Vättern Runt

This picture was actually taken at the very end of our trip, but I think it is appropriate because it best describes our little adventure without words :o)

Stop 1: Stjernsund. This is the view looking out from the Stjernsund Castle, which was built between 1798 and 1801. The entire lake is visible from this point on a clear day.

Stop 2: Vadstena. Vadstena is located in the province of Östergötland, and it played a significant role in the middle ages. Vadstena abbey church was opened in 1430, and there are still remains today. Through the town there are lots of fun little shops and a glass factory!

Stop 3: Ombergs hjässa. Omberg is a mountain....or hill :o)... with the highest point reaching 263 meters. Although it was raining when we first arrived, it soon stopped, and we made our way up the little trail to the top to enjoy this beautiful view!

One of many lovely views along the drive.

Stop 4: Rökstenen. This is a rune stone which was erected in the 9th century, and has almost 800 runes engraved into it. It is the longest rune inscription in all of Scandinavia. Most of the text has been translated, but a large part of it still remains a secret.

Stop 5: Visingsö. Visingsö is an island in the middle of Lake Vättern. It is often thought to be the most famous Swedish island. Legend has it that a giant named Vist threw a clump of grass into the lake to help his wife cross it without getting her feet wet. haha! In the past, it was an important island for previous Kings and Queens, but now is mostly known for its horses and beautiful scenery.

Our cabins in Visingsö! Cute!

A view from our cabin at about 11:45 pm.

Looking out from Visingsö toward Gränna.

Some ruins.

Hello Vättern! Crystal clear water!

Stop 6: Gränna. Gränna is a small town along the lake that is famous for its peppermint sticks! (Polkagrisar in Swedish) They were invented in this town 100 years ago by a widow, and have continued to be popular to this day!

Polkagrisar factory. Fresh!

Overlooking Gränna and enjoying fika.

Stop 7: Brahehus. These are the ruins of Brahehus Castle which was built in the 1640s right outside of Gränna in the province of Småland. This place had some incredible views...we didn't want to leave!

Sitting in a window soaking it in...

The view!

Stop 8: Hjo (pronounced you!) Hjo is situated along the West side of Vättern, and is called the "wooden city" because of its many old wooden houses. We stayed here for our second night, and our campground/cabins were right on the water!

Sunlight! Green grass! :o)

We got up at 2:30 am to take some pics...

And again at 4:00 am :o) Got to love Swedish summers!

Stop 9: Karlsborg. Karlsborg is an old military town with an old fortress which was built from 1820 to 1920. Also, the Göta Canal runs through Karlsborg. The canal is 190 Km long and goes from Vänern to Vättern, to the Baltic Sea. It has 58 sluices and is known as "The Blue Band of Sweden". It opened in 1832, and took about 20 years to build by hand. Whew!

Stop 10: Tiveden National Park. Tividen National Park is one of Southern Sweden's wildest forests, and contains deep valleys, rock fields, and several lakes. This was our last stop on the trip. From a starting point, half of the group hiked to the other side of one of the lakes, while the other half canoed. We spent some time on the beach relaxing, bbqing, and just enjoying ourselves before heading back. It was a great afternoon!

Enjoying the refreshing water.

BBQ!

Canoeing back! So fun!

Hej Hej!

On Sunday night I returned from a 3 day adventure around Lake Vättern, Sweden's second largest lake! In January, the International Student Organization Coordinators asked all of the exchange students if they would be interested in a culture/nature weekend toward the end of our time in Sweden. Fortunately, enough people were interested, and I have been looking forward to it ever since. I knew it would be fun, but it blew my expectations out of the water. We all had such a great time.

Lake Vättern is the second largest lake in Sweden, and the 5th largest in Europe. It is thought of as the "heart of an unusually beautiful, exciting, and adventure-filled cultural district." Over three days, we visited Stjernsund, Vadstena, Ombergs hjässa, Rökstenen, Brahehus, Visingsö, Gränna, Hjo, Karlsborg, and Tiveden National Park. At first we thought there might be too much driving, but our hosts did a great job of slpitting the drive up with various picturesque fika spots, and sight-seeing opportunities. Plus, the drive was very beautiful in itself; I would even venture to say that one of my favorite aspects of the trip was sitting the van, driving alongside the lake and soaking in all of the beautiful flower covered fields and greenery (siiiigh) :o).

As I have already told a few of you, this trip was the perfect last trip for my time in Sweden for multiple reasons. First of all, it was great to see and experience some of "traditional Sweden" that I had not been able to do too much of before. Secondly, I was able to see more of just how truly beautiful Sweden is. I have known it the entire time I have been here, but I continue to be surprised. The sunsets, the flower fields, the crystal clear water, the greenery; it is simply beautiful. Finally, I was able to spend my final trip with my friends that I have made this semester. There could not have been a better way to enjoy one of our final weekends together in the great land of Sverige.

One week from today, I have my final Swedish Exam. Two weeks from today, I will be stateside.

My internet service is going to be terminated on Sunday, but I will do some blog entries from the library just like I did during the cold short days of January when I first arrived. Where did the time go?!

I hope this message finds everyone healthy and well!

Hej då,

Lauren