walk around with big eyes. It is a fantastic sight. In the middle of Sweden's wilderness. We spot fresh bear tracks, reindeer droppings everywhere. They still exist here.. the many animals that you usually only see on TV. After a 2-hour hike, we're back at the car with many great landscape impressions in our heads. The dear God has really put a lot of effort into this place. Such a beautiful spot on earth.

We look for a campsite for the next three days. We need a hot shower. It's Kilian's birthday and we want to bake a birthday cake. Thanks to my girls for the great camping oven. It works perfectly. We have already baked delicious bread, potato gratin (is that how you spell it? - no idea), and today we're making a sand cake with chocolate icing.

We find a great campsite 'at the waterfall'. Here you can take a hot shower for as long as you want (it's amazing how you can be grateful for little things - you become very humble). And internet. Also great. I can finally upload some pictures to the blog. It's not always easy to get internet access in the wilderness. Right next to our bus, a huge waterfall rushes down into the depths. It's beautiful to look at, but the noise should not be underestimated... (Uli, you would go crazy :))

Midsummer status. We had twilight at midnight last night and dawn at the same time in the morning. Unbelievable. Now it's bright around the clock. The sun sets at eleven and rises again shortly after three in the morning. And it shines down with incredible heat from the sky. We can only bear it in the shade. This is how life is in NORTHERN SWEDEN.

Northern Sweden: We continue through Jämtland towards Lapland. We were in a higher area and suddenly everything looked like in the Allgäu. Huh? Is this for real??? We quickly moved on... (we love the Allgäu, but at the moment we are more focused on the Swedish landscape). After half an hour of driving... wham... we feel like we're in Canada or Alaska, or rather Northern Sweden. Simply amazing.

Finally, by the edge of the forest, we see wild reindeer for the first time. The former livestock of the Sami have now been released into the wild and for the Swedes, they are a completely normal sight. The average German tourist (like us) naturally freaks out with joy, hits the brakes, and takes out the camera. The Swedes look at us strangely. Great! Now all we need is a moose to complete the collection.

In a small village called Laxsjö, we find a dreamy parking spot right by the lake. And, as always in Sweden, there is a toilet, a playground, a sandy beach, tables, and benches... everything is there. We discover a sign that says: You can: park wherever and however you like, use everything on the site, make a fire, collect wood, etc... and all that for free. The residents keep the place running for tourists. Could there be such a thing? We quickly go to the shop in the village to buy some supplies and we really want to donate some money to the village, but no chance - no one wants our crowns. This place is for free! Wow. We are once again amazed and settle down comfortably on the beach. It is so hot, we have to get out our sunshades. We are baking in the sun (but we don't want to complain - everything is great). Then we finally take out our boat and at midnight (in that wonderful Midsummer light) we take a ride around the entire lake (about 2 hours). The lake is as smooth as glass and the surrounding forest is reflected with crystal clearness in the water. It is dead silent. Our boat glides silently on the water. I think I will never forget this sight and this amazing feeling. Laxsjö: Thank you very much.

The next day, under a cloudless sky as always, we continue north. The weather forecast promises bomb weather for the next 2 weeks. What more could you want?

At Forsaleden, we take a hike along a river. It's amazing, going over small bridges. Rocks with washed-out "bathtubs". Crystal clear water. This is how I imagine Alaska or Canada in the summer. We walk around with big eyes. It is a fantastic sight. In the middle of Sweden's wilderness. We spot fresh bear tracks, reindeer droppings everywhere. They still exist here.. the many animals that you usually only see on TV. After a 2-hour hike, we're back at the car with many great landscape impressions in our heads. The dear God has really put a lot of effort into this place. Such a beautiful spot on earth.

We look for a campsite for the next three days. We need a hot shower. It's Kilian's birthday and we want to bake a birthday cake. Thanks to my girls for the great camping oven. It works perfectly. We have already baked delicious bread, potato gratin (is that how you spell it? - no idea), and today we're making a sand cake with chocolate icing.

We find a great campsite 'at the waterfall'. Here you can take a hot shower for as long as you want (it's amazing how you can be grateful for little things - you become very humble). And internet. Also great. I can finally upload some pictures to the blog. It's not always easy to get internet access in the wilderness. Right next to our bus, a huge waterfall rushes down into the depths. It's beautiful to look at, but the noise should not be underestimated... (Uli, you would go crazy :))

Midsummer status. We had twilight at midnight last night and dawn at the same time in the morning. Unbelievable. Now it's bright around the clock. The sun sets at eleven and rises again shortly after three in the morning. And it shines down with incredible heat from the sky. We can only bear it in the shade. This is how life is in NORTHERN SWEDEN.

Northern Sweden: We continue through Jämtland towards Lapland. We were in a higher area and suddenly everything looked like in the Allgäu. Huh? Is this for real??? We quickly moved on... (we love the Allgäu, but at the moment we are more focused on the Swedish landscape). After half an hour of driving... wham... we feel like we're in Canada or Alaska, or rather Northern Sweden. Simply amazing.

Finally, by the edge of the forest, we see wild reindeer for the first time. The former livestock of the Sami have now been released into the wild and for the Swedes, they are a completely normal sight. The average German tourist (like us) naturally freaks out with joy, hits the brakes, and takes out the camera. The Swedes look at us strangely. Great! Now all we need is a moose to complete the collection.

