This year is coming to an end and it's time to summarise the motorhome and travel year 2021. This year has also been characterised by the pandemic, but despite this we think we have had fantastic travel experiences, both in Sweden and abroad.
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To compare with 2019 and 2020
When you compare travelling to 2019 and 2020, they are completely different realities. Our 2019 travel year included lots of trips abroad, both with and without a motorhome. Travel year 2020 was something completely different, with a strong focus on Sweden. This year, 2021, despite the pandemic, we have managed to go on several exciting trips abroad, in Europe, Asia and Africa. At the same time, the new situation has helped us discover Sweden, and we have had lots of great experiences in our own country.
January - At home in Stockholm
We started 2021 by being at home in Stockholm. Every day we went for walks in our neighbourhood - Solna, Vasastan and Kungsholmen - but that was as far as we got from home.
February - At home in Stockholm
February continued the same way. We were at home in the houseboat and took walks in beautiful winter weather. One day we went to a restaurant (which closed at 20:00) and it was probably the most exciting excursion of the whole month.
March - Solna and Sundbyberg
In March, everything was still affected by the pandemic and outdoor activities were the order of the day. Men we had had enough of sitting at home and decided to explore Solna and Sundbyberg by bike. We visited Ulriksdal Castle and Filmstaden Råsunda, among other places, and were able to write two guides: What to do in Solna - 15 tips and What to do in Sundbyberg - 9 tips.
April - Motorhome trips around Lake Mälaren
Imagine finally being able to go on a motorhome trip! At the beginning of April, we went on a trip with a castle theme, and even though most things were closed, we were excited. There were, among other things, visits to Taxinge Castle in Nykvarn, Gripsholm Castle in Mariefred, Stora Sundby Castle on Lake Hjälmaren and Boo Castle in Närke.
After a short break at home, we set off on a new motorhome trip, on the northern side of Lake Mälaren. On this trip we visited, among other things Wenngarn Castle in Sigtuna and Västerås and Örebro, where we had time to look around properly.
May - Jönköping, Uppland and ... Germany
In May we continued our motorhome trips. We spent some time in the Jönköping area, where we, among other things, visited Gränna and made an excursion to Visingsö. After a stopover at home in Stockholm, we then drove to Uppland where we visited several interesting poppy farms, such as the... Forsmark's mill and Lövstabruk.
Then we quickly turned down towards Skåne to test the new fast ferry. FRS Balticwhich runs from Ystad to Sassnitz in less than 2.5 hours. In Germany, however, we only stayed for 80 minutes before it was time to turn home ...
June - Skåne, Blekinge and Öland
We travelled with the motorhome throughout June and started by discovering beautiful Skåne. We visited places like the ancient monument Ales stones, the national park Dalby Söderskog and Helena's childhood town Lund. Then it was off to Blekinge, where we got to see the rhododendron in bloom in Ronneby Brunnspark.
It was also in June that we took the bridge over to Öland. Among other things, we went out on the exotic The southern tip of Öland, snacked on 2D café and visited Sweden's largest campsite Böda Sand.
July - cruise and Bulgaria
In early July we went on a cruise with Silja Line, on a "grand rehearsal tour". It was fun to be on a mini-adventure again, and we had a very nice tour.
Later that month, it was time for the first big trip abroad in a very long time. We travelled to Bulgaria on a press trip, where, among other things, we strolled around in cosy Nesebar and experienced a modern and delicious Sunny Beach. Not to mention beautiful Baltjik, with garden, palace and wine.
August - The west coast of Skåne and Halland
In August it was time for a motorhome trip again, and we decided to discover the west coast of Sweden. We started on the west coast of Skåne, and then rolled slowly northwards. In Skåne we had time to visit, among other things Sofiero Castle and castle garden, Lars Vilk's artwork Nimis and Norrviken Gardens outside Båstad.
When we later rolled into Halland, we visited, among other things, the marvellous Halmstad. There was also a pizza at the famous pizzeria. Little Napoli in Falkenberg.
September - Halland, Borås and Elmia fair
In September we continued our motorhome trip north along the west coast. Among other things, we visited beautiful Varberg and fantastic Tjolöholm Castle. Then we had to "deviate from the course" to get to the Elmia exhibition. On the way we visited Borås, which surprised us as an exciting city of art. Then it was time for a visit to Caravan & Motorhome Fair 2021, where Kabe and Adria showcased their new products.
