09/10/2026
Friday, 9 October 2026
Our Swedish Travelogue 🇸🇪
Feeling incredibly grateful for an amazing 10-day journey through Sweden, where we enjoyed a wonderful mix of nature, museums, parks and gardens.
Chasing the Northern Lights in Abisko
We began our adventure in Abisko, a small village north of the Arctic Circle. One morning, we found a quiet spot by the lakeshore for some spontaneous yoga poses and photos. We loved it so much that we returned to the same spot for the next two nights.
The first night brought no luck, but nature more than made up for it on the second! We were treated to a spectacular display of the Northern Lights, and for two whole hours, all we could do was gaze at the sky and keep exclaiming, “Wow!” What an unforgettable experience!
We also enjoyed long walks and hikes, both in broad daylight and in the evening, soaking up the peaceful beauty of this Arctic landscape.
A Day of Shipwrecks and History in Stockholm
From Abisko, we took an overnight train back to Stockholm for a full day of museum-hopping. We walked everywhere, clocking up more than 20,000 steps!
Our first stop was the Vasa Museum, where we came face-to-face with Vasa, a lavishly decorated 17th-century Swedish warship. The ship sank in Stockholm Harbour just minutes into its maiden voyage in 1628, only to be salvaged 333 years later in 1961, remarkably well preserved. Seeing this magnificent vessel up close was truly awe-inspiring!
After a hotdog and coffee break, we headed to the nearby Vrak – Museum of Wrecks. Although the museum is relatively young, having opened just five years ago, it has already earned the title of Stockholm’s Best Museum this year. And we could certainly understand why!
The exhibits offered a fascinating mix of curated artefacts, paintings, salvaged materials, audio recordings and interactive historical displays. We became so engrossed that we ended up spending nearly six hours exploring and absorbing all the fascinating stories. If anything, the experience left us with an even deeper respect for the sea — and perhaps a healthy fear of its hidden dangers!
A Viking-Inspired Dinner at Aifur
Dinner that evening was another unique experience at Aifur Restaurang, a place recommended by the German couple we met by the lake in Abisko.
Aifur is famous for its lively, interactive atmosphere. As guests arrive, they are often announced to the entire tavern with a blast of a horn, followed by cheers from the crowd. What a way to welcome diners!
We were seated on a long communal bench, sharing the table with fellow travellers from America before a group of young French men joined us. With the lively atmosphere and friendly company, it was great fun — certainly not our typical dinner out!
Exploring Sweden by Rail: Örebro, Karlstad and Arvika
Leaving Stockholm behind, we travelled across Sweden by train, visiting three smaller towns — Örebro, Karlstad and Arvika — over the next three days.
In Örebro, we were blessed with beautiful blue skies, although it was rather windy. The highlight was Örebro Castle (Örebro slott), a medieval fortress with around 700 years of history, dating back to the 14th century. Surrounded by a moat connected to the Svartån River, the castle was a magnificent sight.
After exploring the fortress, we sat outside, basking in the warm sunshine and admiring the castle. We then enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and through Stadsparken, the city’s beautiful park. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the best!
Next stop was Karlstad, where we wandered towards the lake and visited the cathedral before strolling through the city park and along the lakeshore. There was something wonderfully relaxing about simply sitting by the water and taking in the view. We spotted a kite tied to a pontoon and couldn’t help wondering whether it was there to keep the seagulls away — perhaps to stop them from leaving their unwanted calling cards all over the boats! 😆
Our final stop was Arvika, a small town of around 25,000 people. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, with cold temperatures and persistent rain. So, we decided to embrace a different kind of travel experience: a much-needed rest-and-digest day, staying in the hotel to read, relax and recharge. After all, travelling isn’t just about seeing more; it’s also about knowing when to slow down.
Next Stop: Norway! 🇳🇴
And now, we’re getting ready to cross the border into Norway!
Sweden has given us so many beautiful memories — from the magical Northern Lights and fascinating maritime history to charming little towns, peaceful lakeshores and those unexpected moments that make travelling so special.
Grateful for every experience, every step, and every little discovery along the way. ❤️
