Exploring the Wilderness of Sarek National Park with Family

A Day of Coastal Charms

Today was a day of embracing the serene beauty of Sweden's coastline. After several days immersed in the rugged wilderness of Sarek, it was a welcome change of pace to explore the marine paradise of Kosterhavet National Park. The shift from mountains to sea was exactly the kind of variety our family needed, and I was excited to discover a different facet of Swedish nature.


Discover Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden's first marine national park, where stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity await your exploration.

Our day began with a hearty Swedish breakfast at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan. It’s funny, isn't it? Even when you're trying to escape the familiar, you often find yourself drawn back to it. After all our culinary adventures trying to recreate traditional dishes in our little camping kitchen, it felt almost luxurious to sit down to a proper meal. Aisha, of course, was thrilled with the plättar (pancakes) and insisted on covering them with as much seasonal sylt (jam) as humanly possible. Hans and I opted for something a bit more substantial, fueling up for our day of exploration. It reminded me of the cozy cafes back in Bamberg, where the simple act of sharing a meal becomes a cherished moment.


Experience authentic Swedish cuisine amidst the scenic beauty of Djurgården at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan.

After breakfast, we set out to explore Kosterhavet National Park. The park is Sweden's first marine national park, and it's a world of underwater wonders. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of saltwater and pine. The sun, thankfully, was shining, making the water sparkle invitingly. We decided to start with a hike along one of the coastal trails. Aisha, ever the curious explorer, was immediately captivated by the rocky shores and tidal pools. She spent a good hour examining seashells and chasing after tiny crabs, her laughter echoing across the water. Hans, the ever-practical one, made sure we kept a safe distance from the slippery rocks. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments – away from the distractions of daily life, simply enjoying each other's company in the heart of nature.

Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

The trails wound through lush forests and along dramatic cliffs, offering panoramic views of the sea and archipelago. I was particularly fascinated by the vibrant coral reefs and the diverse marine life that thrives in these waters. I learned that Kosterhavet is home to around 12,000 animal and plant species, some of which are found nowhere else in Sweden. It's truly a unique and precious ecosystem. We also learned about the park's efforts to protect this fragile environment, which resonated deeply with my passion for sustainable living.

We considered taking a guided kayaking tour, but Aisha was insistent on crab fishing. So, we found a suitable spot and spent the afternoon trying our luck. Aisha was surprisingly patient, carefully baiting her line and waiting for a nibble. Hans, meanwhile, was in charge of untangling the inevitable knots. I just sat back and enjoyed the sunshine, watching the boats sail by and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. It was a perfect moment of tranquility.

For lunch, we returned to Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan. The familiar setting was comforting, and we were greeted with warm smiles from the staff. This time, we opted for some classic Swedish dishes – herring, meatballs with lingonberry sauce, and, of course, more plättar for Aisha. The food was delicious, and it felt like a true celebration of Swedish culinary traditions. I even tried to pick up a few tips from the chef, hoping to recreate some of these dishes back in Bamberg. I think Hans is secretly hoping I'll master the art of making kroppkakor (potato dumplings).

As the day drew to a close, we decided to treat ourselves to a relaxing evening at Bar Bruno. The bar had a cozy atmosphere, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. We ordered some drinks and sat back to enjoy the ambiance. Aisha, surprisingly, was content to color in her activity book while Hans and I reminisced about our adventures in Sarek. It was a lovely way to unwind after a day of exploring.


Discover the vibrant cocktail scene at Bar Bruno in Gothenburg, where expertly crafted drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await you.

Reflecting on our day, I’m struck by the incredible diversity of Sweden's natural beauty. From the rugged mountains of Sarek to the serene coastlines of Kosterhavet, this country has something to offer every traveler. It also made me think about the importance of balance – in travel, in life, and in our connection to nature. After the intensity of the wilderness, it was refreshing to embrace the tranquility of the sea. And after days of roughing it in the wild, it was nice to indulge in a little bit of comfort and luxury.

Tomorrow marks the end of our Swedish adventure. We'll be heading to Gotska Sandön National Park, and I'm looking forward to discovering yet another unique landscape. I've heard that Gotska Sandön is known for its pristine beaches and unique flora, so I'm excited to see what it has in store for us. We plan to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan again, which has become a comforting ritual. And perhaps, if we're lucky, we'll find time for one last drink at Tiki Room before we say goodbye to Sweden.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. We've explored breathtaking landscapes, experienced unique cultural traditions, and created memories that will last a lifetime. And, most importantly, we've strengthened our bond as a family. As we prepare to return to our daily lives in Bamberg, I know that we'll carry the spirit of Sweden with us – a spirit of adventure, resilience, and connection to nature.

I think I'll try to learn a new German idiom tomorrow, to help me readjust to life back in Bamberg. Maybe something about the importance of taking time to appreciate the simple things in life. After all, as they say in Germany, Man muss die Feste feiern, wie sie fallen – You have to celebrate the festivals as they come. And this trip to Sweden has certainly been a cause for celebration.

So, until tomorrow, auf wiedersehen from Sweden!