The Official Website of Emma Strandberg
Welcome to the official website of Emma Strandberg — author, travel writer, and photographer.
From the forests of Scandinavia to the rivers of Asia, my journeys have shaped my outlook on life and the stories I tell about the people I’ve met, customs I’ve encountered, and unforgettable experiences that have left a lasting impression.
Here, among other things, you’ll find details about my travel books, travel journalism, and snapshots of my many trips around the world.
Feel free to explore. I hope you enjoy your visit.
Coming soon!
new release
“Almost twenty years ago I packed my bags and left the UK behind me, venturing into the land of forests and meatballs, a.k.a. Sweden. It is only now I can truly say that I have fully embraced the Nordic way of life. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but rather a gradual process of self-discovery and personal growth. Living in Scandinavia has opened my eyes to the beauty of friluftsliv, awarding me a deep appreciation for nature. Through the unintentional practice of forest bathing and natural therapy, I have developed respect and love for the outdoors and it, in turn, has nurtured, supported, comforted and healed me”.
Re-released:
Fully Booked
"It isn't called 'running' a bed and breakfast for nothing."
It isn’t called “running” a bed and breakfast for nothing. What do you do when you move to a foreign country and haven’t yet mastered the language and customs? Take it easy or find an old house in need of rebuilding and open a bed and breakfast? Never one to run from a challenge, that’s exactly what forty-something Emma Strandberg did in an idyllic seaside town on the west coast of Sweden – in the middle of a winter where temperatures dipped the mercury to minus twenty-two!
With feet of snow, few daylight hours and a very small budget, Emma battled constantly with the challenges thrown at her. It grew so cold the plaster and paint turned to slush, wood snapped and cracked in the old house and the frequent night climbs onto the roof resulted in bruises, cuts and a couple of broken bones. Having survived the renovation the real business of running a bed and breakfast began.
No sleep, a lack of privacy and the odd drunken threesome (by the guests!) would push her to her limit. Kindness, generosity and warmth shown by others saved her from defeat. With perseverance and determination, Emma succeeded in living her dream. Here you can share her extraordinary journey.
Latest release:
Where the F**k is Blönduós?
Having survived a terrifying burglary, Emma had reached a point in life where she feared being awake and dreaded falling asleep. She grabbed her late mother’s notebooks, packed her car with warm clothes and a swimsuit that had seen better days, and caught a ferry to Iceland.
Surtsey was an unexpected eruption – just as my own birth was unplanned and something of an interruption. So captivated by the magic of Iceland, our mother returned home with a bar of Toblerone for each of us. There were no hugs or questions as to our welfare. My sisters and I had been alone for three weeks. I was almost 5 years old.
Inspired by several trips to Iceland including a six-month journey in wintertime, “Where the f**k is Blönduós?” is moving, honest, and entertaining. Why would a middle- aged woman choose to spend a winter alone in the far north of Iceland? It’s a fair question, though the answer isn’t quite so straightforward.
I dreamed of lying on a blanket gazing up into the night sky, holding my breath in anticipation of the colourful aurora that may soon dance overhead, without being asked, “Will you be long?”
By battling the elements, conquering her fears, and learning to knit, all under the watchful gaze of the small community, Emma made sense of the past, found peace with the present, and felt strong enough to deal with the future.
"Where the F**k is Blönduós is both a triumph of travel writing and a masterpiece of memoir. It deserves a space on every bookcase and in every suitcase."
"Authentic, gripping, and as vivid as a cold winter's night, this inspirational Icelandic adventure will take you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and healing."
Bio
About Emma
I’d love to say I write through a profound ‘calling’, but the truth is, I started writing to avoid PE! If it meant dodging gym shorts and oversized trainers, I’d happily grab a pen.
But over time, I realised that writing is what makes me tick. No matter where I am in the world, sitting down to write makes me feel at home.
Travel, meanwhile, has always been a major part of my life. My work has taken me across the Far East, Middle East, Europe and Scandinavia — often for extended periods. These days, I favour slower forms of travel. Rivers fascinate me, and I’ve cruised the Irrawaddy, Amazon, Ganges and Nile. I observe people, places, and the natural world, and write about what inspires me.
In addition to my books, I’m proud to be a travel writer for The European magazine.
When not on the road, I am fortunate to live on the west coast of Sweden, surrounded by nature.
