Visit to Iceland and the Scandinavian NorthPfeiffer, Ida
History
Visit to Iceland and the Scandinavian North
Pfeiffer, Ida
Iceland -- Description and travel; Old Norse poetry -- History and criticism; Scandinavia -- Description and travel
At the end of one of the turns of the sea lies the town of Wachsholm; and
opposite to it, upon a little rocky island, a splendid fortress with a
colossal round tower. Judging by the number of cannons planted along the
walls, this fortress must be of great importance. A few hours later we
passed a similar fortress, Friedrichsborg; it is not in such an open
situation as the other, but is more surrounded by forests. We passed at
a considerable distance, and could not see much of it, nor of the castle
lying on the opposite side, which seems to be very magnificent, and is
also surrounded by woods.
The boundaries of the right shore now disappear, but then again appear as
a terrible heap of naked rocks, at whose extreme edge is situated the
fine fortress Dolero. Near it groups of houses are built on the bare
rocks projecting into the sea, and form an extensive town.
September 19th.
To-day we were on the open, somewhat stormy sea. Towards noon we arrived
at the Calmar Sound, formed by the flat, uniform shores of the long
island Oland on the left, and on the right by Schmoland. In front rose
the mountain-island the Jungfrau, to which every Swede points with
self-satisfied pride. Its height is only remarkable compared with the
flatness around; beside the proud giant-mountain of the same name in
Switzerland it would seem like a little hill.
September 20th.
On account of the contrary wind, we had cast anchor here last night, and
this morning continued the journey to Calmar, where we arrived about two
in the forenoon. The town is situated on an immense plain, and is not
very interesting. A few hours may be agreeably spent here in visiting
the beautiful church and the antiquated castle, and we had more than
enough leisure for it. Wind and weather seemed to have conspired against
us, and the captain announced an indefinite stay at this place. At first
we could not land, as the waves were too high; but at last one of the
larger boats came alongside, and the more curious among us ventured to
row to the land in the unsteady vessel.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account