स्टॉकहोम

Our journey continues to Stockholm. Here we take a break for 2 days at a simple parking space. It is hardly possible to stay for free in the city, which is completely fine. We look for a parking space with a small fee. A bit further away from the city center, but still within walking distance. There is also a bus and train. Or you can take an E-Scooter. Let me tell you, that was a bumpy ride!

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and yet nature is so close. That is the first thing we noticed. We both found Stockholm to be a very worth seeing and pleasant city. Since we are not big fans of cities, that says a lot. So we strolled through Stockholm and let the city simply have an impact on us. In the Old Town, you go through narrow alleys, on the right and left, there are cute cafes and a cinnamon scent is constantly coming around the corner. That can drive you crazy after a while! Well, a cinnamon roll is on the agenda....

In the Vasa Museum, you can visit a Viking ship from the year 1628. It sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged from the port of Stockholm in the 1900s, restored, and is now 95% original in the museum in Stockholm. Today it is considered the best-preserved ship from the 17th century. Unfortunately, the pictures do not do justice to the original in terms of its size. Amazing! Fascinating when you consider the circumstances and means under which people built such a ship back then. And yet, they did not skimp on details such as hand-carved figures, sculptures, and other decorations.

The husband of a good friend and former colleague asked me during our stopover in Germany if you also do "normal" things during a long journey, like going to the cinema.

In Stockholm, we went to see the movie Oppenheimer. So, yes, we do exactly those kind of things. Things that locals also do and besides, David can't go a year without going to the cinema. In any case, it was a very good movie. However, we both came to the conclusion that the movie was too challenging for us in English. And that's even coming from David, who is even better at speaking English than I am. Quantum physics and then in English... That was a bit too much.

In Stockholm, David had hopes of meeting beautiful Swedish women. Apparently, that's what you hear. Tall, blond, beautiful. Well, he wasn't fully convinced of that. How unfortunate! Or maybe it's because he already has a beautiful girlfriend. So the bar is already set high ;) I may not be tall, but I'm beautiful and blond 😀

No seriously. That's just another stupid stereotype that gives you an absurd idea and creates huge expectations. Of course, there are beautiful women here, just like everywhere else. I don't know if there are more of them here than in other countries.

So we leave Stockholm after 2 nights. Stockholm, I could imagine living here.

In Sweden, you somehow completely relax. The landscape is very similar, and the great realization was to see Sweden as a whole. Whole means that everywhere is very similar, but everywhere is beautiful. It's no problem at all to find a beautiful lake because they are everywhere. Usually, you don't have to worry about finding a public toilet, and as a camper, you are generally accepted everywhere. Of course, there are a few rules that you should follow. For example, you should not park directly in front of residential buildings or in the sight of residents. This may sound difficult at first, but it's not, because Sweden is sparsely populated. Often you don't see anyone for miles around. Of course, you shouldn't park on private property and avoid places where camping is prohibited. It goes without saying that you should leave the place as you found it, or maybe even in a better condition. After all, we all want wild camping in Scandinavia to continue to be allowed. By the way, all of this falls under the so-called everyman's right. That means everyone is allowed to move around and stay in the open countryside as long as they treat it with the necessary respect. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Maybe this is why you can really relax here in Sweden. You somehow get used to the landscape. And since it often looks the same, you immediately feel comfortable. Beautiful Sweden!

But I often think back to New Zealand, I have to admit. The variety in this country is simply unbeatable.

Especially after a stay in the city, you look forward to nature, peace, and vastness again. At Lake Vänern, we take the last break before crossing the border to Norway. Yes, you heard right, we're already going to Norway. Vänern is by the way the largest lake in Sweden.

Before we cross the border, we stock up on groceries at the supermarket. Norway is supposed to be much more expensive in terms of food than Sweden. Sweden was very similar to Germany. So we pack Bob full again and leave Sweden. But only for now because on the way back we will take a look at the west coast of southern Sweden.

The first morning in Norway starts at Rodenessjoen with a swim in the lake and muesli with freshly picked raspberries.