Outdoors and nature

Over the years, we've had the chance to get to know quite a few excursion destinations here in the area. Some are just a few minutes away from our Treeline Studio, while others require a slightly longer drive. Here is a selection of our favorites—a mix of culture, gastronomy, swimming, nature experiences, and hikes. The focus is on Munkedal and Bohuslän; this post doesn't focus as much on the forest and lake landscapes of Dalsland.

Bohuslän and Dalsland are both Swedish regions that aren't necessarily considered heavyweights among Swedish landscapes in terms of international fame. People know Småland (because of Astrid Lindgren), Lapland (because of reindeer and the Northern Lights), and maybe Dalarna (because of the wooden horses) – but after that, things usually get a bit thin.

Having the privilege of a small, excellent fishing spot just 200 meters from your own front door is incredibly special. But keeping the uniqueness of this situation constantly in mind can be difficult. As creatures of habit, we tend to get used to everything, and what is special often fades during a relentless process of normalization.

The typical Swedish fjäll landscapes—barren, vast, rolling to mountainous, with plenty of water in between—were what first fascinated me about Sweden when I was young. A classic example is Femundsmarka. Even though it’s quite far south by Swedish standards, it’s still 500 kilometers from Munkedal. Too far for a small weekend tent trip with the kids. How convenient, then, that there’s a kind of fjäll right nearby. A nature reserve that of course can’t match a true fjäll landscape, but in character—and with a bit of imagination—definitely brings those wild regions to mind (proven, among other things, by the southernmost range of the fjäll birch and grey alder). Kynnefjell.

In many places and among many anglers, sea trout have a reputation for being distinctly spring or autumn fish. The water must not get too warm, because in the typical sea trout areas of the Baltic Sea (i.e., usually gently sloping shorelines), passivity increases or the fish disappear into deeper, hard-to-reach areas – at least during the day. Night fishing for sea trout in summer is certainly a major topic, and early mornings or evenings are also said to be successful even in direct proximity to shore.

It was the most timeless period of my life—the first year of Corona, 2020. Parental leave, a newborn baby at home, and secluded life in a forest area outside Gothenburg—with friends visiting who were also on parental leave. A wonderful, surreal mix of emotions, blended with a dose of uncertainty and worry. And into that came the realization that I had overlooked something completely ordinary and obvious, yet absolutely magnificent in my life—because it seemed too complex, too dangerous, etc.: mushroom picking.

I've never been to the Irish islands, so I can't say what it's like there. But places like Veddö must exist in Ireland – at least in my imagination.
Veddö is wonderful, and it's easy to get carried away by how beautiful the almost-island is scenically, and even better when it comes to sea trout fishing.

Bohuslän is particularly famous for its archipelago. And what's the most direct way to experience it? Paddling in a small boat – and it's world-class!
Bohuslän is one of Europe's premier sea kayaking destinations. And from experience, I can say: it's exactly as you imagine it. Paddling at water level along small islets, islands, rugged cliffs, or across sandy beaches is an experience. And with us, it's perhaps especially enjoyable. The diverse island world reveals new impressions around every corner. It never gets boring.

According to the founder of the Danish Happiness Museum in Copenhagen – at least that's how I remember it – the secret to a perfectly successful day is the combination of the following elements:
You do something meaningful (3) together with others (1) in nature (2).
And you can do all of that wonderfully in Herrestadsfjället!