We're on the road with the FREEDOM motorhome again! We are aiming to be out for about four months (with a small stop at home in between) and we plan to primarily discover new places in Sweden, Åland and Finland.
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The motorhome is ready for adventure
After we picked up the motorhome from winter storage, we've had time to workshop visits and inspections. We've also done some cleaning and vacuuming, and we've loaded all the stuff - electric bikes, scooters, clothes, printers (yes, we need the office with us!), coffee machine and food.
On the way we filled up with water, and we breathed a sigh of relief when it felt like all the water pipes were intact and working properly. (It was different last year, when the journey started with a water leak …)
We also passed a car wash that was high enough for our campervan, and took the opportunity to wash its exterior. So, now we are ready for new adventures!
A first stop - in Mariefred
Our first stop on the campervan journey was in picturesque little Mariefred. We have visited Gripsholm Castle before, but kind of "forgot" to look around the city, so now it was time!
Mariefred is really a wonderfully charming little town. In addition to the castle, there are nice cafés, and in the summer there is both a museum railway and a steamboat. We will return soon with a report!
We were also lucky enough to be invited to the home of our readers, and now friends, Karin and Conny. They have also, like us, recently been in the Philippines. Relatively recently I found Karin's website, in which she recounts in a touching yet inspiring way an event that changed their entire lives in a single moment.
When Karin generously invited us "if you ever pass by Mariefred", it happened to coincide with the fact that we had just planned a trip there. It was a very nice evening at their home, and a little tour the next day including a café lunch. Many thanks for the hospitality!
How the journey continues in Sweden and Finland
So, how does the journey continue now? It is not exactly planned, but we start with "Three Wooden Cities" and the High Coast. Then we roll over to Åland, and after exploring these islands we continue by ferry to the Finnish mainland.
We plan to discover southern and south-eastern Finland and then follow the coast northwards. If all goes according to plan, we will round the Gulf of Bothnia and continue into Sweden, to see more of the northern part of our country. These are "near destinations" that we have seen relatively little of, so it's really exciting and fun!
But ... won't there be more exotic destinations?
We have mentioned that we are planning to travel to Greece this year, and we understand that some people thought we were already on our way to Greece. We apologise if we were unclear! Our plan is to travel to Greece in the autumn. It will hopefully be a longer trip, but probably without a motorhome.
It also looks like there will be a press trip to lovely Tunisia this summer, as the country will finally have direct flights from Sweden. We plan to simply park our motorhome and pause the Sweden/Finland trip for a week in North Africa.
Follow the adventure here!
Do you want to "join" the adventure? Here you will find our different channels where you can follow our travels:
- Blog/digital magazine: freedomtravel.se (a new article every morning!)
- Newsletters: Subscribe here (an email every Sunday with the week's articles)
- Instagram: @freedomtravelnews (photos, short film clips and "stories" with some "behind the scenes")
- Facebook: @freedomtravelnews (sharing each day's article, discussions and sometimes something "extra")
- Youtube: @freedomtravelnews (films)
Please call me if you see me on the road!
You might also like:
Continuation of motorhome life - Maria and Jöran's review
Motorhomes and accessories at the "Husbil Sthlm 2022" fair
Four sustainable motorhome dilemmas - what do you choose?
Soon ready for new motorhome adventures - workshop and inspection
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Annette says:
How nice that you are coming to Finland.
I want to tell you about our beautiful archipelago idyll Bergö. Sunny summer island in the Kvarken archipelago about 60km south of Vaasa. Fixed ferry connection around the clock. Popular caravan parking with space for about 10 cars. Welcome! 🙂
http://www.bergö.fi
14 May 2023 - 8:36
Helena says:
Thank you so much for the tips Annette!!! 🙂
15 May 2023 - 10:06
4000mil says:
Exciting plans!
Get in touch if you come by us in Umeå/Järnäsklubb.
14 May 2023 - 9:29
Helena says:
Yes, it will be interesting! And thank you, we will!
15 May 2023 - 10:07
bmlarstravellingblog says:
Sounds like great travel plans!
Would be fun to meet so please get in touch if you come to Hjo.
We have just released the handbrake for the main destination Bornholm but will be home in the middle of next week.
14 May 2023 - 12:54
Helena says:
Yep, we will roll towards Hjo! It would be very fun to see you! There is a risk that it will be wrong in time considering your Bornholm trip (and we have a time to fit after Hjo), but I'll let you know!
15 May 2023 - 10:10
Elisabeth says:
We followed the postal route across Åland and the continuation from Naantali and southwards. We did it to the Finnish border and then northwards. Can
also recommend the coastline around the Gulf of Bothnia. Take a few extra days in the neighbourhood of Vaasa. Have a great trip!
16 May 2023 - 7:05
Ditte says:
How nice! And of course Sweden, Finland and ÅLand have a lot to offer. Some of my absolute favourites are the High Coast and the fantastic archipelago there. Also Finland with its archipelago and e.g. Finnish Utö is enjoyable and then not least the Åland archipelago. Perfect to take the motorhome between the islands (works in many places.) Don't miss Kökar!
Take care and enjoy your trip.
14 May 2023 - 13:35
Helena says:
Thank you Ditte! And thank you so much for the tips!
15 May 2023 - 10:12
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
It is important to check that the motorhome is tight before the journey begins! What a cool trip you make Jakobstad which I remember a wooden house town. Åland's photographic museum was interesting.
Yes, so much to see, have a great time.
14 May 2023 - 14:54
Helena says:
Yes completely true, we missed it last year .... had to repair on the road ... Thank you so much for the tips o Finland!!!!
15 May 2023 - 10:13
BP says:
Four months - great! Everything is so much more fun when you can take your office with you in the campervan and you can combine business with pleasure or vice versa.
Have fun! I'll be there as usual.
PS. Thinking of recommending Boden. Have a blog friend (https://byblixtra.se/) who is the world's best ambassador for his city. What I have seen is incredibly interesting and somewhat unexpected given the city's location. DS.
14 May 2023 - 19:49
Helena says:
Taking the office with you is perfect indeed! 🙂 And thanks so much for the tip about the Boden blogger! 🙂
15 May 2023 - 10:14
Lena - good for the soul says:
Of course I will join you! Have a nice trip!
(Dramatic story from Karin there)!
Hug Lena
16 May 2023 - 21:49