A frosty morning & historical discoveries
This morning I woke up to a fantastic sunrise. The water was almost mirror-like and a frosty mist hovered over the lake. It was -2 degrees outside and the frost together with the first gentle rays of the sun created a magical atmosphere.
After breakfast, it was time to roll further south. When I checked the map, I saw something that piqued my curiosity. Despite having driven the road between Idre and Älvdalen several times before, I had never heard of the “WW2 Särna bunker” – a huge area filled with embankments, trenches, bunkers and even a long and impressive tank barrier built by three massive rows of stones. It is an impressive memorial to a time that shaped our history and although Sweden did not actively participate in the fighting during World War II, this was a defense system to protect the country from a potential invasion.
The history behind these facilities is fascinating. They were built as part of Sweden's defense preparedness during the Second World War, when the threat from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union was felt even here in the north. Sweden was neutral, but the country geared up to be ready if the worst were to happen. The bunkers and defense works around Särna are part of this history – a memory of the times when the shadow of war lay over Europe and also Sweden's mountain world.
Strolling around this environment in the middle of the forest was almost surreal. Seeing these old defense facilities standing as silent witnesses to another time felt like a trip back in history while nature slowly took over the place.
On the road further towards Älvdalen, I saw a sign I had seen many times before just when I drove past it - "Touristväg Åsen". This time I decided to turn off and follow it. It turned out to be a really good choice. The road wound through a beautiful autumn landscape with vibrant colors and genuine small villages that breathed tradition and history. It was a detour I did not regret, a reminder of how much there is to discover if you only dare to leave the usual path and set out on new routes.
Now I have arrived at my last place to stay before returning home tomorrow morning. It is with mixed feelings that I realize that this will be the last night ever of my faithful companion who has taken me on countless adventures and experiences. This trip has been a farewell trip, a last ride in the car that has been my home on wheels so many times.
It feels a little wistful but also like a nice ending and sorry for giving you a few scrapes in the nasty Norwegian tunnel.
