Kevin Lynch, an advertising copywriter from Chicago, embarked on a two-week road trip across Sweden to explore towns and villages whose names have been immortalized by IKEA products. Inspired by his wife after their move to Sweden in 2021, Lynch set out on this unusual adventure, traversing over 4,600 kilometers and visiting all 21 counties in Sweden. His journey was part of a campaign by the Swedish tourist board titled "Discover the Originals," which aims to connect IKEA's product names with their geographical counterparts in Sweden.
Lynch's expedition was marked by a sense of curiosity and novelty. Accompanied by his puppy, Umlaut, he drove through picturesque landscapes, taking approximately 10 ferry rides and utilizing hotels and their rental car for accommodations. The idea for this road trip came about as Lynch and his wife found themselves surrounded by IKEA furniture upon settling in Sweden. The realization that these products were named after real Swedish locations sparked their interest, leading to the pursuit of this quirky journey.
Throughout his travels, Lynch discovered that many locals were surprised to learn their hometowns or villages shared names with IKEA products. This revelation added an element of intrigue to his trip, as he explored the rationale behind some of the naming choices. For instance, while it made sense for bathroom items to be named after rivers or lakes, other connections were more obscure.
Among the various locations, Lynch found Frösön particularly delightful. Located on a larger island in Lake Storsjön, Frösön boasts a collection of cushions and cushion covers named in its honor. This destination stood out as his favorite, offering a serene ambiance and a glimpse into the authentic Swedish lifestyle. Another highlight of his trip was Örskär, a small island with a unique dock that Lynch initially mistook for a ferry.
During his travels, Lynch encountered an unexpected twist when he accidentally joined a guided nature walk. As part of the experience, he was required to name the places he visited, adding a playful element to his journey. This serendipitous detour further enriched his exploration, allowing him to engage with Sweden's natural beauty in an immersive way.
Lynch's road trip also served as an opportunity to visit parts of Sweden that might have otherwise remained unexplored. His adventurous spirit and penchant for "quirky" trips led him to embrace this unique experience wholeheartedly. Despite having lived in Malmö for around three years, this journey offered Lynch fresh perspectives on the diverse landscapes and cultures within Sweden.
Interestingly, some destinations were close enough for Lynch to cover multiple locations in a single day. This efficient travel plan allowed him to maximize his exploration within the limited timeframe. However, upon returning from his trip, Lynch noted that he had not received any communication from IKEA, despite having acquaintances within the company.
