Writer: Helena Bergström
We are currently on our last trip abroad this year, and it is nice that it is a relatively quiet trip in a peaceful environment. It has been a hectic year of travelling for us, there is no denying that. Peaceful beaches in the low season, good food and wellness... this is just the right trip for us right now!
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Travel abroad – by train and ferry
This time we didn't travel by plane or motorhome. Instead, we took the train and ferry. We took the train from Stockholm to Ystad, where we had dinner in town before it was time to board the night ferry.
We had imagined that we would easily find a simple pub, restaurant or pizzeria where we could have a beer and something simple to eat. It turned out that whole Ystad was out on the town at the same time, at the Christmas market, and every restaurant was fully booked...
In the end, we managed to get two seats at Pinchos restaurant, where you sit in a circus-inspired setting and order small dishes via an app. It was both enjoyable and delicious!
Then it was time to hop on the ferry from Ystad to Swinoujscie. We travelled with Polferries, which worked out perfectly. Since we left late and arrived early, we didn't see much more than our cabin, though...
In the morning, we only had time for a coffee at the bar, then it was time to disembark.
Beautiful and peaceful Usedom
Are you familiar with the island of Usedom? Strangely enough, this island is relatively unknown in Sweden, at least compared to more well-known Rügen, but it's a real gem. Usedom is located on the Baltic Sea coast, on the border between Germany and Poland, and is divided between the two countries. It's almost difficult to see that it's an island, but when you zoom in on the map, you can see that it is indeed just that.
We have been here once before, when we came here on a catamaran sailing trip one summer several years ago, and we really like this place. Coming here in winter is both similar and different. Tourists come here all year round, and at this time of year, when it is even more peaceful, the focus is on relaxation, wellness, spa, food and nature experiences.
We are currently on a press trip to Usedom and will of course tell you more soon. In the meantime, you can find more photos and stories at Instagram, at @freedomtravel.se.
This week: Grateful for ...
Even though we have been feeling tired lately, we are incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to go on so many fantastic trips this year. Not least, we are grateful for having the opportunity to end the travel year with a relaxing winter trip to the beautiful and peaceful island of Usedom!
Your turn, what are you grateful for this week?
The week ahead
We are still in Usedom, but our trip is slowly coming to an end. We will return home the same way we came here – by ferry to Ystad and then by train back to Stockholm.
Here at freedomtravel.se, you will of course be able to read some reports about Usedom, which will be mixed in with a few other bits and pieces. You know that you can subscribe to our reports, so you don't miss them? As a subscriber, you will receive the reports in your e-mail once a week, completely free of charge, of course.
We wish you a really nice Friday and weekend!
Did you miss the last Friday Blog? Read it We are preparing for a new journey!
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Friday Blog: To the Greek Islands (and everything that happened along the way...)
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Jossu says:
How lucky that you got a table at Pinchos so you could get something to eat before leaving.
This week, I have also been thinking about the trips I have taken during the year and feeling grateful for them. I thought last year would be unbeatable, but this year turned out to be almost as good.
5 December 2025 - 6:37
Helena says:
Yes, for a while we almost thought it would be impossible to get a table at a restaurant in Ystad, there were so many people out and about... 😉 And yes, your year of travelling has been absolutely fantastic!!!
5 December 2025 - 18:15
bmlarsreseblogg says:
How wonderful to end your hectic year with a slightly calmer trip to beautiful Usedom! In a way, we've had a quiet travel year because we had to spend so much time at home this summer. At the same time, it's been an eventful and unusual year because we moved out to Laikan and went on our first winter trip.
5 December 2025 - 10:45
Helena says:
New kinds of adventures for you, quite simply! Hope you continue to have a wonderful winter holiday!
5 December 2025 - 18:16
Ditte says:
It's fun to read about Usedom. A place/island I didn't know anything about. I was just wondering how you get around the island without a car. Maybe by bike, but I guess that would be limited. It will be fun to read more about your visit.
It's nice to end the travel year with a trip that doesn't seem so ”hectic”.
We haven't travelled much this year. But we have visited Norway, Gotland, the Stockholm archipelago and Åland. Right now, we are in Tenerife, an island we really enjoy. And not least an adult hotel that we are visiting for the fifth time; just the right size and a peaceful environment. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to spend money on travel and to be comfortable with flights, accommodation and other things.
5 December 2025 - 15:52
Helena says:
Great question about how to get around! It can be an advantage to bring a car here if you want to see more of the island. However, there is also a lot to discover by bike. We have gotten around in different ways during this trip, which is a press trip: with rental bikes through the hotel, with a rental car and by train.
5 December 2025 - 18:19
Anna i Portugal says:
I'm impressed that you manage to travel so much, take in all the impressions, process them and also write about them. I understand that it's nice to have a quieter version at the end of the year. Have a great weekend!
5 December 2025 - 19:16
Helena says:
Somehow, we tend to think that travelling is so much fun that it gives us energy. But lately, it has probably become a bit too much, even for us, as we can tell by the fact that we forget things we shouldn't forget...
6 December 2025 - 7:07
BP says:
It's great to have a place that's just as popular in summer as it is in winter, with a seasonal menu to match. Smart!
It seems to be quite chilly on the island – thinking about Peter's headwear. Did he buy the fur hat in Uzbekistan? The hat is really cool with a bit of an Eastern vibe ;-)
Have a peaceful and enjoyable stay on Usedom.
5 December 2025 - 19:19
Helena says:
Yes, the hat is from Uzbekistan 😉
6 December 2025 - 7:10
JoY says:
I recognise that feeling of crowded restaurants, that's how it was for us in Copenhagen, which is a big city after all. Lucky you got a table in the end when your stomachs were rumbling.
We haven't visited Usedom, as there haven't been many trips in that direction, but perhaps we should consider going there. How many hours did the crossing take?
This past week, I've been decorating for Christmas and buying a Christmas tree for my mother, looking around town at the Christmas lights, which are so cosy with all the lights. Have a nice second Advent, everyone!
5 December 2025 - 22:22
Helena says:
The ferry takes about 6 or 7 hours. We left late in the evening (around 10:30 p.m.) and arrived early in the morning. Of course, there are also daytime ferries.
6 December 2025 - 7:11
Carita Liljendahl says:
Pinchos with the pick-and-mix menu and the app seems fun – I think I would like it!
Thank you for a wonderful trip and great photos!
8 December 2025 - 17:30