Hello everyone and nice of you to stop by our blog (again). After some exciting last few days with the Finns, I’m off to Turku again, which was my third stop in Finland. Why do I come here again? From here it’s back on the water for me, as the ferry crossing to Helsinki a few days ago isn’t the only one here in the Nordic countries. This time, the show truck and I are sailing towards Sweden, from where we will take the #ContiEuropeanRoadshow to its next destination: Norway.

By ferry from Turku to Stockholm

After a very short night, which I spend in the show truck, I cover just under 400 kilometers and arrive – how it should be for a cliché German – over punctual in Turku. For the Finns probably too early, because the gates at the port are still closed. Therefore, I join the queue behind two already waiting trucks. At 7:30 a.m. we start with the registrations, the drive-up and everything else that goes with it. To my surprise, the whole thing goes quite quickly, so that we can leave on time at 8:45.

On the ferry, I benefit directly from already having a crossing behind me. Not only that the travel time is only about ten instead of 30 hours, which makes the whole thing fly by for me. I am also so clever this time not to want to move directly into the cabin – last time I had to wait over one hour with numerous other passengers on the corridor – but allow me first of all a proper breakfast. And this much is clear: It’s much better than standing around and waiting until I can move into the cabin.

Afterwards, I first take a nap to catch up on some sleep after the very short night. Overall, the crossing is very pleasant, and the ferry has a lot to offer: Gym, spa, restaurants, casino, activities for children, gaming opportunities, stores of all kinds (perfume, alcohol, clothing, food), and more. I think they got everyone covered there!

Stuck in Sweden and the anticipation of coming back

The arrival in the harbor of Stockholm is initially exactly to my taste: Swedish houses, boats and small islands that can only be reached by water, as far as the eye can see! Simply marvelous. However, as soon as I leave the ferry, there is an unexpected twist. The toll registration, which we have already made in advance, is not sufficient. Apparently, we would have had to register additionally with a second provider. But this information was not provided to us beforehand. Now it means waiting for the matter to be clarified, which – now brace yourselves – took a whopping seven hours. All very complicated and inconvenient, I tell you.

The small box at the top left is the reason for seven hours of waiting . Photo: Ronny Nittmann.

Nevertheless, my first impression of Sweden cannot be clouded, and I can extend that to all of Scandinavia. It is really beautiful here and definitely worth a visit! Therefore, I enjoy the approximately 500 kilometers that lie between Stockholm and Oslo very much and can even shoot some photos for you. One of my personal highlights on the way: The experience to be in two countries at the same time…

In two countries at the same time: Norway on the left, Sweden on the right. Photo: Ronny Nittmann.

After arriving in Oslo, I have three packed days ahead of me – but more about that soon, so be sure to check back!

Until then – see you on the road,
your Ronny