Spending several days alone in nature sounds idyllic. But what do you need to survive outside of civilization outdoors? Holidaymakers can learn that in Sweden.
Klavreström (dpa / tmn) - thick smoke rises as the branch lands on the fire. Under other circumstances, no one would think of adding wet wood. But in the middle of the night, even in Sweden, nobody wants to go alone into the dark forest to look for dry wood - and possibly encounter an angry moose. Then you'd better take the damp wood near the fireplace.
In southern Sweden, it can be really cool outside at night even in summer. The eight people in their sleeping bags also notice this. Most sleep or doze, while a group member alternately watches over the heat source and looks for sparks.
Everyone's right applies in Sweden
Together, the group wants to learn how to cope outside of civilization outdoors. Everyone went to the Småland province for a crash course, the size of North Rhine-Westphalia, but with significantly fewer people. The region is rich in forests and lakes, nature is extensive.
In Småland, as in all of Sweden, everyone has the right to everyone: you can pitch your tent in nature. Ideal conditions to learn to survive in the wild.
When the group arrives at Torbjörn Selin north of Klavreström, it drizzles easily. The founder of the provider All in Nature Sweden once trained members of the Swedish army, now he offers multi-day survival courses in several levels of difficulty.
In the crash course on the private grounds of the Little Rock Lake adventure park, Selin shows how the group finds food, cooks food and spends the night outdoors. And what equipment she really needs. "A sharp knife, a flint and a heat-resistant mug," the coach lists. Selin set up the camp directly on a lake. A jug hangs over the fire. Spruce needles are drawn in the hot water and aromatic tea is served. Get to know each other.
The knife trick
Shortly thereafter, Selin sets off with the group to collect dry wood. Difficult because everything is well soaked. It goes deeper into the forest, where the wood is better protected from rain. He is looking for a few old branches from fallen trees. Crash! The 46-year-old is already cutting the wood on his shin.
Next he shows how to split a thick piece of wood with little effort. To do this, he places his knife on the upper end of the piece of wood and strikes the knife handle with a thick branch. "And now you!" Now the rain subsides.
Wood chip squiggles are helpful to start a fire. The professional uses his knife to scrape along the wood. Always guide the blade away from the body. Everyone should try it out.
How to make a fire
Continue to the next exercise: making a fire. "You have to choose the place conscientiously." The group works together to decide what is important: the course must be dry and protected from the wind. So the group builds a windbreak with stones. There is a tarp over the top.
The knife from Torbjörn Selin is already gliding over the flint. Sparks ignite the first wood chips. He carefully piles up the wooden spirals, then thinner sticks and later larger branches.
Now everyone can make their own little fire. With the flint, the angle and the right speed are crucial. Some swear, others cheer - but in the end everyone has a little flame.
Finding food in nature
In between, Selin shows the group edible and healing plants, for example yarrow, which help with indigestion and are said to have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. Or sorrel that grows all along the way. The group members also find sour clover, cranberries, raspberries and a few chanterelles. Of course, that's not enough for everyone to get full at lunchtime.
And that's how assistant Martin Olsson conjures up out of a box: garlic, onions, mashed tomatoes, couscous, spices. The ingredients make a delicious, viscous soup. Everyone eats from their own mug with a carved spoon. The rain has stopped. Survival is, of course, easy to train. What do we learn from this? In an emergency, it is practical to have nutritious food with you - such as nuts or bananas.
The group needs the energy for the next task: building night camps. A fire is said to burn later in the middle. So the smoke must be able to escape. Torbjörn Selin gives a few tips and then leaves the participants alone. The group is divided: some are looking for firewood, some are preparing dinner, others are building a spacious shelter from two tarpaulins and long sticks. In the middle there is a slot for the smoke. The tarpaulins hang down on the right and left. Stones weigh down their ends.
Crayfish, sausages and vegetable pan
Now the dinner is missing. How good that several fish traps have already been laid out in the lake at noon. The yield is sparse, only a few of the animals have crawled into the traps. The trainer donated a few sausages and vegetables.
The next morning the sun is shining. The group sits by the lake with a cup of instant coffee, discusses the night and answers open questions: What if you can't find your way back from the forest? If there is a river, Selin advises to follow its current downwards - there is a high chance that you will eventually come across civilization. Ideally you have a compass with you and go strictly in one direction.
Conclusion: This course was a first, very comfortable insight into the survival strategies for the Swedish wilderness - without feeling hungry and with a soft night's rest. If you want to go deeper, you have to bring more time - to hunt with traps, fish, orient yourself in the forest - and, for example, you can sleep outside in the freezing cold winter.
What does everyone's right allow in Sweden?
Everyone's right is called Allemans Ratten in Swedish and is even anchored in the Swedish Basic Law. It means that everyone is free to move around outdoors, even on private property. For example, wild camping for one night at the same place, the provision of natural food, swimming and boating are permitted.
Making a fire is also allowed if you use wood that lies on the floor and acts responsibly. Breaking or cutting off branches and carving the bark of trees is generally not allowed - unless it is private property and the owner agrees.
In nature reserves and national parks, where animals and plants are particularly protected, stricter rules may apply - for example, with regard to riding or making a fire. It is forbidden to collect berries, mushrooms and nuts there.
If you want to fish in Sweden, you can do it without a license. "On the largest lake, Vättern, Vänern, Mälaren, Storsjön and Hjälmaren, it is even possible for free," explains Carl Undéhn from Visit Sweden. For inland waters you need a fishing license - in Swedish "Fiskekort". Holidaymakers can get them at petrol stations, at accommodation or online for 50 to 100 Swedish kronor per day (around 5 to 10 euros). Weekly or annual tickets are also available.
Visit Småland tourism website
Tourism website Visit Sweden
Little Rock Lake: Zipline
Survival training with Torbjörn Selin - page and courses in English
Visitsmaland: Arrival
Visitsweden: Everyone's right
Outdoor vacation in Småland
Arrival: Småland can be reached by plane via Växjö Airport. Alternatively, the main train line from Copenhagen to Stockholm runs through the middle of the region. With your own car you can cross the Öresund Bridge or take a ferry.
Information: Visit Sweden (www.visitsweden.de)
Little Rock Lake Zipline, Bränderydsvägen Sawcreek Crownpark, 364 45 Klavreström (Tel .: +46 470 542900, www.swedenzipline.com/de).