From Lake Constance to Bullerbü – our slightly different start to Sweden

Friday, July 25. We weren't really supposed to leave until Saturday. Actually. But somehow we were itching to get going. The urge to travel was stronger than our plan. So: pack the van, secure the dogs, get the camera going – let's go!

The sky was grey, rain a constant companion. A7 northbound? A single parking space. Anyone who thought they could "get away quickly" on a Friday afternoon either doesn't have a van or we're in a good mood. We have both.

We made it all the way to Würzburg – and even with the best will in the world, that was all we managed. Traffic jams, detours, a quick pee break for people and dogs, and then we found a relatively quiet place to park for the night. Romance? Not much. But hey, we were on the road!

The next day we set off early. Destination: Lübeck. But the traffic thought: "Why not just play traffic jam again?" So again: wasting time, listening to podcasts and looking through wet windows. The dogs? Deeply relaxed. Us? In the end too – there's no point in helping.

We didn't arrive in Lübeck until 6:30 p.m. Exhausted, soaked through, but happy. Because from now on things got better.

On Saturday we rolled over the Fehmarnsund Bridge – wind in our hair, music in our ears and a view of the ferry to Denmark. A short overnight stay in Fehmarnsund at the port with a view of the bridge – fantastic! Then on Sunday we set off for the ferry port. Thanks to FlexTicket there was no stress, no waiting. Then in Rödby, the first moment: the light was different, the atmosphere more Nordic, the air saltier. We took a deep breath. Our souls knew: Now the journey really begins.

Denmark was short but friendly. And then: Sweden. Our third trip there – and again I got goosebumps when I crossed the border. This time no checks, no formalities – just through. And suddenly there was that light that only Sweden can bring.

Lakes. Forests. Wide expanses. Cinnamon buns.

We avoided motorways and preferred to drive slowly through small towns, past red wooden houses, cows and quiet forests. The contrast to our start in Germany could not have been greater.

Nature rewarded us for everything. For the rain. For the traffic jams. For setting off on impulse. We stood by the lake, drank coffee, the sun came out – and for the first time it felt like we had really arrived.

Conclusion:

Sometimes the road to happiness is full of construction sites, but in the end, Bullerbü awaits. And if not, at least there's a good spot with a lake view.