Eva Gyllenberg

Volterra - The alabaster city on the hill in Tuscany - Italy

The alabaster city of Volterra became our unplanned Tuscan gem, with both a Roman amphitheater and a fairytale fort.

20 simple tips to take better holiday photos

You don't need an expensive camera or kilos of equipment to take great vacation photos! Here are my 20 best tips!

Vrsic pass – The road across the Slovenian wilderness

In northwestern Slovenia is a national park with forests, valleys, mountain ranges and light blue lakes. A road runs across the national park over the mountain pass Vrsic at 1611 meters. Could it perhaps be one of Europe's top ten most beautiful roads?

Merry Christmas with the year in travel 2019

2019 is almost over and it's time to summarize the travel year! Where have I been this year?

5 unique hotels with that little something extra

There are unique accommodations that leave a little more of an impression on the memory than others. Here are my five favourites: From castle to hut. From monastery to train carriage.

Tombstone - The deadly silver town in Arizona - USA

Not all cities are called America's deadliest. However, the southern Arizona silver mining town of Tombstone earned its name.

This year's Swedish travel profile 2019!

Some years Santa arrives a little earlier than others. I am both blushing and bowing with pride. This year, Rucksack (and I) have been named one of Sweden's top ten Swedish travel profiles!

Kalbarri National Park - Red River Gorges and Flies of Western Australia - Part 1 - Australia

Kalbarri National Park offers a dramatic river canyon in red sandstone - one of Western Australia's most delicious natural experiences.

Lake Bled – A fabulous day in Bled, Slovenia

The jewel-colored lake with the small church in the Slovenian Alps. Lake Bled is photographed, written about and well visited - and at least as beautiful as a fairy tale.

Hutt Lagoon - The pink lake - Western Australia - Australia

Some days bubblegum pink, other days brick red. The pink Hutt Lagoon offers a colorful spectacle no matter when you go here.

Il Palagetto – A scent of truffles among cypress trees in Tuscany – Italy

In the middle of the greenest of the green landscapes, we found a small pasta oasis with an associated hotel. A place in Tuscany to dream back to.

The road to Milford Sound - New Zealand's most beautiful road?

The road to Milford Sound in New Zealand is not just a transport route, but a display of New Zealand's most beautiful views.

Venice - When the sea approaches - The annual floods - Italy

Venice became an unexpected love for me. Perhaps that is why it now hurts to read about the disaster. If I was drowned by the charms of Venice, Venice is now drowned by the sea.

Lake Bohinj – Slovenia's turquoise pearl

When Lake Bohinj met me with its mirror-like surface and rust-red mountains, then I understood. There are places where reality surpasses all images.

road trip in Italy for 14 days - Day plans and itinerary

Are you going on a road trip in Italy? Few countries can offer as much culture and historical sites as Italy. Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Pisa, Cinque Terre - I've summed up our itinerary for a 14-day road trip starting and ending in Milan! Join in!

Vintgar Gorge - Hike in the gorge with the great views - Slovenia

Outside Bled in Slovenia, the Radovna River has burrowed into the mountain and created the Vintgar Gorge. An easily accessible and simple hiking trail is offered here in a gorge with views that sometimes feel like a James Bond movie.

Travel tips to Slovenia - What was the best, worst and what should we have thought of?

Yesterday we came home from Slovenia, after a lovely autumn week filled with turquoise lakes, mountains, caves, vineyards and pastel-coloured palaces. Here are our travel tips for Slovenia!

Shark Bay - Coral Coast Marine Wonder - Australia

85 Swedish miles north of Perth lies one of the world's marine wonders. Surrounded by deserts, far from large cities and with large meadows of seaweed below the surface. Shark Bay provides unique conditions for everything from sharks, whales and dolphins to dugongs and stromatolites.

What does Rucksack use for backpacks?

There are two backpacks that I usually take with me on my travels. A chic city backpack and a backpack for camera equipment. So here goes my best-in-test for travel daypacks!

Fremantle - Markets and breweries in the beautiful harbor city of Perth - Australia

Fremantle is Perth's port city, a historic and lively small town on the Indian Ocean. We went here for the nice atmosphere, the lovely fish restaurants and (of course) the ferry to Rottnest Island.

