After all the cultural and historical input in Stockholm, today we are going back to the nature of Sweden for a change. More specifically, it goes to Jättendal, the magical forest, which is said that real trolls live there. Jättendal is located 327 km north of Stockholm not far from the sea coast. On the map you can see how we drove.
So we jumped right into the adventure and were greeted very friendly right at the entrance and instructed a little bit how we should best behave in the magical troll forest, so that we can have the best experience and not scare away the trolls, because they are very shy creatures. What impressed us adults the most was the magical silence of this troll forest. Except for birds chirping, the buzzing of bees and insects, and a soft rustling of leaves in the treetops, there was absolutely nothing to hear. A wonderful place to relax and unwind.
Over a magical wooden bridge we were able to penetrate deeper into the troll forest and waited anxiously every minute to see if we would get to see one of the little troll forest dwellers. But apparently we weren’t careful and quiet enough, because at first we couldn’t spot anything or anyone but ourselves. After a good while we discovered something on a rock plateau that seemed large and powerful – on closer inspection we, i.e. rather the children, as they bravely ventured forward, discovered a sleeping dragon. Just like that on the rock plateau. The children did not miss the chance to run up to him and stroke him. Of course, a few other tourists had also gathered there, because apparently the message of the sleeping dragon spread like wildfire. We learned from the park management that dragons like to be brushed – kind of like how you brush dogs. Dragons don’t have fur, but they do have scales and rather hard, tough skin that you can work nicely with the bristles of a brush. Dragons love to be brushed. So Emmy and Theo brushed the sleeping dragon for a while, which he rewarded with a contented purr (yes, it sounded a bit like the purr of a giant cat).
In peace and quiet we could have a close look at this beautiful specimen of a dragon before we moved on through the forest. There was an area there that was covered with white, light bands of cloth over our heads. If you listened very carefully, you could hear something like soft giggles and whispers along with the gentle wind. Although we tried to be quiet and careful, holding our breath and keeping a long lookout, we couldn’t spot any trolls, although we were quite sure they must be around. But if they were there, they were hiding well. Maybe they were afraid of us, maybe they just wanted to play. Unfortunately, we don’t know. But the children both independently claimed that, in addition to whispering and giggling, they heard a cracking sound in the undergrowth; moreover, they felt something or someone gently pinching their calves and forearms.
Despite the disappointment of not seeing any trolls, we decided to place two berkel stones in this magical troll forest. We sincerely hope that someone finds them and sends us a message on hallo@xjour.com with a photo. You are welcome to take the stone(s) with you as a good luck charm – or just leave it there and be happy you found it or them.
Tomorrow we will spend a lot of time in the car. It gives 970 km further north on into the reindeer country. Stay tuned and read the days how we fared on our journey.