Lake Vättern, Gränna och Visingsö
I got a little stir-crazy in Nykoping as I was recuperating from a really nasty virus that left me sick for a week. After 3 days of no motorcycling, I decided to head West to Lake Vättern and the village of Gränna. The town was so quaint and quiet, and the weather was fantastic so I decided to stay for a couple days while I was still on the mend. I put my motorcycle on the ferry and spent an entire day exploring the island of Visingsö.
I made my first stop at the Brahehus Castle Ruins. Anyone that has driven between Stockholm and Gothenburg has probably seen it, as it is right off the E4 freeway- like RIGHT THERE. It is certainly the most scenic truck stop destination I've ever been to. We stopped here several times last year while filming Allt For Sverige, but it was nice to spend some time there on my own and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the lake.
Once on the island of Visingsö I reveled in the empty country roads and oak forests. The island is several kilometers long and had plenty of small roads to explore, with diverse scenery. I rode through fields of rapseed and found a lovely beach, it was even warm enough to take a short dip in the lake, just barely.
I took advantage of the quiet roads and even had a little snack while I rode! I found some horses that might have been interested in my snacks as well. They were so curious about my bike, it was hard to ride away without taking them with me.
The island is also full of historic sites, including some unmarked graves, likely from the time of the vikings. There is also the ruins of the very first Swedish Royal Castle of Näs. It was built about 1000 years ago and was from the time when the Lake Vättern area was the center of the kingdom of Sweden, as Denmark extended all the way North to the shores of the lake. On the other side of the island there is the more extensive castle ruin of Visingsborg. From here you can enjoy a scenic view of the village of Gränna across the lake, and even see the ruin of Brahehus up on the hillside
At the end of my long day exploring the island, I put my motorcycle back on the ferry and made my way to my campsite, where I tucked myself in just before a storm hit Gränna. The next few days will be my last on my motorcycle adventure!