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2 Apr 2026
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Description
Hej!
I’m Elin. After five years of living way up north (above the Arctic Circle) I decided it was time to move back south. So I bought a house in my old neighborhood on the west coast, where I was born.
The house is tucked away in the countryside, which suits me perfectly. I love being close to nature—hiking, camping, fishing... When I’m not outdoors, you’ll probably find me inside with some knitting needles or a cross-stitch project in hand. I also have a interest in hand sewing traditional costumes. (Folkdräkt.) As you might guess, handicrafts are a big part of my life.
I have a very friendly four legged friend named Bernie.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
LGBTQ
Sustainability
Books
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Writing
Nature
Camping
Sailing / Boating
Hiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
PLACES TO SEE, THINGS TO DO:
Before you read any further, please note: I have a car. I do drive. I will give you a lift.
COUNTRYSIDE, VILLAGE AND CITY
Valbo-Ryr is less than a village located in the countryside in Munkedal municipality. Munkedal 20 km away is the closest village. There you find a few supermarkets, a gym, a library, and a few other stores. It's not a large town. The nearest city is Uddevalla 40 km away. The nearest shopping center (including IKEA) is some 30 km from the house. The closest commuting transportation is found in Munkedal. There's 100 km to Gothenburg with good transportation by bus and/or train.
FISHING:
You find both lakes and the sea in the vicinity of the house and there are only a few hundred meters to the nearest lake - Viksjön. In Viksjön you find pike and perch. If you prefer fishing in the sea, I'll ask around for a good place to start. If you're interested in a boat trip catching sea trout or mackerel, we can take a trip to my parents one hour south of Munkedal - my father loves his boat and knows where to find the fish.
DEEP DIVING:
There are lots of great places to deep dive in the area. Gear can be rented at the diving centers. I can reccomend Smögen Dyk&Upplevelse. They arrange several boat trips per day to good diving spots.
CANOEING/KAYAKING:
Canoes can be rented for use in Viksjön. (Viksjön is just a piece in a greater system of streams and lakes that can take you tens of kilometers into Dalsland.) If you prefer kayaking there are some really good places to visit along the coastline. (I can recommend the archipelago of Fjällbacka - look it up.) Kayaks can be rented in several locations along the coast.
HIKING:
You find one of Bohuslän's most popular trails Bohusleden just a few hundred meters from the house. The starts (or ends) in Gothenburg to Strömstad, a total length of 340 km. Munkedal is half-way. If you prefer hiking closer to the sea, I recommend Kuststigen. It's divided into 42 legs which are not always connected. However, there are some truly magical places along the trail.
OTHER THINGS:
UNESCO World Heritage: The Rock Carvings of Tanum.
Fishing villages. There's a whole bunch of picturesque villages along the coastline. (Examples: Fjällbacka, Bovallsstrand, Smögen, Kungshamn...) It's something about a tourist trap during summer but it is beautiful and you can find good restaurants there.
Help
As I write this in late March, I primarily need help with garden-related tasks. Depending on weather there's things to do indoors too. However, the garden work is the prio. I will be working alongside you.
IN THE GARDEN
When I moved into this house one year ago, the garden was not tended to in years besides moving the lawn. The first thing I did was to build flower/vegetable beds. This year my goal is to expand the number of bed drastically, as well as planting a hedge, trees and bushes.
- Chop and stack wood (I have a hydraulic wood splitter)
- Planting a hedge (the main digging is done)
- Build raised beds for veggies (made out of soil)
- More raised beds (wooden boxes)
- Build a hügel bed
- Planting/sowing
INSIDE THE HOUSE
- Painting and wallpapering (experience appreciated)
- Cleaning (ordinary and possibly preparation for painting in the basement).
- Cooking. I do cook myself but I appreciate if we can share the chore.
OTHER:
Sometimes: Walking my dog, usually 40-60 minutes a day
I sometimes have a dog at my place. She will need a walk and some company during the day. She's a Irish Softcoated Wheaten Terrier, super friendly and very cuddly.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Swedish: Fluent
Finnish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I'm a teacher in Swedish as a second language, and if you’re interested in learning or practicing Swedish, I’d be happy to help! And if you happen to know your stuff when it comes to English phonetics—I’d love to pick your brain! FINNISH: I lived in Tornionlaakso (acually Muonionlaakso, not far from Kolari) for five years. I have a huge fascination for the language although I don't speak it myself. I would like to crack the code for pronunciation as sounds are the key when I learn a new language.
Accommodation
- your own bedroom
- shared toilet and shower
What else ...
PLACES TO SEE, THINGS TO DO:
Before you read any further, please note: I have a car. I do drive. I will give you a lift.
COUNTRYSIDE, VILLAGE AND CITY
Valbo-Ryr is less than a village located in the countryside in Munkedal municipality. Munkedal 20 km away is the closest village. There you find a few supermarkets, a gym, a library, and a few other stores. It's not a large town. The nearest city is Uddevalla 40 km away. The nearest shopping center (including IKEA) is some 30 km from the house. The closest commuting transportation is found in Munkedal. There's 100 km to Gothenburg with good transportation by bus and/or train.
FISHING:
You find both lakes and the sea in the vicinity of the house and there are only a few hundred meters to the nearest lake - Viksjön. In Viksjön you find pike and perch. If you prefer fishing in the sea, I'll ask around for a good place to start. If you're interested in a boat trip catching sea trout or mackerel, we can take a trip to my parents one hour south of Munkedal - my father loves his boat and knows where to find the fish.
DEEP DIVING:
There are lots of great places to deep dive in the area. Gear can be rented at the diving centers. I can reccomend Smögen Dyk&Upplevelse. They arrange several boat trips per day to good diving spots.
CANOEING/KAYAKING:
Canoes can be rented for use in Viksjön. (Viksjön is just a piece in a greater system of streams and lakes that can take you tens of kilometers into Dalsland.) If you prefer kayaking there are some really good places to visit along the coastline. (I can recommend the archipelago of Fjällbacka - look it up.) Kayaks can be rented in several locations along the coast.
HIKING:
You find one of Bohuslän's most popular trails Bohusleden just a few hundred meters from the house. The starts (or ends) in Gothenburg to Strömstad, a total length of 340 km. Munkedal is half-way. If you prefer hiking closer to the sea, I recommend Kuststigen. It's divided into 42 legs which are not always connected. However, there are some truly magical places along the trail.
OTHER THINGS:
UNESCO World Heritage: The Rock Carvings of Tanum.
NORWAY:
Oslo is only three hours away.
Fishing villages. There's a whole bunch of picturesque villages along the coastline. (Examples: Fjällbacka, Bovallsstrand, Smögen, Kungshamn...) It's something about a tourist trap during summer but it is beautiful and you can find good restaurants there.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
You can use my hobby room where I have desks, office chairs and good lightning. Internet access via fiber. I have a Irish Softcoated Wheaten Terrier called Bernie. She's calm and friendly and like cuddling. Since I'm allergic to dogs in general, I can't accept you bringing your own dog unless that too is an Wheaten Terrier.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Bernie
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