Adventure in Sweden: Gertrud Berwanger reads from her new book!

Adventure in Sweden: Gertrud Berwanger reads from her new book!

On Thursday, September 11th, the Merzig City Library invites you to a very special reading at 7 p.m.: Gertrud Berwanger will read from her book “Time Cancelled – Encounters in Sweden”. Anyone looking for fresh perspectives and adventurous stories should not miss this evening. Admission is free and registration is recommended by calling (06861) 85-391 or sending an email to stadtbibliothek@merzig.de. However, those who decide at short notice can also drop by spontaneously.

Berwanger, who took a break from her job in 2022 to embark on a unique long-distance hike through Sweden, covered over 1,000 kilometers from southern Sweden to Mora in three months. Her book captures not only her physical challenges, but also her encounters with Swedish culture - from the silence of the forests to the fascinating “pain trees” to the traditions of Swedish fika.

A look at the right of everyone

A central theme that Berwanger addresses in her book is the right of everyone (allemansrätt), a cultural heritage of Sweden that gives people access to nature. This customary law allows one to be in nature, even on private land, but with certain restrictions guided by the principle of “do not disturb and destroy nothing”. Anyone who wants to make use of the right of everyone should be clear about their rights and obligations. Sweden tips summarizes what the most important points are.

• Das Wandern, Radfahren und Reiten ist fast überall erlaubt, es sei denn, man befindet sich auf privaten Grundstücken oder landwirtschaftlich genutztem Boden. Abstand zu Wohnhäusern ist Pflicht.
• Zelten ist auf nicht landwirtschaftlich genutztem Boden erlaubt, allerdings sollte man nicht in der Nähe von Häusern campen, und bei mehr als zwei Zelten solltet ihr den Grundbesitzer kontaktieren.
• Abfälle müssen immer mitgenommen werden; das Zurücklassen von Müll ist ein absolutes No-Go.
• Angeln in Binnengewässern erfordert meistens eine Angelkarte, in einigen Seen ist es jedoch erlaubt, ohne eine zu besitzen.
• Hunde müssen zwischen dem 1. März und 20. August angeleint sein, um Wildtiere zu schützen.
• In Nationalparks und Naturschutzgebieten gelten besondere Bestimmungen, und das Jedermannsrecht ist dort oft eingeschränkt.

During her adventure, Berwanger not only explored the Swedish countryside, but also delved deeply into the principles of everyman's rights. Visit Sweden highlights that the right of natural access also comes with responsibility. It offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy untouched nature, as long as we treat it with respect.

For all those who dream of Swedish nature and culture or simply want to be inspired, Gertrud Berwanger's reading is a must. Your experiences and encounters will certainly provide something to talk about and provide completely new perspectives on the beauty of Sweden, which is combined with the right of everyone.