In a small village called Laxsjö, we find a dreamy parking spot right by the lake. And, as always in Sweden, there is a toilet, a playground, a sandy beach, tables, and benches... everything is there. We discover a sign that says: You can: park wherever and however you like, use everything on the site, make a fire, collect wood, etc... and all that for free. The residents keep the place running for tourists. Could there be such a thing? We quickly go to the shop in the village to buy some supplies and we really want to donate some money to the village, but no chance - no one wants our crowns. This place is for free! Wow. We are once again amazed and settle down comfortably on the beach. It is so hot, we have to get out our sunshades. We are baking in the sun (but we don't want to complain - everything is great). Then we finally take out our boat and at midnight (in that wonderful Midsummer light) we take a ride around the entire lake (about 2 hours). The lake is as smooth as glass and the surrounding forest is reflected with crystal clearness in the water. It is dead silent. Our boat glides silently on the water. I think I will never forget this sight and this amazing feeling. Laxsjö: Thank you very much.

The next day, under a cloudless sky as always, we continue north. The weather forecast promises bomb weather for the next 2 weeks. What more could you want?

At Forsaleden, we take a hike along a river. It's amazing, going over small bridges. Rocks with washed-out "bathtubs". Crystal clear water. This is how I imagine Alaska or Canada in the summer. We walk around with big eyes. It is a fantastic sight. In the middle of Sweden's wilderness. We spot fresh bear tracks, reindeer droppings everywhere. They still exist here... the many animals that you usually only see on TV. After a 2-hour hike, we're back at the car with many great landscape impressions in our heads. The dear God has really put a lot of effort into this place. Such a beautiful spot on earth.

We look for a campsite for the next three days. We need a hot shower. It's Kilian's birthday and we want to bake a birthday cake. Thanks to my girls for the great camping oven. It works perfectly. We have already baked delicious bread, potato gratin (is that how you spell it? - no idea), and today we're making a sand cake with chocolate icing.

We find a great campsite 'at the waterfall'. Here you can take a hot shower for as long as you want (it's amazing how you can be grateful for little things - you become very humble). And internet. Also great. I can finally upload some pictures to the blog. It's not always easy to get internet access in the wilderness. Right next to our bus, a huge waterfall rushes down into the depths. It's beautiful to look at, but the noise should not be underestimated... (Uli, you would go crazy :))

Midsummer status. We had twilight at midnight last night and dawn at the same time in the morning. Unbelievable. Now it's bright around the clock. The sun sets at eleven and rises again shortly after three in the morning. And it shines down with incredible heat from the sky. We can only bear it in the shade. This is how life is in NORTHERN SWEDEN.

Northern Sweden: We continue through Jämtland towards Lapland. We were in a higher area and suddenly everything looked like in the Allgäu. Huh? Is this for real??? We quickly moved on... (we love the Allgäu, but at the moment we are more focused on the Swedish landscape). After half an hour of driving... wham... we feel like we're in Canada or Alaska, or rather Northern Sweden. Simply amazing.

Finally, by the edge of the forest, we see wild reindeer for the first time. The former livestock of the Sami have now been released into the wild and for the Swedes, they are a completely normal sight. The average German tourist (like us) naturally freaks out with joy, hits the brakes, and takes out the camera. The Swedes look at us strangely. Great! Now all we need is a moose to complete the collection.

In a small village called Laxsjö, we find a dreamy parking spot right by the lake. And, as always in Sweden, there is a toilet, a playground, a sandy beach, tables, and benches... everything is there. We discover a sign that says: You can: park wherever and however you like, use everything on the site, make a fire, collect wood, etc... and all that for free. The residents keep the place running for tourists. Could there be such a thing? We quickly go to the shop in the village to buy some supplies and we really want to donate some money to the village, but no chance - no one wants our crowns. This place is for free! Wow. We are once again amazed and settle down comfortably on the beach. It is so hot, we have to get out our sunshades. We are baking in the sun (but we don't want to complain - everything is great). Then we finally take out our boat and at midnight (in that wonderful Midsummer light) we take a ride around the entire lake (about 2 hours). The lake is as smooth as glass and the surrounding forest is reflected with crystal clearness in the water. It is dead silent. Our boat glides silently on the water. I think I will never forget this sight and this amazing feeling. Laxsjö: Thank you very much.

The next day, under a cloudless sky as always, we continue north. The weather forecast promises bomb weather for the next 2 weeks. What more could you want?

At Forsaleden, we take a hike along a river. It's amazing, going over small bridges. Rocks with washed-out "bathtubs". Crystal clear water. This is how I imagine Alaska or Canada in the summer. We walk around with big eyes. It is a fantastic sight. In the middle of Sweden's wilderness. We spot fresh bear tracks, reindeer droppings everywhere. They still exist here... the many animals that you usually only see on TV. After a 2-hour hike, we're back at the car with many great landscape impressions in our heads. The dear god has really put a lot of effort into this place. Such a beautiful spot on earth.

We look for a campsite for the next three days. We need a hot shower. It's Kilian's birthday and we want to bake a birthday cake. Thanks to my girls for the great camping oven. It works perfectly. We have already baked delicious bread, potato gratin (is that how you spell it? - no idea), and today we're making a sand cake with chocolate icing.

We find a great campsite 'at the waterfall'. Here you can take a hot shower for as long as you want (it's amazing how you can be grateful for little things - you become very humble). And internet. Also great. I can finally upload some pictures to the blog. It's not always easy to get internet access in the wilderness. Right next to our bus, a huge waterfall rushes down into the depths. It's beautiful to look at, but the noise should not be underestimated... (Uli, you would go crazy :))