Stockholm to Kölmarden - 16th August

Up early today, but not from the planes which I'm now finding soothing, but by the thought of driving in Sweden for the first time.

Coffee and brekkie on our usual balcony, then packed up, checked out and on the bus to Bromma airport to the nearest Avis and pick up a car.

The airport is teeny and very quiet, so much so that there was no one at the avis desk, just a note saying they'd be back soon and a phone number if we were impatient.

10 mins later and we'd gone through the speech about extra insurance, upgrading to a bigger car, etc. The Avis man suggested that the car might be small for four people but we smiled politely and told him it would be fine and headed off to find it.

We found it, a very small Toyota yaris, which struggled to get my case in the boot, yet alone the other couple that we had. Trudged back to the man who did not look at all surprised and for a small upcharge, upgraded us to the spacious Kia Niro.

The drive to Kölmarden was just over 150 miles, as we'd taken the scenic route back inland, over some of the lakes and then down to the coast, while avoiding motorways as much as possible.

The drive was lush, the scenery even more so, and we arrived at our last place just gone 3pm. This is a cabin as opposed to a hotel, so a 1 room apartment with separate bathroom and a three-layered bunk bed that can sleep at least six people.

As it is a cabin, it is self catering so we headed to the nearest town to find a supermarket to stock up on essentials, quick bite to eat from the local pizza take-away (2 pizzas, 2 Chinese dishes).

Back to the cabin, then a walk to the beach before collapsing for the evening.