The rusty towers of Gas Works Park once converted coal and crude oil into gas. After running for half a century and being shut down in 1956, the plant is now the center of a green park on the coast of Seattle and nature is slowly regaining its territories by covering parts of the structure with layers of vegetation. A perfect location for a stroll and a view over Seattle's skyline.

South of Seattle lies the beautiful Mount Saint Helens, a national forest that houses a sleeping volcano. In close cooperation with the visitor center you can buy the necessary passes and permits to go camping and hiking. Additionally, they also pride themselves as a small museum with quite interesting exhibits. Leave the urban world behind you and dive back into nature by visiting this exquisite location.

The grand, fairy-tale castle-like main building in Timrå was built in 1883–1885 as a summer residence for the timber magnate Fredrik Bünsow, who was one of Sweden's most powerful timber barons at the time. The architects were Isak Gustaf Clason and Fritz Eckert. Clason is known for designing the Nordic Museum and Hallwyl Palace in Stockholm. The beautiful castle (or Villa Merlo, as it is actually called) is now a cultural heritage site and houses Svenska Cellulosa's central archive. In the summer, you can take a guided tour to see the many rooms and halls that still retain their former glory. Even the garden alone is well worth a visit.

For many people in Seattle the need to escape the urban jungle arises, and so they go pay a visit during lunchtime to the Waterfall Garden. With many tables and little eateries close by, you can enjoy a good book or just sit back and relax with some coffee. Don't expect to make any phone calls though, the roaring waterfall is more than just white noise in this case.