Dream destinations (and plans) for next year

Planned trips, longing for new places and longing for old favourites. It's almost a new year and I've already booked two trips. But where will the dream trip go? Time to dream away!

Driving in Australia - 15 tips for your road trip

Australia is the dream destination that has everything for a great road trip. But what do you need to consider when driving in Australia? Here are my best tips for a carefree road trip Down Under!

Val d'Orcia - Among Tuscany's most beautiful landscapes - Italy

I am in a classic Italian Renaissance painting. Val d'Orcia is the world heritage site where Tuscany's most beautiful landscapes come together. We drove from Siena to Montepulciano and found here the Italy we dreamed of.

Sofiero Castle – Fairy Garden in the Shadow of the Ravine – Skåne

When the rhododendron bushes bloom at Sofiero Castle, a rarely seen splendor of color is offered.

Hotel Amarterra Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali – Indonesia

I found the best hotel breakfast I EVER had at the beautiful Amarterra Villas in Bali - a wonderful hotel for those who want peace, quiet and their own pool villa.

Camping cabins - Affordable family accommodation in Australia

A really good accommodation option for price-conscious families traveling in Australia is camping cabins - we tried it and loved it!

Singapore with children - Travel guide to my 14 favourites

Planning to travel to Singapore with children on a family holiday? Singapore happens to be one of our favorite cities! Here you will find the ultimate list for happy children in Singapore!

Bosjökloster - A photo story among roses, towers and old oaks - Skåne

Skåne has many beautiful castles and manors, but this summer I visited the fairytale castle Bosjökloster for the first time. Or as I should really call it - a fairytale monastery.

Perth - 9 attractions in the beautiful capital of Western Australia - Australia

Perth is an exuberant, unique and charming city with an unexpected small-town feel. We spent 5 days here and explored some of the city's sights.

Hotel Dwaraka the Royal Villas - Ubud, Bali - Indonesia

Are you looking for a lovely boutique hotel in Bali, with beautiful surroundings and where you can relax and feel like a Balinese princess? We have stayed at Dwaraka Royal Villas - a dream hotel in Ubud.

Milford Sound – The fjord in New Zealand where it always rains

On New Zealand's South Island is one of the country's most popular and most dramatic sights. Far from cities and civilization lies the 8th wonder of the world Milford Sound - the strait which is actually a fjord.

Câmara de Lobos – Fishing boats and grilled conch shells in Madeira – Portugal

Not even Churchill could resist Câmara de Lobo's charm. Here we found a colorful fishing village, perfectly grilled fish and a fruit market with surprises.

Pisa - Or a post about overtourism and travel disappointment - Italy

Traveling should be exciting, inspiring and provide lifelong memories, but what if your destination instead turns into a disgusting soup of over-tourism and all you want to do is leave? That's what happened to me in Pisa.

Riomaggiore - Our last stop in Cinque Terre - Italy

We can't believe it. We are sitting at an outdoor terrace, at the far end of a cliff in Cinque Terre. Sea View. A cold beer in hand. How could we be so lucky? Is this happiness? Our last stop in the Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore, which both charms and surprises.

Pura Taman Ayun - The temple with the beautiful garden in Bali - Indonesia

The Taman Ayun temple with its unique temple roofs and almost 400 years of history is one of Bali's most famous temples.

Hotel Segara Village - Sanur, Bali - Indonesia

For our first nights in Bali, we needed practical accommodation in a good location. The choice fell on Segara Village - a large mid-range hotel in Sanur, which unfortunately did not quite meet my expectations for a four-star hotel.

Summer summary - long trips, shorter trips and visitor records

It's always a bit sad to sum up a summer, but now I'm getting ready! Here is a summary of long trips, short trips, competitions and statistics!

Skeppsmalen - Surströmming and cliffs on the High Coast - Ångermanland

At the smooth bathing cliffs at Skagsudde is the fishing location Skeppsmalen. Here in the northern High Coast, you will not only find smoked whitefish, but also sour flounder.

Yanchep National Park - among caves and black cockatoos - Australia

45 minutes north of Perth in Western Australia is Yanchep National Park, an important wetland area for the area's birds and with several limestone caves with unique wildlife. We have visited the Crystal Cave and hiked around Loch McNess.

