Hello everyone and nice of you to stop by our blog (again). Here we go again! Next stop: the Elmia trade fair in Jönköping.

The alarm clock rings early and I set off from Hanover in the direction of Rostock. Unlike last time – when I travelled to Mantorp in Sweden – I’m not taking the ferry from Lübeck, but from Rostock-Warnemünde. The reasons? Better arrival times and a more pleasant crossing of just six hours.

Arrival harbour Rostock-Warnemünde. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

First row: harbour, exit and the first coffee

When I arrive in Rostock harbour, it is quiet and almost idyllic. As soon as I get on board, my first stop is the café. There I buy myself a coffee and a muffin – the classic travelling companions. For 8 euros, that’s an acceptable price. To be honest, I’m surprised because I was expecting to pay more.

The ferry leaves and we set course for Sweden. Sailing to Trelleborg is pleasant. On one side of the ship the sun is shining, while on the other side the sky is overcast. A strange contrast that requires me to wear different combinations of clothes.

 

A six-hour crossing and German pop songs

I had actually planned to catch up on some sleep during the six-hour crossing. But that’s more difficult than I thought. German pop music is blaring over the loudspeakers – without the option of switching off the sound. Sleep is out of the question, so I decide to explore the decks. Sometimes you have to make the best of a situation, even if it doesn’t go as planned.

My view of Sweden’s mainland from the ferry. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Arrival in Sweden: finding a parking space and relaxing

I arrive in Sweden at around 4 pm. Finding a parking space proves to be a challenge. There are even fewer car parks in Sweden than in Germany! But I’m lucky and find a place to park the truck. Then it’s off to the hotel for me.

The next morning starts for me at 4am. Still a little tired, but full of anticipation, I set off for the trade fair in Jönköping. The journey takes four hours, but the roads are surprisingly quiet. There are hardly any cars on the road. That makes the journey very pleasant. I’m no stranger to driving – or in my case, lorry driving – in Sweden, as I was already on the road in Sweden last year.

Once we arrive, it’s time to set up our two stands – one inside in one of the three halls and a larger stand outside, before we get started. As is almost always the case in Sweden, the first day of the fair starts with rain. In the morning it is still dry during the journey to the fair, but then the rain starts. Nevertheless, it’s not quite as bad as at my previous trade fair in Mantorp, where it really rained non-stop. A bit of rain is just part of life in Sweden.

 

First evening in Jönköping: tapas and a large lake

After a long day at the trade fair, I end the evening in a tapas restaurant. Jönköping is located on a huge lake and the restaurant I’m in has a direct view of the water. A lovely location for a relaxed dinner with around 20 colleagues from Continental. Everyone orders something different from the tapas menu, and in the end nobody knows exactly what they ordered – a small but amusing mess.

Are you getting hungry? What do you think I’ve decided on? Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Transport and heavy loads: a look at the trade fair

The trade fair in Jönköping is the largest transport and heavy goods fair in Northern Europe. Everything to do with lorries, their lighting and heavy loads is represented here. Three halls and a large outdoor area provide space for numerous exhibitors, including big names such as Scania, Volvo, Mercedes and MAN. Our two stands are well attended. The outdoor stand in particular attracts many interested visitors.

There is almost a family atmosphere. On Friday and Saturday, when show trucks are added, it gets really lively. The event is well-known and attracts visitors from all over Europe, including many Germans who have travelled here especially for the fair.

 

A walk through Jönköping

On the last day of the fair, I decide to walk back to the hotel. The path leads along the lake, past a cycle path and a small stretch of beach with several interesting benches on which inspirational sayings can be read.

After an eventful stay in Sweden, I head back to Hanover. But only briefly, because just a few days later I’ll be travelling on to Romania – from where I’ll be reporting next.

Until then – see you on the road,

your Ronny

Have you ever been to Sweden? Which city can you recommend?