4500 km Roadtrip through Sweden and Norway
Summer 2023 was reserved for exploring the North. Our roadtrip started in our small village of Vallda in Sweden, where we headed north to Kiruna, which was our first planned destination. From Kiruna we planned to visit the Abisko National Park and then cross the border to Norway and go to the beautiful Lofoten Islands.
The trip to Kiruna took us three days and brought us some wonderful scenery and magnificent camping spots.
After three days, we finally arrived in Kiruna – Sweden’s northernmost city. Nestling some 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in Norrbotten province, part of Swedish Lapland. The city is famous by its Europe’s largest mine, the mine may be the linchpin of the city, but it’s also destroying it. It’s estimated that the city center will tumble inward before the end of the century. So it’s decided that the city center and its 6000 inhabitants will be moved 3 km, and we wanted to visit it when the old city center is still possible to see.
The Kiruna Church, which stands as a preserved prime example of Gothic Revival, and one of the largest wooden buildings in the country, is slated to be moved by 2025.
After Kiruna, we went to Abisko National Park, and ran away a bit earlier than planned because of too many mosquitoes. But we enjoed some hikes, the Midnight Sun and thanked Nature for all the beauty it gave us and continued slowly towards Norway.
The view from Njulla top in Abisko National Park, 1169 m
When we came to the Lofoten Islands in Norway, we realized why it’s called Norway’s Northern Paradise. Located north of the ArctCircle, with dramatic, imposing beauty everywhere you look, and unpredictable weather conditions, Lofoten islands are a place where mother nature reminds you who's in charge.
You know how I like mountains and hiking, my brand “Planina” is a word for mountain in the Croatian language. And I really hiked a lot of European mountains, but Lofoten are something different. From spectacular panoramic viewpoints to remote beaches, few places on earth provide such a grand natural stage for hiking enthusiasts.
Our next planned stop was Åre in Sweden. After two weeks spent in nature, we still haven’t been ready to go home and rest. It took us a few days so here are some photos of places we visited while driving.
Hiking in Åre on our way back home sounded like the best plan ever, and it really was. During the drive I was imagining myself on the mountain, where every step brings you to a new view, new impression. Mountains make me feel alive. And Åreskutan really did its best to make me feel that way, or maybe I did. It doesn't matter. From a sunny start to a cloudy and stormy top, just to remember one more time how magnificent Nature is.
Homemade waffles in Toppstugan Åre, 1420 m, Sweden’s highest mountain hut and cafe. The cafe doesn't have water, so everything cafe needs, the owners carry up themselves.
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Thank you for reading my short Journal story about this unforgettable roadtrip. If you have any questions or need some advice, write in the comments.
I returned to my Studio full of new ideas and inspirations. Can’t wait to show you all my creations.