That bittersweet moment arrived—our journey began to turn south. Luckily, we still had plenty of time and many kilometers ahead, so the return became a new chapter of exploration. Inspired by the stories of a kind elderly Swede we met at a one of previous campsite, we set our sights on the northern reaches of Norrbottens län.

After crossing the border from Norway into Sweden, the landscape changed dramatically. We were greeted by vast open spaces and gentle mountains dotted with countless summer cottages nestled in stunning locations. It was a shift in scenery that felt expansive and peaceful.

We chose a quiet campsite, rarely visited by foreign travelers—just the kind we love. These places often offer the best chance to connect with locals, and we weren’t disappointed. One friendly woman helped us navigate a washing machine and a clever drying cabinet—something we’d never seen before. It was a small moment of hospitality that left a big impression.

The next day was spent driving along gravel roads through dense forests, where we passed only a handful of cars in several hours. These kinds of routes are our favorite, especially with the “avoid highways” option turned on in the navigation. The solitude and immersion in nature were exactly what we needed.

We even managed to buy a can of surströmming, Sweden’s infamous fermented herring. Though we didn’t dare open it during the trip, it made the journey home with us—waiting patiently for the brave moment when we finally unleash its legendary aroma and flavor.

Map of this trip:

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