I Spent 500 Days Alone Building A Log Cabin 

This is a 15 min version of the 2 hour video, for those who are new and need a quick catch up. New episode will be released soon, where I build the last logs for the roof!! In the video I spent roughly 500 days alone in the forest working on the log cabin. Most nights I slept on my grandparents homestead. I have released my own merch: shop.spreadshirt.com/erik-grankvist If you want to check out a fun interview I did with Swedish TV: www.tv4play.se/program/nyhetsmorgon/erik-bygger-en-timmerstuga-f%C3%B6r-hand/13317782

It is amazing how 1 and a half years can be summarized in 15 minutes. It is just as amazing how I have stuck around for that time, and never gotten bored.

Let's be honest, you weren't alone; you had a sweet little hund with you!

Anyone else impressed by how accurate his axe work is?

Wonderful to see that there are still young people out there that use their energy and determination to built something very nice without hurting other people. Tack, tack and respect young man!

Erik, you are an exceptional young man who works tirelessly, no matter how the weather conditions are. I watched your longest video and now I am watching the others too. I have seen many different log home builders, each one is a talented person but each one is different. You are a one-man without power tools, using hand tools only, a very smart man. I really enjoyed watching how you join and fit the logs into each other. Again, keep it up and stay healthy. Happy new year! 2023. Greetings from Arizona

It no doubt makes your grandfather's day when he sees you wearing his former jacket. I hope you have cabin covered for winter.

You got skills dude! I never realized just how much went into making a log cabin and the fact you use no power tools makes it even more amazing. Keep up the good work man! Looking forward to next update!

Hello, Erik! Watching from Virginia, USA. You are one industrious and determined young man. Your parents raised you well. Looking forward to watching more videos of you completing your log cabin.

I have been watching every single episode of you 500 days. At first was just curious to see for how long will you last. Then I realized that with the time passing you were only growing smarter, stronger and more determined. God! How many splinters in your hands and flying debris into you eyes? I can only imagine. But nothing has stopped you. You keep chasing your dream with great ingenuity and resourcefulness. Glad, very glad to watch you every time. That keeps the faith awake in my that still there are true men out there. You are ready for whatever comes your way. Good luck and stay safe.!

Sweden have such a beautiful forests!

He better get paid millions of this Axe producer. Best PR ever.

How many people's muscles started aching watching this YOUNG MAN do what seems to come as effortlessly as walking the dog?! Always a JOY to watch you Erik...

A fantastic achievement Erik. You deserve that coffee. Your wee Cavalier King Charles is beautiful.

Hands down the best advert for merch I've ever seen! Well done! Put a gorgeous dog in front of anything and I'm sold! Congrats, you truly are living the dream, best of luck!

The building is definitely bear-proof. I think it's very nice that you planted new trees for the felled trees.

Pov: you came from “one year alone in the forest of Sweden”

Already watched the entire 2 hours but this was a nice recap. There is a huge appreciation loss for all the effort though when just cut together like this

Really enjoying your videos and thank you for not adding music. It’s lovely hearing the work you do and the nature around you. Do you plant a tree for each tree you chop down?

15 minutes of DONG DONG DONG DONG... i love it!

Anyone noticed he's significantly built muscle over these 500 days? :D

The dream of every single person who is watching this video

You are an inspiration. This is for sure on my bucket list and something most people will never have the opportunity to do. Love this

This is the first I've watched you Erik and I'm very impressed . Your doing what I've always wanted to do . I am 71 and fell in love with cabins since I was 10 and have loved the outdoors all my life . The animals in the forests come up to me like they have always known me . I feel completely at home in the woods . I've subscribed to your videos and look forward to many more . Be safe and free .

Honestly, you chose the right time to take a break from society and the world at large. Good on ya, I am envious, neither my job nor my surroundings allow for a full solitude and independence like the one you have. I'm working towards it but we'll see where I end up. Greetings from Germany, I hope you'll keep on keepin on!

RU-vid randomly recommended one of your mid process videos that was fascinating so I started from the beginning. This is a nice recap of my last 2 days binge of your channel :)

hi! I also had my first survival in the forest. I built a shelter and spent the night. It was great. Thank you for your motivation!

