Whistlestop Norrkoping

Leaving Jonkoping

After another hearty breakfast (and a few stolen pastries) we headed out of the Elite Stora Hotel, along the short canal, and in 4 minutes were at the bus station. 

Debbie had excitedly seen the double-decker intercity buses the previous day, and was keen to try them. I was more circumspect after many bumpy bus rides in the past. We booked anyway.

In fact, I was proven wrong.  The bus was salubrious and the ride steady and comfortable.

Check out the spacious seats, the big windows, and the tables that would have been big enough to play cards at!! It was a clear rival for the train.

Noorkoping was beautiful. Imagine an old industrial town, located on a large fast flowing river, with a few small islands in between.  An industrial mougal’s dream. They built factories right up to the waters edge and then down below.

The city developed a large textile industry that both enriched and impoverished the inhabitants. We visited the Museum of Work, located on an island in the river and home to a textile factory. The temperate in Norrkoping had risen to 25C, so walking up the 7 flights of stairs was hard going. I don’t think Debs and I would have survived as a worker covering a 10-hour shift a century ago.

We then moved onto the Stadsmuseum – the city museum, to learn more about the history of the area.  More amazing machines that reflect the ingineuity of the era.

Left luggage

We have had some difficulty leaving luggage at train stations due to the lack of a Sedish phone number. For this town, we relied on the goodwill of another ‘Elite Hotels of Sweden‘. We explained that we had just stayed in one of their sister hotel, and they were more than happy to store our bags for the 5 hours we were there.

After collecting them, we headed to the station for the last 90 minutes of our journey. Arriving in Stockholm was straightforward.  We headed out of the station and covered the 2km to our hotel with ease. 

Aiden at Best Western was a hostel style hotel, with a comfortable and busy lounge dining area, tea and coffee station, and free breakfast when we awoke.

Our room was comfortable but had no kettle and cups, and being located with a shared wall to the sauna, was very hot. 

Tomorrow, we explore the capital city.