Svinesund Ferry, Swedish side (JW Edy plate 80)

No. LXXX. SVINESUND FERRY, SWEDISH SIDE.



On crossing the ferry, at Svinesund, from Norway, this View presents itself on the Swedish side. Some time is usually employed in contemplating the grand and awful assemblage of the stupendous rocks and scenery around. The labour and fatigue of ascending, commence immediately on quitting the boat; a narrow winding road leads between the rocks to the house, which is situated under a bold projecting mountain, fearfully overhanging its roof, and threatening to crush it at every blast of wind. Here persons attend to grant passports to travellers passing through Sweden. In that document are inserted the person's name, country, and address, occupation, destination, place from whence he last came, &c. &c. It is enjoined that this paper be produced at every successive inn, on the route through Sweden, for the purpose of being registered in a book kept by each landlord, who also requests the traveller's signature. These registers are weekly transmitted to court. Thus may be seen the facility, with which a regular pursuit of friend or enemy may be instituted throughout the northern continent, and also the daily advantage of knowing who are travelling the same road. This house also presents the usual accommodation of an inn, with horses, carriages, and guides. After rains a small murmuring rivulet passes it from among the mountains, and glides under a rude wooden bridge. A little above it is a small tuft of trees, under which a seat is placed, for the purpose of viewing the wild and savage landscape which it commands. The high road winding round the house, up to a tree, on the top of the centre rock, being very precipitous, is usually ascended and descended on foot, while the carriages are slowly proceeding with the luggage. This is truly an arduous undertaking, particularly in frosty or snowy weather, when the safety-ropes are adopted. This great barrier of Sweden, is in altitude and magnitude of parts, similar to the Norwegian side, though not exactly so in respect to their forms, which are more precipitous angular and pointed, barren and desolate, closely joined together, a circumstance from which the small part of the Svinesund assumes the appearance of a dark well, at the bottom. When an occasional ship passes, the tops of her tall masts are seen from rocks a mile above them. This ferry being the only public one, between the Skager and Frederickshall, is much resorted to, and well known by travellers; it connects the high post-roads, from Norway through Sweden, to Helsimbourg, the Sound, and Denmark, and it is here that the silver post crosses monthly with the silver from the mines at Kongsberg, for Copenhagen. It is transported in large iron chests, weighing from 3 to 400 tons each, placed on strong waggons, guarded by a lieutenant and assistants, well armed and provided. The post or convoy has the exclusive privilege of passing at night through garrisoned town : the sentries on its approach instantly lower the drawbridges, and open the gates, at the words "silver posten." Travellers avail themselves if possible of the accommodation of joining it on the road, and sometimes the cavalcade amounts to twenty carriages from all parts, going by that road. They stop only a few hours either by night or day, for rest or refreshments, at certain places. This rapid journey in fine weather, being in open carriages or carts, at moderate charges, affords much pleasure, which is generally heightened by agreeable society.