“The simple things can often be the most memorable”

After many years abroad, it is a special feeling to return to your home country and experience it with new eyes. Malin Hilmersson is Operations Coordinator at Jönköping University Enterprise and she has recently moved back to Sweden after 14 years in the US. Malin is next among Jönköping University's (JU) employees to share her favourite summer spots and personal favourites.

What are you doing this summer?

I recently moved back to Sweden and Jönköping after living in the US for 14 years, and I am really looking forward to a Swedish summer again. Seeing friends and family, enjoying long bright days, lots of ice cream, excursions and (hopefully) perfect summer weather. After many years where summer has meant over 40 degrees Celcius, a cool Swedish summer feels perfect! My partner and I have some smaller trips planned – Bohuslän at the end of July and Gotland in September. I will also work a lot and be on site at Campus Gränna with a nice view of Visingsö. I've never actually been there, so this summer is the time!

Do you have any favourite places in Jönköping and the surrounding area?

Right now, I'm rediscovering Jönköping and realizing how little I actually explored when I lived here before – and how much has changed. This is the third time I've moved here: the first time as a student 20 years ago, the second time for a temporary job at JU 15 years ago, and now it feels like the third time is the charm – for something more permanent. Jönköping is such a nice city with a lot to offer, even in the surroundings. One place I particularly like is the hiking trails in Röttle – so beautiful!

What is your best summer tip in general?

Explore something new – you don't have to travel far to get that holiday feeling. There are often real gems in the local area that you might not have noticed before. Take a bus or bike to a place you've never been before, eat something delicious, and take time to just be in the moment. The simple things can often be the most memorable. When I lived in Colorado, that often meant spontaneous trips up into the Rocky Mountains – and now I'm looking forward to finding my new favourite places in the Jönköping area.