Sigh, I could've been writing on my Destiel fanfiction but no, instead, I translated the Swedish News interview (I know squat about timber and logging vocabulary so some of it might be wrongly translated). Newstudioman: Our reporter meets Erik Granquist today, out in the woods. Newsstudiewoman: He has an exciting story to tell. After graduating high school, he took a sabbatical, moved out into the woods, and build a log cabin, all on his own, without prior knowledge. Newstudioman: Cool. Gm Caroline. Caroline: Gm, gm, Martin and Maria from a cold Sala. Minus 17 (1.4 F) out here in the darkest of woods, and we can hear the sound as he builds. Have you seen what an amazing cabin? It's Erik standing here, chopping away. There's wood chips everywhere. Gm! Caroline: Gm. How you doing? Erik: I'm doing good. I'm chopping the log so it matches the inclination on the roof. Caroline: This house is amazing! Erik: Thank you, hehe. Caroline: You have to start from the beginning. This has been taking a while (building the cabin). Erik: Yeah, it's been taking me over a year, almost two years. Caroline: Because it was like this, that after you graduated, you took your backpack and went out in the woods? Erik: Yeah, exactly. I took some (inaudible), I wanted to do something totally new. Caroline: Come down, and we'll talk some more. Caroline: Because you're not a trained carpenter then? Erik: Yeah, exactly, I don't have any experience with that, shooting and using all the natural resources, I've had to learn that on my own. Caroline: And how come you wanted to build an entire house? Erik: I've had multiple inspirations. Grandpa and other enthusiasts, so it just happened. Caroline: Your grandpa has helped you? Erik: He's been my mentor. With a lot of knowledge, problem-solving, and the likes. Caroline: You haven't used any tools, I see you're using the ax. Erik: Only hand tools (unsure of translation) like they had in the 19th century, handsaw, and different axes. Caroline: We have to check this out, it's amazing. So you have watched different instruction videos and then you've learned everything. Erik: Exactly, and some books, there's a lot of information out there today but otherwise, I've just learned by trying it out for myself. Caroline: Wow, what has been most difficult? Erik: To prepare all the logs, there are a few. Not so many trees but it takes quite a while to chop down the trees. I've taken it from the nearby area. Caroline: How many trees have you used, approximately? Erik: Eh, maybe forty, fifty. And then it's eighty logs. All logs are not here, there are some over there, smaller ones, that you can use for future projects. Caroline: How did you choose this location? Erik: This was the most accessible location. You had the best resources here, wood-wise. And the ground was even. You have to build where you can. Caroline: And this has taken a year and a half? Erik: Yeah, approximately. Caroline: And how far along are you? We can see that you have some left to do on the roof; when would you say you're done? Erik: It's hard to say. In the beginning, I thought it would take a year. That was wrong. It takes longer than you think but hopefully I can sleep in here, in the warmth, this year. Caroline: You can't do that yet? Erik: Yeah, exactly, I have to brick (to mortar) an open fire and chimney so I can make a fire and beds and floors and such. Caroline: Can we go inside and see how it looks like? Erik: Sure, we can do that. This is a temporary staircase and then there'll be a porch here in the front. Caroline: A porch here? Erik: Yeah, exactly. (width) more than one meter (3.2 feet)and then stairs. So this is just temporary so you can get inside. And then this blanket. Caroline: A temporary door. Erik: Yeah, exactly. Caroline: Alice goes inside too. Erik: Yes, this is Alice. She's been along on this adventure. Caroline: Wow. There's, there are things to do in here. Erik: Yeah exactly. So this is just temporary, so you can walk in here. And the isolation is here, and leftover timber. Caroline: How much has grandpa been here to help? Erik: He's been here but he can't really help that much. But he's been a great help mentally with problem-solving. We've come across a few issues, so he's been figuring out solutions to simple problems. Caroline: Is there something inside, that we can do today? Erik: Inside, no? First, I have to lay the roof, that's a priority, then it's the floors. Caroline: I'll come inside, just to look. Maybe you can start decorating mentally. So, we'll dig into that roof, when we come back? Erik: Yeah, we can do that. Caroline: Maybe I'll find an ax and will help you with this...we'll see how it goes. Newstudiowoman: Caro is very eager to help. Commercial Newsstudioeman: Caro, how's it going? Caroline: Now we're back in this amazing cabin, I'm so impressed, Erik. I'm thinking that you can tell us what kind of tools you've picked. Erik: This is a timber ax, so I've used this to do the cornices and corner posts on the timber, and it's the corners so they fit together. And then I've used a shekel ax, you use that to make the long pulls (smoothening out on the long sides) on the timber so they fit lengthwise, quite simply so it keeps sealed. And then I've sealed it with moss, everything is from around here. Caroline: This ax seems to be very old, it looks like one from the Viking era. Erik: Yes, no, maybe not the Viking era. Caroline: And this one? Erik: That's a bark knife, I've removed the bark from all the logs with that knife. Caroline: Aha, really, really nice. But what are your plans for inside, have you started to think about the furniture mentally? Erik: I've thought about it. Maybe a bed here (points at the wall) and a table here by the window. And then, and an open fireplace that I'll lay here behind you. Caroline: Here the fireplace will be. Erik: Precisely. Here you can make a fire and cook food and I'll brick a chimney that goes straight up and through the roof. Caroline: Wow, so nice. I read an article about you and there I read, that the reason you wanted to do something like this was that you wanted to show that your generation isn't so lazy like some people may think. Erik: Maybe.. partially that, yes. You want to show them it's doable. Caroline: Nothing is impossible. Erik: Yeah, exactly. And to show them that you don't need an education, you can learn by yourself. You can do anything if you take time for it. That's what my grandpa taught me. Caroline: You said you were gonna continue on the roof, what do you say? Shall we continue? Erik: Yeah, we can do that. Caroline: So the plan is that you'll live here by yourself when it's done. Erik: Part-time, yes. I'm gonna continue to study, so then I'll live on campus. But I'll rent it out to companies and for events and hunting and forest baths. Caroline: you go up first, otherwise I'll kill myself. Erik: You have to climb a bit. You wanna try and chop some? Caroline: God, how will I get up here? God, Ima kill myself. You know what, I'll leave the chopping to you. An ax and ice are not so good for Caroline. Erik: Yeah, one must be careful. Caroline: You chop and I'll look from the ground. Very well done.

