Our Gotlander was unable to make it home for the Easter holiday this week so we decided on just a short trip that’s been on the list since we first arrived in Sweden. It’s so close by that we always think we’ll get to it one day but we never do! Because it’s across the Bridge on the main Danish isle, Zealand and is best done by car, it requires a bit of planning. The younger Noiceling loved the idea of Camp Adventure once she realized it was more then just the Tower.
12 climbing routes offered amazing views of the beech forest. After a bit of safety instruction they were able to soar between treetops and navigate all manner of obstacles. Bryant endured plank crawling through swinging barrels suspended high above the ground with barely room to move! But for the most part they really enjoyed zip lining through the picturesque woodlands over rocky streams and the flora of early Spring.
Glamping in a yurt also sounded like a good compromise for the 3 of us. Ebba got to cook (a meal that was prepped and waiting in the fridge) over a fire and we were almost camping in nature but with a luxurious bathroom nearby (plus access to sauna, hot tub) and cozy beds. The doors and windows could be closed up in case of weather and the space had climate control backup. At the same time we enjoyed our natural surroundings, with a view over a pond and meadow with lots of birds and deer. Truly, we had the best of both worlds because there were very few insects at this time of year. We especially liked the snuggle sacks that they provided, for sitting outside or going to and from the sauna. We even had binoculars! I saw lots of European robins and blackbirds, chiffchaff, finches, pheasants (very annoying calls, like a peacock) and water birds, as well as the deer, who came down from the grazing meadow to drink and explore the pond at dusk. Also, a male coot seemed to have beef with the ducks. It was very entertaining to watch their drama.
Just before sunset we made the 16 minute hike on a boardwalk trail through the climbing park to the tower, which was closed to the general public by that time so that only those who are staying in the adventure park have access. It didn’t take long to climb the 45 meter high Skovtårnet. The tower spirals slope gently upwards providing ever changing views of the forest as the sun lights up different sections. With each level, more birds could be seen roosting in the tree tops, catching the last rays of light. A thin, misty cloud cover seemed to enhance the golden hour and stunning views. Though we were not able to see all the way to Malmo, a sunset stroll climbing to 140 meters above sea level made for a memorable evening.
Near the tower we found a traditional restaurant and booked lunch. With time between checking out of the yurt and meal start time, we decided to enjoy the weather by walking the grounds of Gisselfeld Kloster.
Other Easter festivities included our new tradition of decorating eggs, Ukrainian style, with the Gouldeks. This time some neighbors, 2 year old Henry, his mom Sofia, her sister and parents joined us for a brief intro to the technique. Other neighbors upstairs (we swap cat care duties) invited us for their family easter dinner, which we learned is celebrated on Saturday, stemming from an old religious tradition of beginning the holy day on the evening prior. They generously made room for us among the parents and partners from both sides of the family. We ate a delicious meal starting with Polish sour soup, Sebastian’s family recipe with rye sourdough starter, white sausage and potatoes, followed by many of the usual Swedish holiday fare: lamb, chicken, salads, herring, Västerbotten cheese pie and raspberry chocolate brownie cake for dessert. We brought creamed corn which was well received.
The only disappointment was that we drove all the way out to a famous area for fossils, bronze age artifacts, etc at Møns Klint, and the weather was pretty good until we arrived. Then we were encased in a cloud for the whole time we were there. Finally we gave up and started the journey back to Lund. Just as we left the area, the skies cleared. They did have a cool science center and cafeteria so it wasn’t too bad. Them’s the breaks I guess, but we didn’t see anything at all outside of the visitors center!
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