The Swedish fika run

Published by Mats Hjørnevik, head of marketing, Nordkapp.

The Nordkapp Coupe 905 V12 is a 9.12-metre wheelhouse boat with a 2.98-metre beam. It seats nine and is powered by the world's most powerful outboard engine—the 600 hp Mercury Verado V12. Built for all-weather use, it provides reassuring performance and comfort throughout the seasons.

It was early June when Fredrik, our Swedish colleague, visited us. We offered him the choice of any boat and any destination for a day trip. Without a second thought, he chose the Coupe 905 V12. "A bucket list experience," he called it. Being Swedish, he suggested we cross the border to Strömstad for a proper fika at one of his favourite seaside cafés.

The next morning, we met at a marina in the outskirts of the Oslofjord, our usual point of departure. The noon air was crisp, but the S-deck felt warm underfoot. Fredrik stepped aboard and smiled. "It's like I'm still on the dock," he said, noting the hull's stability.

There's something quietly rewarding about seeing someone experience the 905 V12 for the first time. It tends to leave an impression.

The boat lay quietly in the water, fenders pulsing softly against the dock like a pair of lungs. That quiet rhythm carried into the boat itself—an atmosphere of calm anticipation. 12m/s winds were forecasted, which I know can result in sharp waves in our area when we reach open waters. But that is not a problem in this boat, and the wheelhouse would keep us well protected.

The tinted windows offered clear visibility, softening the glare from the early sun. As we passed the 5-knot zone, we gave it throttle. The monster inside the V12 engine awoke, first with a roar, followed by a sharp bite—and then the magnetic pull of its paws drawing you into the backrest of your seat.

The V12's dual-prop and two-speed gearbox deliver crisp torque throughout the entire speed range. Though the power is substantial, the steadfast Coupe harnesses it into a feeling of complete control. It's a balance of thrill and a sense of reassurance.

As it often does when you enjoy the drive, our direct route to Strömstad turned into a series of detours. We zig-zagged between islands and passed familiar landmarks. One stop was Skjærhalden, the last Norwegian outpost before Swedish waters, where we picked up a sandwich with freshly caught shrimp.

Further along, we passed the curious island of Alaska, home to a botanical garden and a vibrant backstory, which we will explore further in a future article.

Strömstad Marina greeted us with the soft whistle of wind through the masts of moored sailboats. Reading the conditions, we glided smoothly into our long-side docking. A few gentle touches on the thrusters, and we had arrived.

We walked the short stretch to Backlunds Bistro, where Fredrik was eager to show us what fika is all about.

When Swedes discuss their culture, they often mention names like Volvo, IKEA, Midsummer, and Astrid Lindgren. But ask them what truly matters, and fika will likely come up. Coffee, a pastry, and a reminder to slow down.

Following Fredrik's recommendation, we ordered cinnamon buns, a Danish, and an arrack roll—also known as a vacuum cleaner. Staples in any Swedish café. We sat back and talked over coffee.

What I like about boating is that even short trips, like this one, easily turn into an adventure. Sure, we could have driven here in a car. But open water and a reliable boat bring freedom. You go where the bow points. No roads. No traffic.

A 40-minute trip becomes a four-hour cruise—not because of a delay, but because you're in no hurry to arrive. The destination is simply a reason to go. The real reward is the journey, and what happens along the way.

It's the sound of the steady hull barging through oncoming waves, a story that fills the wheelhouse with laughter, and the quiet thrill of wildlife encounters—scenes reserved for those who travel by water. A seagull gliding past the open sunroof, a mallard racing along the hull in slow zones and seeing goats, unexpectedly, on a remote shoreline.

The fika was memorable. But it was just one piece of a day that stays with us, made possible by the boat that carried us there, quietly shaping every moment along the way.

Explore the Nordkapp Coupe 905 V12.