Constructed at the Snösätra Graffiti Wall of Fame – Stockholm

What exactly is art? Yesterday we visited the Snösätra Graffiti Wall of Fame - Europe's largest legal graffiti exhibition.

Manarola - Where the Cinque Terre takes my breath away - Italy

The third village we visited in Cinque Terre was Manarola. Here I finally understood the essence of Cinque Terre. My hallelujah moment, quite simply.

Pienza - Pecorino and Palace of the Pope's Perfect City - Italy

On a hill in the most Tuscan Tuscany, lies the city of Pienza. Here, among sheep and Renaissance palaces, we found a visionary pope and a really tasty cheese.

Rottnest Island - Quokkas, Bikes and Dazzling Beaches - Australia

Rottnest Island outside Perth has long been on my bucket list. Here are some of the world's finest beaches and "the world's happiest animals" - quokkas.

Back home from an adventure in Western Australia (and Bali)!

After almost a month on the road, we are now back home! This year's adventure was a road trip among national parks and nature in Western Australia, which ended with lazy days in Bali. So what was the best, worst and how was the weather? And most importantly - did I find a new mug?

Sweden's "Big Things" - Where are they?

There are lots of weird big statues in Sweden, but how do you find them? Here I have started to create a list - help fill it in!

Hotel Vis à Vis in Sestri Levante - Hotel review - Italy

We have stayed at Hotel Vis à Vis in Sestri Levante, which offered both big pluses - but also big minuses.

Monterosso Al Mare – Cinque Terre's northernmost town – Italy

Cinque Terre's northernmost town Monterosso Al Mare offered us beautiful beaches, a tower and a lot of construction work.

Santa Margherita - the city everyone passes but few visit - Italy

Some cities are passed on the way to somewhere else. One of these towns is Santa Margherita, the gateway to Portofino. That city that everyone passes by, but no one really visits.

Ride the train in Cinque Terre - Italy

What is the easiest way to experience the five villages of Cinque Terre? Is it possible to visit all the villages in one day? The answer is simple: By taking the train in Cinque Terre!

Hiking in Madeira - Levada das Rabacas - Portugal

At the Boca da Encumeada mountain pass, Levada das Rabacas runs through a lush green jungle. We hiked here and marveled at the views - and the steeps.

Burano - The island where the rainbow meets Venice - Italy

There is an island off Venice that all the colors of the rainbow cannot describe. A place where lavender is a discreet color. On the island of Burano, colors are taken to a new level.

Giant Buddha on Lantau - Hong Kong

Did you know that Hong Kong consists of 250 islands? We went to Lantau Island to visit Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha - one of the world's largest Buddha statues.

Time for the Appetite round again - Spring edition - Södermanland

Yesterday we went around among Södermanland's farms on Aptitrundan and shopped for organic, organic and locally produced products. Everything tastes so much better when you buy from the source!

Vernazza – Our second stop in Cinque Terre – Italy

Vernazza was our second stop in the Cinque Terre and perhaps the visit that gave me the most "deja vu" feeling - even though I had never been here before.

Planning is underway - we are going on an adventure to Australia!

At the moment there is feverish planning going on at home - we are going on a camping holiday to the national parks of Western Australia!

Mossman gorge - In the world's oldest rainforest - Australia

We are in Mossman Gorge in the land of the Kuku Yalanji people. For more than 50.000 years they have lived here in northern Queensland, in the world's oldest rainforest.

Eel fishermen outside Åhus - Scanian fishing history and eel fishing

My visit to the area's eel fishermen at Tvillingaboden south of Åhus offered not only a perfect beach, but also a lesson in the history of eel fishing.

Forsakar Ravine – Among giants and waterfalls – Skåne

Waterfall in Skåne? Yes! In Forsakar nature reserve there is not only a magical gorge, but also two of Skåne's highest waterfalls.

Weekend in Kristianstad - Skåne

This weekend I went on a press trip with Kristianstad municipality and got to discover several of the municipality's gems.

San Gimignano - Towers, feuds and truffles - Italy

Feuds, discord and illness. Our history is filled with tragedies. So is the story of the small Tuscan village of San Gimignano. The "Manhattan" of Tuscany.

