#throwback – May 3, 2024

After a wonderful night’s sleep in Copenhagen, and a walk through the city’s new harbor district, I catch the train to Malmö. A short 40-minute ride. And just like that—I’ve arrived in Sweden! A country I’ve never been to and know very little about. It feels like this is where the real journey begins.

In the morning, I plan one last city walk, this time through Malmö. Another place well worth exploring. One of its most iconic sights is the Turning Torso, a twisting skyscraper in the Västra Hamnen district, right on the Swedish side of the Öresund, directly across from Copenhagen. My walk takes me around the tower from all different angles. Once again, the weather is beautiful, and the solar panels on my Wheelie are charging perfectly. After visiting the St. Petri cathedral, I feel like I’ve had enough of the city. It’s nearly 4 p.m.—time to head for nature. Two days of urban life is a bit much for me.

First, I have to make it through a painfully long stretch of industrial area—not exactly inspiring—but once I reach the coastline and begin heading north, everything changes. For the first time, I’ll be wild camping in Sweden. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for so long.

In Sweden, you’re allowed to camp pretty much anywhere, as long as you stay at least 150 meters from houses, take all your trash with you (obviously), and don’t harm any plants or disturb animals. And I have to say—people seem to respect that. I haven’t seen litter anywhere. And eventually, I find the perfect spot. I cook my first one-pot meal in my lightweight frying pan, and it tastes amazing. Then I pitch my tent and sit back to enjoy a stunning sunset, surrounded by curious little rabbits hopping around. This is exactly what I dreamed of.