I usually take one long vacation every year, leaving plenty of time for festivals, seminars, friends — and, of course, nature.
This summer, I spontaneously decided to go on a survival trip in the Swedish Björnlandets (“Bear Land”), expecting freezing temperatures and the sheer vastness of the wilderness to give me some real offline time.
After nearly a week of hiking, picking blueberries and occasionally talking to myself, I came across a fully equipped cabin. It had firewood, a bed, and the kind of orderliness you don’t expect in the middle of nowhere. I dried my things and collapsed onto the bed.
The next morning, I was woken up by a park ranger – and a TV-Chef. They told me the Crown Princess was arriving soon for lunch. I asked if I needed to leave. They said no. Then I asked if I could join. They agreed and I helped prepare reindeer sandwiches and coffee.
Eventually, my wilderness retreat turned surreal. Around 30 people – photographers, park rangers and body guards – arrived at the cabin. In the middle of them Her Majesty, Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden.
Once it became clear that the bewildered, unwashed assistant didn’t speak any Swedish, people got curious. I ended up chatting with Victoria, taking a photo for my mom, and even giving a interview to a newspaper.
Eventually, they gave me a ride back to Umeå, where I spent the rest of my vacation camping in the city forest. I had gone seeking solitude — and somehow found a story.
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“What a day it was for Lukas Erlenbach, who received an unexpected visit from the Crown Princess on his camping expedition — and was also treated to a meal prepared by the Wild Chef.” — Folkbladet, Västerbotton