Sestri Levante - The stop on the road that became something more - Italy

Sestri Levante was supposed to be just a stop on the road, but the city turned out to be something more. Midway between Portofino and Cinque Terre, between luxury and mass tourism. An oasis to return to.

Gunnes gård – A Viking village in Upplands Väsby – Stockholm

Last weekend we visited a small historical gem in Upplands Väsby. Gunnes Gård is an open-air museum with a reconstruction of a Viking-era farm. A really cozy excursion tip!

Driving in Italy - 9 tips for a smooth car holiday

Are you going to drive in Italy? What might be good to know before you hit the road? Here are my 9 best tips on things to keep in mind when driving in Italy - everything about tolls, road signs, parking and renting a car!

Portofino - Celebrities' favorite village - Italy

Google Portofino and you will be met with images of luxurious boats, fantastic houses, beautiful clothes and perfect people. Portofino is no ordinary fishing village, but one of Italy's most exclusive holiday resorts.

Italy - What was the best? Worst? And where were we blown?

The day before yesterday we came home from a 10-day road trip in Italy, full of impressions and experiences. What turned out to be the best part of the trip? What was the worst? Where were we really blown away? And why were we stopped by the police?

The glass platform at Cabo Girão in Madeira – Portugal

Just outside Funchal on Madeira, lies one of Europe's highest cliffs - Cabo Girao. It is perhaps not so surprising that a viewing platform made of glass has been built here at the top of the cliff.

The search for the koala - Great Ocean road - Australia

I love watching wild animals. Be invisible and barely breathe, just watch. But where could I see a wild koala? We headed to Kennett River.

What do hotel stars really mean?

Are you wondering what the hotel stars actually mean? How can it differ so much between different hotels? The answer turned out to be both quite simple and quite difficult.

Hiking in Madeira - Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Portugal

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira goes to the treeless and barren peninsula of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. A really lovely hike for the whole family!

Flower market in Hong Kong – Among lucky bamboo and penjing

In market-dense Hong Kong, there is an entire street filled with happiness and beauty. Walk past the flower market in Mong kok and you'll see what I mean.

Travel planning in progress: Five destinations that attract a little extra right now

This time of year is my big travel planner period. Here are the five travel destinations that are currently gnawing a little in my brain stem and that make my "book-travel-nerve" twitch a little extra!

Villa, hotel or apartment - what should you choose for your holiday?

I usually book hotels when we travel, but sometimes I book private villas or apartments. But when do I choose what? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the different options!

Hike to Pico Ruivo - Madeira's highest peak - Portugal

The hike to Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, offers breathtakingly beautiful views of the entire island and dramatic weather. We trudged to the top in glorious sunshine, but the weather gods must have wanted something else on the way back.

Waiting for the blue whale - Whale watching in Madeira - Portugal

I've never seen a blue whale. They have stayed hidden every single time I have been out on the high seas. Maybe we would be lucky enough to see the giant of the sea on whale watching in Madeira?

Grand Canyon - National park in my heart - Arizona - USA

There is a risk that this post might get a little buttery. This post is not only a travel story about the Grand Canyon, but also a small life story about how a national park in Arizona was able to have such a big place in my life.

road trip in Portugal: Day plans for a 10-day road trip

Are you planning to go on a road trip in Portugal? Here are daily plans for a 10-day road trip in northern Portugal - complete with hotel tips, map and restaurants!

Levada hike in Madeira – Waterfalls at Rabaçal – Portugal

The first levada hike we did in Madeira was the hike to the waterfalls at Rabacal. A really magical hike, which in parts could almost feel a little scary!

Madeira - Tips and reflections the day after returning home - Portugal

Yesterday we came home from Madeira, after a fantastic week filled with hiking along levadas, on mountain tops and on barren peninsulas. What did we think of the island? Here are our quick thoughts!

Porto - When it's not love at first sight - Portugal

Porto would be one of the highlights of the trip. But it wasn't love at first sight between me and Porto - far from it, actually.

Photo album from Hoi An – Vietnam

For once, I'll leave the history of Hoi An's old town behind and let my pictures speak for themselves. Welcome to a picture gallery with Vietnam's most beautiful city.