No wonder why erik is named ”grankvist” as last name. He isn’t born in the woods, the woods was born out of him.

I could definitely watch a 10h version instead. It's so satisfying to watch how you make slow progress, what technique you're using and how you're doing it with hand tools (seriously, power tools make it less than half as interesting). So if you ever think of uploading a REAL LONG episode of everything you have decided to cut out, please do.

The full 2 hour video randomly popped up on my suggested feed.... watched the entire thing and kept thinking... “This dude is gonna be ripped when this cabin is finished!”.. Amazing job!

You are really a great, hansom and strong man! This is a not a log cabin, but a wonderful house for permanent residence! I look forward to your next video! And yes, I have watched all video's!

Sicket häste jobb så impad. Läste någonstans att det var så skönt att det inte fanns bakgrundsmusik utan bara naturen och ditt arbete. Underbart med fågelsången men även de andra ljuden. ❤️❤️

Skills that we will all need here shortly

What an accomplishment....hard work, patience, perseverance, dedication and pride! What a fine young man you are!

I watched that whole 2 hour video at 3am and had work in the morning... Gonna watch this one too

Såg dig på nyhetsmorgon i morse👍bra jobbat

Erik incredible accomplishment, it must feel good. Thanks for sharing your whole journey with us. I have enjoyed every minute. 👍👍 I watched interview. Celebrity now. Someone will want to make a movie Erik! 😃

Wow, you are a true craftsman, can’t wait for the next video Hi from Western Australia 🇦🇺

I've enjoyed watching the build. Awesome work with the 🪓. Can't wait to see the finished product.🍻

I think this is every mans dream, its in our blood. Impressive seeing your journey

Hey!, I actually watched the 2hr version, but this edit is really cool as well! Keep up the good work. :)

A lot of hard work you've done there, I watched the long version. Can't wait to see it completed! This is something I've always wanted to do

You are doing a really great job Erik! Thank you allowing me to share! I m in North America and I need these to calm down! You really impress me! 👍👌

This is so cool and looks like an amazing adventure I can't wait to see the rest of the cabin!!💗💗

As soon as I start the video I'm instantly relaxed. I applaude your skill and dedication.

Great 500 days and look where you are with a great build. Soon you will have a great home and no mortgage to pay forevermore. Thanks for all tour fine work. Hang in and finish. 🐻🙏

Välproducerat i vanlig ordning, ser fram emot nästa video!

Hi, Erik. Your cabin looking great. I watch the interview, it was nice to hear your voice, at last. Swedish language in Finland sounds a little bit different than Swedish swedish so I didn't understood all of it, but I think it was a good interview. You look (and sound) such a happy guy. I wish all the best for you.

I began watching when you first started laying the foundation to your cabin and never tired of watching your skills. This video was a nice refresher to the beginning. Who taught you your skills? I love how you respect and care for your tools. Your cuts and ax skills are done with such precision and cleanness.

Being able to edit 2-hours of footage into 15-minutes is truly amazing, as is your cabin build. 👍 It speak a thousand words of the ability you have within!

Truly awesome and inspiring. Such great work. Looking forward to your new episode.

Nicely filmed and edited Erik. I appreciate your craftsmanship.

Lol, rewatching all that with the mug in the end made me realize this is the longest commercial I've ever seen XD

awesome! love the slow-mo of the debarking~

Hello from Florida USA. Thanks for showing this can be done by one man, good instruction and quality workmanship! Gives me an idea for a project here at home.

I recently found your channel and I really love it! Keep the good work going!

I am so impressed with you doing this that I'm seriously lost for words. I can't wait to see the next video.

I have seen the 2 hour video, but I still getting absorbed by your work. Looking forward the following ! Huge respect

Your videos were truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experience and skills with all of us. The peaceful surroundings and scenery reminded me a lot of the forests we have here in Canada.