October - Czech Republic and Turkey
In October it was finally time to get abroad properly. During this month, we travelled to both the Czech Republic and Turkey. In the Czech Republic, we visited the Crystal Valley in the northern part of the country, where we saw, among other things handmade Christmas decorations, the natural phenomenon Pánska Skála and the city Liberec.
Our journey in Turkey started in Istanbul, where we checked out the shrine of the Hagia Sofia before continuing to Cappadocia. Here we stayed at the fantastic cave hotel. Kayakapi Premium Caves and made a lifetime of memories in the form of a fairytale-like ballooning and wonderful trip on the horseback in Cappadocia.
November - Tunisia and the Kingdom of Glass
Also in November we travelled abroad, and now it was time to discover Tunisia. We started in the capital Tunis, where we made an excursion to the charming blue-and-white city. Sidi Bou Said. The journey then continued with an exciting tour around much of the country. Some of the most marvellous memories include the exotic Tozeurthat living in tents in the desert and thalassotherapy in Djerba.
When we returned to Sweden, it was time for the motorhome to make one last trip for the year. Now we went to Glasriket in Småland! This was a fantastic trip as we, among other things, got to try blowing glass and to go out into the Europe's longest zipline.
December - at home in Stockholm
During the month of December we have been at home in Stockholm, but have not felt quite as restricted as at the beginning of the year. We had a visit from Norway by a girl we met in Bulgaria, met friends and went out to restaurants. We have also visited Skansen and the relatively new museum Wreck.
We are grateful for all the great experiences this year! How was your travel year 2021?
Ditte says:
You have had an exciting year with a lot of variation in travelling and also a lot of pleasantness in the Stockholm area.
It will be interesting to see what 2022 will bring.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
23 December 2021 - 10:03
Helena says:
Yes, we think the year was exciting after all! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
23 December 2021 - 21:00
Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:
Wow what a year. Cappadocia is a top favourite for me and so looking forward to going back. So wish I had a fraction of your energy ♡. As wonderful to follow you as usual. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and see you IRL in 2022 ♡.
23 December 2021 - 12:56
Helena says:
Yes, it was an exciting year after all! And agree that Cappadocia was fantastic! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
23 December 2021 - 21:01
BP says:
So much you have still managed to do during the past year, more than most, I would say. It has been perfect to free ride with you this year too:-)
Merry Christmas to you:-)
23 December 2021 - 18:04
Helena says:
Yes, even though the year started a bit limited, there was a lot of travelling. And also exciting to discover so much of Sweden too! Wishing Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
23 December 2021 - 21:02
bmlarstravellingblog says:
What a varied and wonderful year you had! You were lucky to have several trips abroad while the pandemic remained relatively calm.
A new year is upon us and we can only guess what it will bring. Just keep your fingers crossed for the future.
23 December 2021 - 19:19
Helena says:
Yes, it felt like we got away on trips abroad just when it was a little quieter! Then it was fun to discover Sweden too! Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
23 December 2021 - 21:04
Anki says:
You have really had an eventful year with many great trips and experiences!
Merry Christmas to you both!
Hugs
24 December 2021 - 7:19
Helena says:
Yes, it was an eventful and exciting year after all. Wishing you continued good holidays!
26 December 2021 - 9:27
Eva/Living like Eva says:
Great to read, and so well done for a year like this! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
25 December 2021 - 10:41
Helena says:
Thank you, it was an exciting and interesting year in the end! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
26 December 2021 - 9:27
Travel Friday/Annika says:
Sounds like an exciting and varied year. I have stayed at home and continue with my Swedish gems as far as there is time and opportunity. Best this year was probably Väderöarna with my siblings, but also Helsingborg with my family. Good year, but different. Again. Good continuation to you!
26 December 2021 - 22:21
Lena - good for the soul says:
You really had a wonderful year of travelling despite the effects of the pandemic! Our biggest event was still the safari trip in Tanania with the final sun and bath at Zanizbar. An experience for life, clearly!
Hug Lena
20 May 2022 - 6:44