Photo album from Florence - Italy

One of the world's most beautiful cities deserves to be shown off with a few more pictures. Food markets and courtyards, gardens and viewpoints. Here comes a photo bonanza of 40 photos from one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Stay at a vineyard in the Douro Valley - Quinta de Casaldronho - Portugal

I had decided to stay at least one night at a vineyard in the Douro while we were in Portugal. Round hills with steep vineyards where I would be served the estate's crisp white wine in condensation-sweaty glasses at sunset.

Monsanto - the city under the boulders - Portugal

Monsanto could have been any small mountain village, but you can already tell as you approach the village that this is something unique. Monsanto is a namely a stone city - built in, over and under large round stone bumblebees.

Plan a hiking trip - How do you do it?

Going on a hiking trip takes a little planning! Here are my best tips in a practical little list, focusing on what you need to plan a hiking trip with day hikes.

11 attractions in Krakow - Poland

Are you planning a trip to charming Krakow in Poland? Here you will find my favorites among all the charming and cozy sights in Krakow!

When we encountered aliens in Roswell - New Mexico - USA

Heading north in New Mexico, we visited the legendary UFO town of Roswell, in search of aliens - and lunch.

Douro Valley - In the kingdom of steep vineyards - Portugal

In the Douro Valley's hot and dry climate, wine has been grown along the steep river banks for hundreds of years. We drove around among vineyards and wine hotels and learned all about port wine and enjoyed the world's most beautiful views.

Porto: Dinner at Cafeína and port wine in fog - Portugal

Our best restaurant experience in Portugal, three kinds of port wine and a meeting with the world's most dedicated beach worshippers. Everything covered in a thick layer of fog…

Hiking in the Dolomites - Seiser Alm - Italy

Sunshine, Italy and hiking. The Seiser Alm in the Dolomites is a smorgasbord of all this - and some more. Here you will find magnificent views and nice hiking trails for the whole family.

The dream of Italy - plan a trip!

The day plans for our road trip in Italy are finally starting to take shape! So what do our plans look like? Where are we going?

Merano 2000 - Hiking in the Dolomites - Italy

Not all hiking in the Dolomites is surrounded by steep cliffs and peaks. On the lush hills of Merano 2000 you will find easy hiking trails, surrounded by cows and kaiserschmarrn.

The striped houses in Costa Nova – Portugal

The small fishing village of Costa Nova outside Aveiro offers one of Portugal's real gems - the polka-dotted houses in all the colors of the rainbow.

White dreamscapes in White Sands National Park - New Mexico - USA

A chalky white natural plaster desert. If I had to choose, White Sands National Park in New Mexico would be one of the wonders of the world.

Gardens by the Bay – The imaginative garden in Singapore

In the green city of Singapore lies one of the world's most delicious parks - Gardens by the Bay - a park that I can never get enough of.

Waldemarsudde, an unexpected hug and some lost French tourists - Stockholm

A Saturday walk at Waldemarsudde, an unexpected hug and some lost French tourists.

The songbirds in the Yuen Po Bird Garden - Hong Kong

In the Yuen Po Bird Garden, the elderly gentlemen meet every day together with their songbirds. This is a beautifully singing little oasis in the otherwise chaotic Mong Kok.

The fountain at Mata Nacional do Buçaco (Bussaco Forest) – Portugal

The Bussaco forest just north of Coimbra was a spontaneous stop on our way to Porto. We wandered to the beautiful cold fountain and dreamed of a night at the castle.

Test: 9 types of travelers - which one are you?

I came across a funny picture the other day that showed 9 types of travelers. So I did a little research on my own. What kind of traveler am I really?

Volcanic lake in Crater Lakes National Park - Queensland - Australia

A giant volcanic explosion created what are today the lakes of Crater Lakes National Park in Queensland. We went here to hike and (hopefully) see the occasional Australian bush hen.

The barramundi fish of Palm Cove -Queensland - Australia

Sometimes you surprise yourself. Like when we were suddenly standing on a pier in north Queensland fishing for barramundi. But how did we end up here?

About Me

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Travel blogger, gastronaut, photographer and family adventurer with over 60 countries in his luggage. Eva loves trips that include beautiful nature, hiking boots and well-cooked food. On the travel site Rucksack, she takes you to all corners of the world with the help of her inspiring pictures and texts.
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