I have been in Sweden for a few days now and let me tell you, there is a midsummer madness in the Archipelagos of Sweden. You have to keep on reading to see what I mean. It might be due to the weather as there is currently a heatwave here that hasn’t been experienced for over 200 years. Or it could be due to the holiday month July. Either way, the country is alive and everybody is out and about.
Sweden
My first stops in Sweden were the town Malmö (just after the Øresund bridge from Denmark) and then Helsingborg. Both were nice and if you’d have to choose I would stop in Malmö. It had a little bit more vibe and old town that I always love to see. Helsingborg is one of the oldest towns in Sweden and although it is interesting to read there is nothing special to see (except Denmark on the other side). Sweden didn‘t impress me so far and I found that towns were lacking the ‘swedish’ feel somehow. Although I wasn’t quite sure what was missing until I found it.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city of Sweden situated off the Göta älv river on the country’s west coast. The city is pretty enough with lots of shops and restaurants but all in all I wouldn‘t say it is a must see town. Everything seems so new in comparison to other old towns I have seen. That said the Harbour is nice to walk around at and be aware of the guy who tried to grab my bum!
However, this week I am staying at a friends place in Gothenburg and exploring a city and surroundings with locals is always different. You get to see the side of the country you might not have access to as a traveller. Because to see the real Sweden you have to get out to the islands (I can’t comment on Stockholm yet as it is still ahead of me). On the islands you find the real Sweden! In case you didn’t know it (I certainly didn’t) Sweden is a Scandinavian nation surrounded with thousands of coastal islands and island lakes. And it’s very pretty!
Midsummer Madness in Sweden
The Archipelagos of Sweden
The Archipelago of Gothenburg (that is where I am) stretches along the coast like a string of pearls. Furthermore the Bohuslän Archipelago runs almost 280 kilometers up Sweden’s west coast. With over 8000 islands it is an area of beauty. It certainly sits up there with the top most beautiful natural wilderness areas. From what I have seen so far!
I love being out in the water. There is just something relaxing and calming about it, even on a speed boat. The days here in Sweden are long (daylight from 4am – 10.30pm) so there is lots of time to do plenty of things. I mean, how often can you go out for a swim at 7.30pm at night with the sun in full glory? Only in Sweden and the North Sea!! The warm weather that I am lucky enough to experience during my stay certainly adds to the fun days. I am totally in love with Sweden! That said I wouldn’t want to be here in Winter!
Outdoor living
Rest assured I am certainly not the only one enjoying Sweden‘s summer time. Seems like the locals here go crazy with outdoor activities. There are people running, cycling, walking… and everybody has a boat. You probably need one because the islands are the ones with the most beautiful swimming spots.
If you don’t have a house or holiday house on the island (yes, people actually live there and commute to the main land for work) then you visit the restaurants and bars on various islands. Offering delicious local sea food of course. (The salmon is by far the best I have eaten in whole Europe). When you get to stay inside during winter it makes sense to enjoy the long days in summer to its fullest. A midsummer madness in Sweden!
