Gränna and Visingsö

Today was a beautiful day to spend in Gränna and Visingsö. The trip was organized by the International Association at Jönköping University. We hopped on the bus and headed to Gränna first. We split into two groups. The group that Christine and I was in went to the Polar Museum first. We learned about the explorer who was from Gränna and in the 19th century attempted to cross the North Pole in a helium balloon to study the wind patterns. It was a tragic experience and his crew did not survive, but it was a great expedition. We learned that after the balloon would no longer float in the air, the crew of 3 walked along the Arctic ice for 3 months before settling on an uninhabited island. We can assume that settling on this island covered in ice, it was their last hope for survival, and they knew they would not make it make to civilization.

After the Polar Museum, we went across the street to Polkagriskokeri, the first place to make the famous Gränna Polkagris hard candy. We saw how the candy was made and had a chance to purchase some candy. We did not know which kind we would like, so we both bought mixed bags as well as some other kinds. Those mixed bags will last us until we leave, for sure!

After the candy shop, we walked across town to catch the ferry to Visingsö, a beautiful island! We were in the back on the group heading to the ferry and became alarmed when the group leader said if we didn’t run, we would miss the ferry. So, the large group of students started booking it towards the dock. We did, in fact, make the ferry to the island.

After we arrived at the island, we gathered at the park and were handed portable grills. We were told to get into small groups, so two other girls joined us. None of us had ever worked a portable grill, or maybe even a real grill, so we had some difficulty getting it started and knowing when to put the burgers on the rack. It ended up being a delicious meal.

We then grabbed bikes and rode around the island. We stopped at a lake-front castle ruin that had a very interesting history behind it. We also saw the island museum, a couple of historic churches, and the once-Royal barns. For around $30, we were very satisfied with our trip and are excited to go back on our own.