I’ve always dreamed of campervaning in the Nordic region, and the best way I envisioned experiencing it was in a camper van. For the past couple of years, I toyed with the idea of going to Norway and Sweden, driving through their beautiful mountainous regions, and sleeping in a camper van along the way. In May 2024, after over a year of diligent saving, that dream finally came true.
The Long Road to Lady Bird
We finally mustered enough savings to buy an old, perhaps fourth or fifth-hand, vintage camper van—a 34-year-old Volkswagen LT series. We affectionately named her Lady Bird. This trusty camper van became our home on wheels and made our dream campervan trip a reality.
Preparing for the Journey
We purchased Lady Bird in Poland and spent considerable time preparing her for our epic drive through the Nordics. We installed an alarm system and cameras at the front and back in case of accidents. We ensured everything was in good working order and stocked up on essentials like cooking utensils, bedding, and non-perishable food items.
Tip: Before embarking on a long journey in an older vehicle, get a comprehensive mechanical check-up and consider investing in safety features like dashcams and alarms.
Beginning the Adventure: Through the Baltics
Our journey began as we drove towards Lithuania, north of Poland, starting an anti-clockwise loop that would eventually lead us to Norway. We traversed Lithuania and Latvia, soaking in the sights and cultures along the way.
Insider Hack: Download offline maps of the regions you’ll be traveling through to save on data and ensure navigation even in remote areas.
Celebrating Midsummer in Tallinn
We arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, on June 23rd—Midsummer’s Day, the longest daylight hours of the year—which also happened to be my birthday. We had a lovely time in Tallinn, spending almost a full week there before preparing for the next leg of our journey.
Useful Information: Midsummer is a major celebration in Estonia with numerous festivals and events. Plan your visit around this time to experience the local culture at its peak.
Crossing into Finland
Mindful of the higher prices in the Nordic countries, we stocked up on as much food as we could before crossing over. With our camper van loaded with canned food, pasta, rice, and other non-perishables, we took a six-hour ferry ride to Helsinki, Finland.
Tip: Stock up on groceries and essentials in more affordable countries before entering Scandinavia to stretch your budget further.
Exploring Helsinki and Beyond
We fell in love with Helsinki. If you haven’t been to Finland before, it’s absolutely beautiful. The capital is gorgeous, with its harbor, boats, and vibrant atmosphere—partially due to the long, beautiful daylight hours of summer. Surprisingly, Helsinki wasn’t as expensive as we thought. We managed to buy fresh produce, ate out once, and even found great camping spots by the lake and harbor. Parking wasn’t as difficult as we anticipated, and we even went to the gym three times that week.
Insider Hack: Look for municipal gyms or fitness centers in cities—they often offer day passes at reasonable rates and provide facilities like showers, which are handy for camper van travelers.
Into the Arctic Circle: Santa Claus Village
Reluctantly leaving Helsinki, we drove northwards to the famous Santa Claus Village in Finland, located near the Arctic Circle. It was a magical experience that reignited the childlike wonder in us, truly a magical experience in my dream trip of campervaning in the Nordic region.
Useful Information: Entrance to Santa Claus Village is free, but certain activities may have fees. Visiting during off-peak hours can help you avoid crowds.
Experiencing Sweden
After Finland, we crossed over into Sweden. We noticed a price jump but were prepared for it. We continued our journey, mindful of our budget, and took in the Swedish landscapes.
Gothenburg: Climbing and Relaxation
We eventually made our way to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, where we enjoyed climbing and even indulged in a sauna and spa experience—a birthday present from Agnes and her mom.
Tip: Take advantage of Sweden’s “Allemansrätten” or “Right of Public Access,” which allows you to camp almost anywhere in nature for free, provided you respect the environment.
Norway: The Country of My Dreams
Finally, we arrived in Norway—country number 64 for me—the country of my dreams, and my personal highlight for our journey in campervaning in the Nordic. Norway is spectacular, with its fjords, lakes, red cabin houses, and unique stone rock formations. It’s a vast country with a population size similar to Singapore’s, around six to seven million inhabitants. With such a large area and relatively small population, we often felt like we had the place to ourselves, encountering more tourists than locals.
Exploring Norway from North to South
We spent a month in Norway, driving from the north to the south. We could no longer indulge in endless fresh produce—even a single mushroom cost two euros! Despite the high prices, we did our best to enjoy the country. We worked as we drove, camped at beautiful places, and soaked in stunning views from our cozy little van.
Insider Hack: Utilize Norway’s “Right to Roam” laws to camp on uncultivated land for free. Also, fishing in Norway’s seas is allowed without a license—great for fresh meals!
Challenges on the Road
Our journey wasn’t without its challenges even though we call it our dream campervan trip. Lady Bird had her quirks. We faced issues with the engine, alternator, and even had fluid leaks. She broke down once or twice, and we had to get a few things fixed along the way.
Overcoming Mechanical Issues
In one instance, we had to be picked up by a tow truck and spent a night in a hotel because our vehicle wouldn’t move. Thankfully, my companion Sas managed to fix the alternator, and later, the power steering. His handyman skills were a lifesaver!
Tip: Carry essential spare parts and a basic toolkit. Knowing some fundamental mechanical skills can save you time and money on the road.
Returning Home: Reflections on the Journey
After exploring Norway, we returned via Sweden and took the ferry back to Poland—a journey from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All in all, it was an excellent and beautiful camper van trip. We met so many amazing people, visited unique churches on Sundays, hiked spectacular trails, and saw countless waterfalls, birds, and wildlife. It was absolutely beautiful.
Useful Information: Booking ferries in advance can secure better rates. Consider overnight ferries to save on accommodation costs.
Final Thoughts: Encouragement to Chase Your Dreams
I strongly recommend anyone who dreams of visiting the Scandinavian countries to immerse themselves in the beauty of these mountains and fjords. If you’re a nature lover, it’s definitely worth exploring by car. Camper vanning can be a bit more expensive upfront, but it’s a fantastic way to see the country. If that’s not feasible, consider driving through with a car—you can always camp and sleep in a tent or get a pop-up car to sleep upstairs.
Insider Hack: Use apps like Park4Night or iOverlander to find free or low-cost camping spots, dump stations, and other camper-friendly services.
Traveling at Your Own Pace
Traveling at a comfortable pace is important, especially if you’re working on the go like Sas and I were. It’s definitely nice to have a companion or friends with you for a camper vanning trip. Make sure to find the right people to travel with.
We’re still in the camper van for another three weeks before we return and sell it to its next owner. We can’t bear to say goodbye to Lady Bird, especially after the long bonding while campervaning in the Nordic region. But, there is a season for everything, and it’s time to head back to Singapore.
What’s Next: Sharing More Tips and Experiences
I’m planning to share more tips on how to camper van efficiently—important considerations like water, heating, fuel, and routes to take to get the best out of the trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, I hope my story inspires you to chase your dreams.
Please enjoy the stories and photos, and I look forward to hearing your comments on what you like most about this region or any tips you have for fellow camper vanners.
Signing off here. Thank you.
