Islands of Sweden

The night under the bridge wasn't that bad. MARC stood still and wasn't bothered by the car and plane noise. We girls were also better rested than we thought.

We then went towards the city with the bikes. We found a little spot at Stockholm Central Station, among all the other bicycles. From here, we continued on foot.

First, we wanted to make sure someone could help us. We still had to book our weekend trip. However, we were unsuccessful. Neither the tourist information nor the travel agency could help us. So we postponed our luck to the next day and hoped that we could pay for it on site, THAT ticket.

Through the streets, along the harbor towards the VASA Museum. It's impressive what they were able to build in the 17th century. Unfortunately, the ship sank after traveling 1300 meters during its maiden voyage in Stockholm's harbor. It was only salvaged from the bottom after over 300 years and is now proudly displayed in this museum. Whether it's a must-visit when you're in Sweden's capital, we can't say. It's definitely worth seeing.

We took the water taxi back to the old part of town. We strolled around, impressed by the narrow alleys and admired the hustle and bustle around us.

We took a little lunch break in the Hörgotthallen. Similar to the Kleinmarkthalle in Frankfurt, you can get all kinds of specialties from butchers, fishmongers, and international delicatessens. There's a good lunch menu at all the stands.

Just when we were strengthened, we received a message from our colleague that she was ready to pick us up for the city tour. Off we went to Jasmin's hotel. Collected her and her mom, and continued through the city. Past churches, the royal palace, along the waterfront, and up a small square.

As expected, a good drink was on the program.

We started the evening in a pleasant atmosphere with really good cocktails. The 'Pharmarium' bar is definitely worth recommending. The young man behind the mixing station could have worked with a bit more love and enthusiasm, but what was in the glasses was enjoyable. This time without mushrooms, but with peanut butter, ice cream foam, whiskey, and colorful sprinkles. Or with rum, Nashi pears, jasmine oil, and kaffir lime leaves.

Enough of the good drinks. We said our goodbyes, got on our bikes, and went back to our sleeping spot. The red racer was already waiting excitedly for us.

On Saturday morning, we left Stockholm relatively early.

Saturday morning, the excitement is rising....

We disembarked in Visby, turned south, and let the noon sun spoil us a bit at the beach. There was quite a stiff breeze, as the North Germans would say. :-) Greetings to everyone there.

The evening stroll took us through the small and tranquil town of Visby. On Saturdays, people come here with their families, friends, and acquaintances to eat in the restaurants. All the eateries were full until the last table. Meanwhile, the streets were empty.

The well-preserved city wall

View

After a beautiful sunset, we returned to the camper. Turned on the heater, turned on the stove, and enjoyed a cozy dinner to end the day.

Before we left the island on Sunday afternoon, we drove along the coast to the north and then back through the middle of the island. It's a very diverse and beautiful island.

At the ferry port, we waited for our turn to finally board the huge freighter with MARC. But before that, about 37 trucks and trailers went first.

It's remarkable how much can fit in there. After waiting for over half an hour, we finally boarded. The belly of the ferry was packed, and the passenger deck was filled with 582 people.

The destination port was Oskarshamn. We gradually said goodbye to Visby as the city became smaller and smaller. Each of us decided that we will definitely come back here.

We arrived in Oskarshamn on that sunny Sunday afternoon. 

In the afternoon of the sunny Sunday :-) we were greeted by the island of windmills. Öland!

Over 300 old windmills still have their home here. There's a lot of flora and fauna on the island. There are many nature reserves, and the southern tip of the island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only the royal family has their summer residence here, but also many Swedish families have their summer camping spots here. In late September, just like in the rest of the world, the harvest festival begins. The weekend is famous on this island. Not only tourists from all over the world come here specifically for the celebrations. Unfortunately, we will already be gone when the hustle and bustle starts here.

We were able to call a peaceful little place at a small fishing harbor our overnight stay. Apart from another camper, there was no one else here. Since we have already been able to see a few sunsets, the alarm went off on Monday morning at 6:30 am to watch the spectacle in the east.

Good morning, new week

It was still quite cold, so we hurried back under the covers when the sun rose over the horizon. We headed north along the east coast of Öland with MARC. Through barren heathlands, past dense forests, and over cattle grids.

The campground for that night is on the west side of the island. We parked relatively early in the day to take a long beach walk in radiant sunshine. We sat lazily in our chairs in front of the door and then had a delicious portion of pasta with "Hasche" for dinner. For those who don't know "Hasche," it's Bolognese without tomato sauce. :-)

Tomorrow, we will spend a bit more time on the island before heading back to the mainland via the Öland Bridge. 

The last week has already begun, and now it feels like time is flying by.

Good night and see you soon.

When you go to sleep, you should put your worries on your shoes.

-Swedish proverb-