Letters XI-XIV were first published in the Norwegian daily Verdens Gang, Christiania, July 12 and 14,1906.
(Jonas Lie (1833-1908) was one of Norway’s greatest novelists and frequently called “the poet of the homes.”)
Rome, May 25th, 1879
My Dear Jonas Lie:
I HAVE been guilty of great negligence in postponing so long an answer to your letter. Many a time have I thought that I now ought to write to you, but have unfortunately not followed up my good intention.
You wish advice concerning a place for your future residence in Germany. Probably the advice comes too late now, for I presume you have already made your choice; but, nevertheless, I shall tell you what I know. Dresden, when we arrived there, in 1868, was an inexpensive place to live in; but after the war the price of rent and other necessaries went up so that during the later years that we remained there, until the spring of 1875, we spent yearly about twice the sum that had been sufficient in the first part of our residence. I must add also that during our last residence we lived in considerably greater style than before. But under no circumstances is living inexpensive in Dresden any longer, unless the prices should have been reduced since my departure. I have not heard, however, that such is the case. On the other hand, the climate in Dresden in winter is usually very mild and agreeable, and in summer there is ample opportunity to find in one of the many neighboring country towns or villages along the Elbe a both inexpensive and easily accessible lodging place, in beautiful scenery and in healthy and bracing air. Particularly would I call your attention to Pillnitz, an hour’s ride by steamer from Dresden. The Dresdeners themselves do not associate much with strangers; nor do the strangers themselves mingle very much, or at least only with those of their own nationality; but in the winter there are usually a number of Norwegians living there.
I must very decidedly dissuade you from spending your summer at Salzburg. The city is so situated that it is visited either by oppressive heat or by much and excessively long rain. It would be much more satisfactory to choose one of the neighboring places, either Reichenhall, or the less expensive and more country-like Berchtesgaden. At both places are to be found mineral baths, and probably you might be able to avoid going to Gastein. If you should make up your mind for Berchtesgaden, then I would recommend you to inquire for lodging at Wagemeister Hasenknapf’s or at Bergmann Jakob Kurz’s; they are plain, simple people, good and worthy, and I feel sure that you would be satisfied there. The surroundings of Berchtesgaden are quite the finest imaginable; the Komgsee is but an hour’s walk distant, and there is opportunity for a number of excursions elsewhere.
But tell me one thing: have you never thought of trying Munich as a living place? There the climate is more severe in the winter than at Dresden, but I know that many rheumatic people feel very comfortable at Munich; the chief thing is to choose lodgings with a southern exposure. As for me, I feel in excellent health in the climate of Munich; there is a healthy, strengthening air, and one feels plainly the nearness of the Alps. Munich is less expensive than Dresden. There is there, also, a very good technical school where many Norwegians are studying. It has been my experience that there is more opportunity for social intercourse at Munich than at Dresden, and a more varied and interesting public life.
I just wanted to direct your attention to this. Of course, it is not any advice, for I cannot know what is most suitable for your state of health.
As for ourselves, we spent last summer in the Tyrol and came here in September. Next fall we shall again be in Munich. My son (Sigurd Ibsen, Henrik Ibsen’s only child, was born in Christiania on the 23d of December, 1859. He entered on a diplomatic career, was a member of the Norwegian cabinet from 1903 to 1905, and is at present (1909) living in Rome.) who became a student there previous to our departure, and who has been studying this year at the University of Rome, will, in October, continue his studies at Munich for a couple of years; afterward, of course, it will be necessary for him to complete them at Christiania. Whether we shall accompany him thither is still uncertain; I do not feel any particular desire to do so. Life out here in Europe is, anyhow, freer and fresher and larger.
I am busy at this time with a new dramatic work, which I hope to have finished in another month or so. I have been told that you also are working at something new.
We should be very glad if we could meet you in some place or other, and we hope that it will so happen. Until then we send our best regards to you all.
Your devoted
HENRIK IBSEN