Sweden with the
Hymer Grand Canyon S Xperience

From Cologne, Sergej and Vita drove the Grand Canyon S Xperience towards Fehmarn – the perfect combination of everyday life and the freedom of the North. There, they took the Scandlines ferry to Rødby in Denmark. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, costs around €130 for a campervan, and runs up to 48 times a day. With the convenient combination ticket, which also includes the drive across the Öresund Bridge to Sweden, you not only save money but also the separate toll for the bridge.

Around midnight, the two reached the Danish coast. The small country roads were quiet, and the wind carried the salty scent of the sea. Sergej and Vita found a secluded spot on a stretch of coastline – only the sound of the waves and the distant glow of a lighthouse accompanied them into the night.

It was the perfect start to their trip: no rush, no plan – just them, the campervan, and the silence.

Their goal was ambitious: Sergej and Vita wanted to drive as far north as time allowed. Autumn colours in the far north come and go quickly—sometimes the "golden season" lasts only a few days.

The further they drove, the quieter it became. Kilometer after kilometer, they traversed endless forests dotted with crystal-clear lakes that reflected the sky. Often, they drove for hours without encountering another car.

In central Sweden, Sergej and Vita discovered Enåsen-Gruvan, a lake as blue as the sky itself. The water shimmers with an almost unnatural intensity—a relic from the old mining days when ore was extracted here. Swimming is not recommended, as the water is contaminated with heavy metals. Nevertheless, it was a magical place.

They stood completely alone, surrounded by dense pine forest, and as evening fell, an almost mystical stillness descended upon the lake. The crackling of their small campfire was the only sound for miles around.

Another day spent driving for Sergey and Vita. But their destination was within reach: Abisko. The drive itself was an experience – the further they drove, the more intense the colours became. From Kiruna onward, the birches glowed a rich yellow, the moors shimmered orange, and the light softened.

When they arrived in Abisko in the late afternoon, the sun was low over the mountains. The golden light bathed the landscape in an almost ethereal glow.

Here, the two embarked on their first long hike – to Rissajaure, a deep blue mountain lake. The trail led through wide plains lined with low birch trees, their leaves rustling in the breeze.

It feels strange to start your trip by traveling to the furthest point in the world, knowing that from there it's all back home. Sergej and Vita chose this route because they wanted to get the long, strenuous journeys out of the way right at the beginning and, of course, they didn't want to miss the magical autumn colours.

So, from Abisko, they continued on to Nikkaluokta, where they hiked towards Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain. They didn't intend to go all the way to the summit—simply walking through the autumnal birch forests was magical enough.

Heading south, Sergej and Vita once again traveled along the Inlandsvägen – this time more slowly and mindfully. The next few days consisted of exactly what they had hoped for on this trip: Solitude, campfires, nature.

Their campsites were located by secluded lakes, in forests, or on riverbanks. They often found picnic tables, fire pits, and even firewood laid out – a wonderful Swedish touch.

After visiting Njupeskär, the two took things easier. The following days were dedicated to simple travel – without major sightseeing, without fixed plans. They drove south for a few hours, stopped at small rivers in the forest, looked for secluded spots where they could be completely alone, and simply let the days unfold as they wished.

After weeks in the wilderness, Sergej and Vita finally reached Smögen, a small fishing village on the west coast. A popular destination in summer, it was quiet and almost melancholically beautiful in autumn.

They strolled along the long wooden piers by the harbor, past colorful boathouses, and sat down in a restaurant for the first time in ages. Fresh fish, a glass of white wine, sunshine on their faces—the perfect end to a trip that had quietly touched them deeply. The next morning, they took the ferry back to Fehmarn—with a feeling of peace, gratitude, and the knowledge that Sweden had changed them.

They will especially remember the cosy evenings around the campfire. The campfire culture in Sweden is unique – many campsites have prepared fire pits, often even with wood provided. The fire is simply part of the experience here, like the rustling of the forest or the lapping of the lakes. Having the smell of smoke in your hair and clothes after a long day outdoors didn't feel dirty, but rather like freedom. It's that very special scent of adventure that you'd love to take home with you.

For them, September was the perfect time to visit Sweden. The days are still long enough, the temperatures mild, and the mosquitoes have largely disappeared. Above all, autumn bathes the landscape in a warm, golden light that makes every place seem magical. And because the tourist season is over, you share many of these places only with yourself and nature.

Sweden surprised Sergej and Vita—not with spectacular moments, but with quiet ones. With a sense of calm and a simplicity that brings happiness. And perhaps that's exactly the kind of adventure they were looking for.