"Fantastic to be able to spend the summer being a grandfather"

This summer, Jönköping University (JU) is here to inspire you! Every week, staff from across JU share their top summer tips – everything from hidden gems and day-trip destinations to personal favourites for relaxation and that ‘on holiday’ feeling. This week, it's time for Måns Svensson, President of Jönköping University.

What are your plans for the summer?

The plan is to split the time between the summer cottage in Skåne and the sailboat on Lake Vättern. The cottage offers a mix of relaxation and an ongoing to-do list in the form of renovation, maintenance, and gardening. But the most fun is that my eldest daughter, who lives in Malmö, is pregnant, and in mid-July, we are expecting our first grandchild. It will be absolutely fantastic to be able to spend the summer being a grandfather. In the midst of everything, we also want to find time to sail for a week. This time we plan to stay on Lake Vättern and maybe take a trip on the Göta Canal.

Do you have any hidden gems in Jönköping and the surrounding area?

I moved to Jönköping just over a year ago, and for me, a lot is new and exciting. My wife and I have made a list of places we want to visit and things we want to do here. But we have, of course, managed to discover some things. For me, Store Mosse National Park is really cool, and I love spending time there. Overall, the proximity to beautiful and exciting nature is outstanding. Then there is the matter of water and boating. Lake Vättern is fantastic, and the proximity to canals that wind their way through the country is a luxury for an avid boater.

What is your best summer tip in general?

I know how easy it is for those in academia to continue working a bit on the sly during the holidays. You might want to finish an article, plan the start of autumn's teaching activities, or clear out emails you haven't had time to answer during the term. My best tip for the summer holiday is to actually allow yourself to be truly off. I think it's important to be able to relax deeply and let go of thoughts about work.