Hönö – Northern Archipelago

Today I took a couple of buses and then the ferry over to the northern Archipelago. I only visited one island this time, Hönö. It was a very windy day, and I wasn’t keen on riding a bike around, especially since the islands in the northern archipelago allow cars so it wouldn’t be quite as relaxing as in the southern archipelago. I found a little pop-up coffee stand on the way to the bus stop and got a late to keep me warm for the journey. The ferry is mainly for shuttling cars, but there are what amount to covered hallways with benches that pedestrians can sit in for a protected trip, or they can stand outside and enjoy the view for the 15 minute ferry ride. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do when I got to Hönö and at first was feeling a little overwhelmed as it was very noisy from the cars and all I could see when I departed the ferry was a couple of large buildings with a grocery store and some other businesses, it was not very inviting compared to what I’d experienced in the southern archipelago. But, I soon found a sign for the Kuststigen, a hiking trail that goes around the northern archipelago and decided I would hike a few kilometers of that. I was rewarded with a wonderful walking path that threaded through nature reserves, up and over rocks by the coastline and through quiet town streets. I passed several almost deserted beaches, since it was quite a cold windy morning. 

After picking up lunch at the local ICA I saw a few runners go past then heard cheering and went to investigate. It sounded suspiciously like an organized race pit stop crew, and sure enough, after being passed by a few more runners, I came across a half a dozen people cheering and making lots of noise with a table of drinks and sweets. It was just like races at home, except with Swedish treats. I found out it was actually an informal triathlon that was taking place, and the athletes were in the final stage, the run. It brought back such good memories of my own participation in similar events, both as a runner and an aid station volunteer. Heading down the path I found a small pond with a couple of chairs outside it that said ‘When nothing goes right, go left’ in both Swedish and English. Heading down to the swimming area I could see nearby I just about got blown off my feet! It reminded me so much of the strong winds and little beaches scattered around the Wellington bays. I found a changing shelter where I could eat my lunch and see the water without being battered by the wind. Several people walked past with their heads down, clutching their jackets, though eventually an older woman and her granddaughter came to the shelter, shedding their clothes and heading down to the dock in their swimsuits and towels. I was so impressed with their bravery! The grandmother went first, jumping in for a quick, cold dip in the sea while her granddaughter held her towel. Then it was the granddaughter’s turn. It had me wishing I had a swimsuit and towel with me, though I would’ve also wanted a warm fire to sit in front of afterwards! 

The wind had worn me out at this point so I started my trek back to the ferry terminal, stopping to check out a labyrinth near the old graveyard. It is the narrowest labyrinth I’ve ever seen, only a foot width between the rocks. Further on I noticed a wooden sign attached to a tree and could see a little path next to it. Upon investigation I found a couple of bee boxes. When I had a look at the sign, I realized it was advertising honey for sale and had the names and numbers of the people to contact. I relaxed on the ferry ride and bus trips back, welcoming a chance to rest.

After dinner I went for a walk to the Jubilee Park next to where I was staying. Last year was Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary and the park was built in conjunction with that event. There is an outdoor swimming area with both fresh and salt water pools, a sauna (which unfortunately is currently closed), a couple of playgrounds, a little water park, mini golf, skateboard ramps, a makers space and lots of walking paths, gardens and places to sit and enjoy the view. Back at home I ended the day watching the sunset.