Spending the summer in Sweden has been an incredible blend of work and exploration. I’m currently in my third week here, and already I feel like I’ve experienced so much of what the country has to offer. I’m based in a small but lively town with easy train access, which has made weekend trips and day excursions a breeze. The work culture has been surprisingly relaxed and there’s a big emphasis on balance, and everyone really values the outdoors, which I’ve started to adopt myself.
On my first weekend, I visited Gothenburg on the west coast. The city had a really chill vibe, with cobblestone streets, canals, and tons of cozy cafés. I took a ferry out to the southern archipelago, where I spent the day biking around car-free islands and swimming in the Baltic Sea. It was probably one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. The seafood there was a standout as I tried fresh shrimp and smoked salmon from a harbor-side stand that locals recommended.
Last week, I traveled up to Stockholm, which felt like a totally different world. The mix of modern design and historic charm was striking. I spent hours wandering through Gamla Stan, the old town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings. I also took a boat tour through the city’s waterways, and visited the Vasa Museum, seeing the preserved 17th-century ship was surreal. Stockholm felt vibrant and full of life, especially with all the summer festivals and long daylight hours.
This coming weekend, I’m planning a trip to Berlin, Germany, depending on how adventurous I’m feeling. I’ve been told the landscapes there are incredible, with forests, mountains, and maybe even glimpses of the midnight sun. It’s been so rewarding getting to explore such a diverse country, and each place I visit adds something new to my experience here. I still have a few weeks left, and I can’t wait to see what else Sweden has in store.