My God, diesel is so expensive. Driving many miles over a weekend doesn’t feel justifiable right now. Lucky then that there are things to see up close.

About halfway between Eskilstuna and Norrköping, by lake Näsnaren, we found a free camping site. It was of course pitch black when we arrived but the moon was full so it was still good to see that the place, right next to the wooden bridge over to the island of Fagerö, was nice. We spent the evening in the car with dinner and a movie. When it was time to crawl into bed, Majk would just take a quick walk with the dogs. Lightning fast I thought as he was back after only a minute. Come out! Come out! Northern Lights! Those of us who were supposed to go to bed instead ended up standing outside on the bridge looking at the sky. I froze after a while and instead ended up sitting in the car with my nose pressed against the windshield while Majk froze his fingers as he photographed and filmed the natural phenomenon. Amazed by the green glow, we went to bed.

On Saturday morning we had a long breakfast in the warm car before returning to the 56 and driving towards Norrköping. Before looking for a place to stay, we stopped at Himmelstalund for a walk among all the rock carvings that are right next to the outdoor pool. It is impossible to imagine what life was like more than 3000 years ago. Even less is it possible to imagine that you or I will leave an imprint 3000 years into the future.

When we were satisfied with culture, we drove the few kilometers into the center of Norrköping. On Generalsgatan, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, there is a car park with spaces suitable for mobile homes. On weekdays and until 15:00 on Saturdays there is a normal parking fee, but those of us who got there after 15:00 had the place all to ourselves, free of charge. We sat in the car and talked for a couple of hours before just before 6 pm we went a couple of blocks away to eat at Burgers & Bangers. Good and cozy!

When we were full, we went out on the town. Every year, from the end of November to the end of January, something called the Norrköping Light Festival is organized. An incredibly colorful walk took us around town before returning to the car. Satisfied with the day, we ended the evening with a movie before crawling into bed in the quiet back street.

Of course, Majk made a film from the visit. Welcome!

14-16/1 2022