Hey again!
So, I have been on vacation for about a month now, and I am now finally finding time to write. I don’t really know what has been hindering me the past month. Probably the main reason is that I have been reading the Harry Potter books (in Swedish) which means that each book takes approximately 5 times as long. Low and behold, I am almost done with the 7th book, and I am finally feeling like I should get back to blogging and focus more on what I love to do most in the world, TRAVEL! So, I think that after playing around for a few months, I have finally figured out that I would like to focus on my travels, as well as what there is to do for expats living in Sweden.
I am going to write about a hidden gem in Gothenburg that can be found in the neighbourhood, Kallebäck. It is located a bit outside of the city centre but is easily reachable with the 50 bus (towards Kallebäck) from Brunnsparken (the major transportation hub near Central Station, directly outside of Nordstan, the big shopping complex). You hop on the bus and get off at Smörgatan. You can also drive since there is free parking on site. If you are looking it up on Google Maps, it is called Bergets Hinderbana.
Once you get there you have to climb up the hill. There are signs to follow, but it is not super clearly marked. Now, there is a big sandy area where they are awaiting constructions. So, you just go across that and ascend up the hill.
The track consists of 15 obstacles (hinderbana in Swedish!). You can also add in an additional running loop (directly after obstacle 8) which I recommend since you add in an 800-metre cardio sprint every time. This is great training since you are running up and down hills in the forest. I do hop over some of the more difficult obstacles (obstacle 7, 14, and 15), but I have many friends that can complete the entire course. Guess it is just something to work up to!
What I like about this obstacle course is that it is not super busy and it is free. I think it is can be tough to find free places for physical activity and I love that people are encouraged to work out year round which showcases well the Swedish expression, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. Although I frequent this obstacle course when the weather is more favourable, I can imagine that it is used year-round. Just make sure you have some comfortable outdoor runners since you are climbing and running in the forest.
This week, I had my friend, Rachel, visiting from Norway. I decided to take her to the obstacle course and we definitely had a blast. Always nice to try to types of exercise. What I like about this course is that you can work up to what you want to achieve, but it also feels really relaxed so there is no pressure to be the absolute best at it. Which is important for me since I can feel quite anxious when I think people are watching me.
I come here also with my partner, Daniel, as well as our friends. I often invite a friend since he is usually a bit quicker than me. I usually do 3 rounds (albeit I miss some of the tougher obstacles) and that feels like a good work out to me. I am often sore about working out here since I use muscles that I usually do not use while playing sports or attending classes at my gym. I also often have a few bruises the next day due to improper technique. So, my advice to you is to be careful while climbing and jumping. I hope you enjoy this new hidden gem in Gothenburg.
xx
Jasmine