Finding solitude in Sweden

a benefit of slow travel

Thank you for the love and support on the debut of SIN PRISA last month.

I am grateful for the community being formed here, so mil gracias (a thousand thank yous’) for engaging and reading.  

If you’re returning, welcome back. If you’re new here, introduce yourself in the comments, I’d love to connect with you.

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Hej!Hej! 🌞

Swedish for hello.

Today we head to Uppsala, the Swedish city who gave me the warmest welcome. Literally. 

With 10+ hours of sunshine and an intimate charm that shines just as bright, traveling here is an easy choice. 

Uppsala Cathedral — July 22’

Uppsala is nestled in the north of Sweden and a tranquil 45 minute train ride from Stockholm.

The city is home to a vibrant international community offering a range of scenes, though it is not a city lined with “hop on, hop off” schemes.

Instead of tour buses, travelers can wander safely and explore at a calm pace.

On the internet, Uppsala is most known for day or weekend trips, though to me it is one of the best destinations for slow travel.

The slow pace, minimalist culture, and green spaces are an open invitation to take your time and stay awhile.

Uppsala University Botanical Garden  — July 22’

Personally, I had a peaceful summer of solitude in Uppsala. I traded in an itinerary for intentional time with myself, one of the greatest benefits of slow travel.  

I went on solo dates to Hatu Sushi. 

I took afternoon naps in Stadsträdgården.   

I watched the sunset on the mounds in Gamla Uppsala. 

I spent the “day-in” cooking, reading, and writing. 

Hatu Sushi, best sushi in Uppsala hands down — Aug 22’

7:08 PM featuring mi bici — July 22’

You may be thinking…a summer of solitude while traveling, how lonely. 

Contrary to popular belief, solitude is the opposite of loneliness.

Solitude is a choice to connect with self, while loneliness is the absence of connection. 

Solitude is learning to be your own company, while loneliness is yearning for the company of others. 

In the context of slow travel, solitude is sacred time for self.

Baroque Garden, tropical greenhouse — July 22’

Every human needs time in solitude, whether through travel or other means. All of us have experienced a small dose of its benefits growing in the womb (unless you are a twin, bless).

It served as time to develop, rest, and be free of worldly distractions and influence. 

As we age, the need for solitude remains. 

So if you’re the person who has yet to travel for solitude, I challenge you to plan a trip – just for you.

Make time for the one relationship we are all guaranteed in this lifetime — the one with self.

If you choose Uppsala, here are 3 solo friendly experiences for your next summer trip.

1. Uppsala Reggae Festival 

I know what you’re thinking…solitude at a festival, WHAT? 

Yes, the largest reggae festival in Scandinavia, also happens to be a place for solitude. Sweden's reggae scene is not known to many people, making the festival an intimate experience for reggae lovers.

For 20+ years, Uppsala Reggae Festival has welcomed legendary artists like Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer, Bennie Man, Gentleman, Hempress Sativa, and Morgan Heritage to name a few.

The festival is friendly to solo travelers. The chill vibes kept me on my feet until 1AM, singing my heart out to roots reggae. 

It is why I'm returning and hosting a curated trip this July. We’ll spend a long weekend, enjoying 2 incredible days of reggae, good vibes, food, and beautiful scenery.

If you love reggae, chill festivals, and want to experience Sweden in the summer, this will be an unforgettable experience for you. 

And yes, there will be plenty of time for solitude.

Hempress Sativa put on a show — July 22’

Backstage crew — July 22’

Yoga at a festival? Only in Sweden — July 22’

2. Explore Outdoors 

Ditch your electronic devices for solitude in nature. Travelers can reach most of Uppsala’s scenic outdoor spaces on foot, bike, or a short bus ride. 

Kick up your feet on the mounds in Gamla Uppsala and watch the sunset.  

Bike to Årike Fyris Natural Reserve and explore the trails.  

Go for a hike or swim at Fjällnora, an open-air recreation area.

Sunset @ the mounds in Gamla Uppsala — Aug 22’

Pocket of peace, Årike Fyris Natural Reserve — July 22’

Views from the trail Årike Fyris Natural Reserve — July 22’

3. Go Foraging for Mushrooms 

Trek around the forest to find chanterelles mushrooms toward the end of summer or beginning of autumn.

Swedes have a long tradition foraging mushrooms, harvesting the best of the best each year.  

My dear Swedish friend invited me to a forrest in Vattholma where she taught me how to harvest and prepare mushrooms. Though we foraged together, it is a great and memorable experience for solo travelers too.

If you are a foraging newbie like me, read Visit Sweden’s guide on what to pick and how to find edible plants. 

Foraging in Vattholma — Sep 22’

Careful not to pick poison — Sep 22’

Read Visit Sweden’s guide — Sep 22’

I hope you consider Uppsala for a future summer trip, especially if solitude or slow travel are top of mind.

I can hardly wait to return in July and hope you will join me. 

Tack så mycket Uppsala.  

Thank you so much Uppsala. 

Let me know your summer travel plans in the comments.

Where are you headed? How might you make time for solitude on your next trip? 

Don’t forget to introduce yourself in the comments if you are new here :))

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Uppsala at a glance 

Budget: $$$$

Primary languages: Swedish and English 

Best time: June-August 

Best transportation: bike, bus, or train 

Best neighborhoods: City Center, Fyrishov, or Sunnersta 

Best eats: Hatsu Sushi, Restaurang Messob, Tapicante Taqueria, and Wilmas

Want to see more of Uppsala? Check out a 15 second recap of my trip here

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Next month, we journey to Bali, Indonesia, the island that gave me a masterclass in holistic selfcare.

I’ll admit, I indulged in outdoor yoga classes and Balinese massages – it is the wellness capital of the world after all.

Though, it was everyday Balinese living that moved me to expand my practice beyond commercialized selfcare, as

Brooke McAlary

so beautifully calls it. 

I can’t wait to tell you all about it. 

Until next time, take it slow 🦥

E

Tanah Lot, Bali – Aug 22’

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Questions? Send me a note sinprisatravel@gmail.com. 

Need support or want to chat? Book time with me here. I’ve curated 20+ trips for solo, couple, and small group travelers across the globe. I’d love to hear about your trip dreams!