Today we crossed the Kattegat to Sweden with the Stena Line Ferry. It’s the fifth country in a row we will visit on this tour. We had 4 possible scenarios for crossing, as the boat makes the crossing 4 times a day: approximately at 8, 12, 16, and 20 hours. We chose the noon scenario. It would give us ample time to have breakfast and pack our bags.
While we were packing, our amazing host Susanne came over to ask if we needed anything. She’s such a sweet, caring person who always makes sure everything’s alright and if we’re all good. Yesterday, she even showed us around the house and her huge garden. She even had a spot in it with four turtles from her son Christian.
I forgot to mention that her house is situated on a hill with a beautiful view of Frederikshaven.
Small note. We have to climb 70 meters over 1,5 km to get there 🥵.
But then again, it gave us a good and fluent start to reach the harbor with a fast downhill race.
We had to look around a bit to find the right entrance with our bikes, but we weren’t the only ones, and that always helps.
After a bit of waiting (we were good on time), all the bikes could get on that huge ferry. Impressive experience. We got a little corner on the lower deck (there are 3 vehicle decks in total) between two huge trucks. Brrr.
Once we were in the boat, a quick pitstop at the restroom and then off we go to the restaurant (yes, we washed our hands, at least I did).
As there were köttbullar on the menu (the Swedish meatballs), there was no doubt in our minds as to what to choose.
After that, we took a little tour around the boat. A lot had changed since the last time we were on it. More kids’ animation, a bar on the top deck with loud music and drinks, and the cafe in the back was now a cozy tropical cafe.
And off course all the cozy seats were a already taken.
So we moved to the outside decks to enjoy the view and say goodbye to Denmark (we still could see Skagen in the far distance and Frederikshaven in the distance.
And then waiting. A bit dozing off as the total trip takes 3,5 hours.
But once Sweden is in view, everybody’s wide awake again. Göteborg has an archipelago like Stockholm. Many small islands where the ferry needs to weave through.
When we got to the harbour, it’s back to the cargo decks to grab our bikes.
The sound was horrific, though, almost as if some prehistoric monsters were quarreling with each other.
Luckily we’re one if the first to leave the boat.
And then we set foot on Swedish ground!
So, we took a quick tour through Göteborg because I wanted to get my screen protector fixed. I picked a shop called Phone Fix, hoping they’d have a screen protector for my “older phone” in stock. And karma was on our side! After an intense trip through the city, we arrived in the heart of it on a Saturday afternoon, so you can imagine the crowd. And yes, they had it in stock and were kind enough to replace it immediately.
We also need to buy a few things to eat and drink later on, and then head to our sleeping station for tonight: a camping spot from Welcome to My Garden.
After a very steep climb and a bit of searching, we met Tomas our host and his wife.
The garden was perfect. They even gave us a welcome drink. And we got access to a toilet and the possibility to shower. What more can a luxury camper want?
After our evening meal, we did a short tour to a nearby lake. What an amazing place!
Back to our tent, and after a bit of reflection on the day, it was time to sleep.
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