I am Mexican and I’m big fan, I mean, WOW. I have no words, just congratulations 👏🏻🙌🏻

I've never clicked so fast lol

What a happy surprise to see another video. It's been interesting following your work and Thank You for sharing this with us. Already looking forward to the next video.

Realizing your dream at 18 yrs old is such an achievement. I am sure you will achieve many more dreams in the coming future. Bravo your life !

You ser are an inspiration. Wind beneath the wings. A one of a kind, you are are on your way to a very happy life, just keep doing what your doing. Thanks for sharing your life. PEACE BROTHER

Some skills right there!

I like your determination and so far you are the only one from cabin builders here, who not only cuts down trees but also systematically plants them. Good luck and looking forward onto your progress !

Could you imagine trying to tell this guy about anything cool you did. And always have the response "yeah? Well i built a whole house by hand" id give up

Erik says in the interview that he hasn't even studied carpentry at school.

Beautiful pictures and an impressive compilation of your work and adventure so far! Keep it going and stay safe!

Great work, dedication, commitment and effort Erik.....I'm really proud of you! Well done!

Pure hard work and craftsmanship amazes me! Love the videos man keep up the hard work 🙌🏽

It's definitely a ASMR channel

The scent of fresh pine is revitalizing.

Watched the 2 hour video fully. Such dedication Good example of how to stay committed to what to set your mind to.

Watching this was so satisfying Really looking forward on the outcome of your cabin Erik.

After watching this again, and seeing how well your ax’s work. As well the care ,and attention, you give them . I think I’ll never let my splitting maul hit the ground, let alone just drop it while splitting fire wood

You are the most talented person I have ever seen

Dear Erik, what you managed to do is incredible! The discipline, power and technical understanding is really remarkable! It is so amazing how accurate all the whole, spaces etc were made just by hand tools ⚒️. Enjoy the time in this wonderful home and stay healthy 👍👍👍💪💪🐾🐾

All I can say is WOW. I am a First Nations Ojibwe person in Canada and it's wonderful to see you using the land and it's gifts to make a shelter....I am in awe....can't wait to see more!!

I'm sorry..... he already has merch! Some wild, hard working, outdoors loving , video editing, business man. Also keep in mind he had to move that camera to get the different shots. Not only working harder than most but pausing mid log heave to move a camera Again.... impressed

Good to see you back,thank you for sharing.❤👍

The part where you make the stepped logs to use for levering the logs up higher on the wall, brilliant! Can't wait to see how the roof framing is managed.

Im soooo glad he posted this i came to the channell a month after the 2 hour video was posted and as a new weiwer wasent willing to whatch the howle thing thank you so much💖:)

Glad to see another upload!

It doesn't beat your 2 hours version. It was great to watch it non-stop. :)

Wow, you are the epitome of the saying "Persistence breaks resistance". I watched the almost 2 hour video. Very enjoyable. Great watching the 'old ways' come alive again. Thank you for taking the time to set up the cameras so that the rest of us can enjoy your creation being built. Looking forward to the next video.

Great video! I give you lots of credit. That’s hard work. I’d love to build a cabin!

Just found your channel Erik, love it! Let me know if you ever want/need a hand 😊 /Another Swede living in the wild

Some of the items you’re wearing in here look very American Wild West, you got some taste with those items.

7:21 Love the cuckoo bird!

Hey Eric, i must say...the last years i watched many videos for how to build a cabin, as it is my dream to build one by myself one day. But your videos are the most inspiring and even without words, i learned a lot from your clips. Thank you.

Erik.. Every time I watch you working, I just wished I had a quarter of the ambition you have. What a great thing you have done building this cabin with no power tools. I still like the idea of how you rolled the logs up to the new level. Keep up the great work. P.S. I love that you are replenishing the woods with new trees.

This man really is a whole freaking vibe

This was amazing to watch! I can not express how much I am impressed! Outstanding!

Dude at 5:35 and 9:54 when you threw the axe-and landed it--that was sick--love the video--cant wait to see how she comes out

Erik, have you read "The Heros Journey" by Joseph Campbell, i see what you did as a "spirit quest". That, is a native American tradition, where a young man goes on a journey of discovery, and, finds out who he is, and, where he belongs. Many of us did it in the sixites and seventies,. Have you read any of Jack Kerouac's books. I suggest, "On the Road" if you have not already discovered it. I am 71, a retired carpenter/farmer/cabinetmaker who lives in the woods on the north shore of Lake Superior, here in Minnesota, i have Norwegian and Swedish ancestors, and, i have loved to watch you on your journey.

So much progress, wow I still can't believe this was possible Respect x 100 Sorry for my english, have a nice day ✨

Hey Erik, I absolutely adore what you're doing. Fantastic! Keep up the good work

that bit when you were shaving the bark from the logs was so beautiful !