“A visit to Visingsö is almost obligatory”
This summer, Jönköping University (JU) brings you some summer inspiration! Each week, staff members from various parts of JU will share their top summer tips – everything from hidden gems and day trip destinations to personal favourites for relaxation and vacation feeling. First up is Daniel Ekman, Research Communicator in the Communications Department.
Brahe Church, Visingsö. Photo: Daniel Ekman
What are your plans for the summer?
– The vacation kicks off straight away with a ten-day road trip through Europe together with my colleague Anders from the Communications Department – for the eighth year in a row. We'll be visiting several charming German towns such as Marburg, Freiburg, and Passau. We'll also make detours to both the Austrian and Italian Alps, as well as a visit to Europe's most underrated capital: Ljubljana. After that, I’ll probably spend a week or two at my small summer cottage in Örserum, about ten kilometres outside Gränna – perfect for recharging after this whirlwind version of a Grand Tour.
Do you have a favourite hidden gem in or around Jönköping?
– Having grown up in Gränna, it naturally feels like the obvious choice – apart from my little cottage, of course. And while you're in the Gränna area, you mustn’t miss Röttle village, just four kilometres south of Gränna. It's an incredibly charming little place, especially for a history nerd like me. Did you know, for example, that the oldest mill in Röttle, Jerusalem’s Mill, contains parts dating back to the 13th century? That makes it one of Sweden’s oldest secular buildings! And while we’re on the topic of history, a visit to Visingsö is almoust obligatory. There, you absolutely have to see the Brahe Church from the 17th century – one of the most fascinating churches in the entire region.
What’s your top summer tip in general?
– It might sound contradictory, considering that I’m starting the vacation with a road trip across half of Europe, but my best summer advice is actually to take it easy. Avoid filling every day with scheduled activities – leave space for recovery. Summer is perfect for lying in a hammock and finally tackling that ever-growing pile of books you’ve been meaning to read “someday”. And if it rains? Don’t feel guilty about spending the day in front of a streaming service – maybe even binge-watching The West Wing for the fifth time. Why not also take the opportunity to go on a few short day trips? One of my favourites is hopping on a bus to the beautiful wooden town of Eksjö, or to Linköping to visit the castle and cathedral.
Selfie of Daniel Ekman in the Austrian Alps
