Midsummer Celebrations and Rainy Roads in Sweden
From Festive Camping Nights to Rain-Soaked Rides
Midsummer Vibes in Sweden
It was a glorious day for riding as we crossed into Sweden. The weather was warm, the views stunning, and the roads winding—ideal conditions for a scenic route. Today was also Midsummer’s Eve, one of Sweden’s most beloved and widely celebrated holidays.
Knowing that most shops would be closed for the festivities, we searched online for a camping spot with a restaurant. We found one just over the border and made our way there, only to discover that both the reception and the restaurant were closed—everyone was busy celebrating.
The campsite was bustling with activity, music filling the air as people gathered around, many wearing the traditional Midsummer flower crowns. The atmosphere was lively, with plenty of laughter, the aroma of barbecues, and even a display of classic American cars parked near various tents.
A Simple Meal Amidst the Festivities
After finding the camping manager amidst the crowd, we were told to pick any free spot and handle the paperwork in the morning.
Our neighbors, curious about our motorcycle journey, struck up a conversation, and we soon mustered the courage to ask if they had a couple of beers to spare. They happily obliged—a small gesture that made all the difference, as we only had noodles and leftover bread for dinner. Surrounded by the tantalizing smells of barbecues, we joked that our modest meal probably smelled better in our imaginations than it actually was.
As the evening cooled, we retreated to our tents. The music gradually faded by midnight, and we managed to get some sleep despite the distant echoes of celebration.
Rain and Resilience
At 5 a.m., the rain began, signaling a shift in the weather. By 7 a.m., it was still pouring as we packed up our wet tents. The reception remained closed, so we left without checking out—a small consolation, given the lack of amenities and the not-so-great state of the restrooms.
Thirty kilometers later, we found refuge at a gas station, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast with warm coffee. It felt like a small victory after a wet and chilly start.
The Road to Malmö
Rain continued to follow us as we opted for the safer route along the E6 highway instead of the planned scenic route. The narrow, winding wet roads weren’t worth the risk. Even the highway had its challenges, including a significant detour due to construction near Malmö.
By late afternoon, soaked but in good spirits, we found solace at a farm stay cabin at Hanksville Farm Camping 59 km from Malmö. Booking.com came to the rescue with a cozy cabin that included dinner and breakfast.
A Warm End to a Rainy Day
The host greeted us warmly and even served us a local beer while we waited for dinner. After a long, hot shower and a change into dry clothes, we finally felt human again.
The cabin was spotless and well-equipped, a stark contrast to the previous night’s accommodations. At 7 p.m., we sat down to a delicious, home-cooked meal, savoring every bite while reflecting on our adventure so far.
With only a week left of our journey, tomorrow promises a sunny ride into Denmark via the famous Øresund Bridge.
Cultural Highlights:
- Midsummer in Sweden: A celebration of the summer solstice, typically featuring flower crowns, maypole dancing, and traditional foods like pickled herring, new potatoes, and strawberries.
- Midsummer Flower Crowns: A hallmark of the holiday, symbolizing nature and summer. Many Swedes craft their own from fresh flowers.
- Øresund Bridge: A spectacular feat of engineering connecting Sweden to Denmark.
Mileage Milestone: Over 6,500 kilometers covered in just under four weeks!
View halfway the route
View halfway the route
View halfway the route
Midsummer Night in Sweden – Bullarebygdens Familjecamping
View halfway the route
Local beer at Hanksville Farm Camping
Diner at Hanksville Farm Camping
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