A Year of Transformation

Sunrise at Nordkapp
Sunrise at Nordkapp. New times are on the horizon.

The past year has been one of significant change and transformation for me. As the seasons shifted, so did many aspects of my life—my life, my relationship, my home, and my focus. Change, while sometimes challenging, has a way of guiding us to where we need to be, and I’ve come to embrace it with an open heart. I’d like to share with you some of the major changes that have unfolded, and how they are shaping the journey ahead for Ludde and me. Embracing the change.

A Personal Update: The End of a Chapter

Life has a way of bringing on change when we least expect it. This was true during easter last year, and over the past year, there have been a few more. The most personal of these changes, that sparked of all the changes in the first place, is that Kaddy and I are no longer a couple. This was a mutual decision that came about in May of this year. It was made with respect and understanding that our friendship is more important to us than trying to keep a romantic relationship alive. While our relationship has evolved, our friendship remains as strong as ever. We continue to support one another and cherish the many adventures we’ve shared. What the future will bring of the type of adventure we shared with you guys is yet to be seen, but in one way or the other, there will come more shared adventures for you guys to take part in.

Kaddy and Toffa at Nordkapp
Kaddy and me at Nordkapp for the second time in one year. Embracing the change to come. First time we were here, we were a couple. Now we're here as good friends.
Toffa and Kaddy at Nordkapp
Kaddy wanted to take a selfie at the globe, and ended up using me as the "background" as I was trying to get some shots of the sunrise.

Kaddy’s New Journey in Tromsø

Kaddy is embarking on an exciting new chapter of her own. She moved to Tromsø now in August (2024) to start a new life and a career in tourism, leaving behind her role in civil service in Germany. With her is Peachy, her loyal companion. Tromsø offers her a fresh start, and I do not doubt that she’ll bring her passion for travel, people, and culture to this new role, thriving in the stunning landscapes of Northern Norway.

Peachy and Ludde cuddling together
Two good friends cuddling up together in Peachy's new bed in Kaddy's old kitchen in Kiel.

Establishing a Winter Base in the Woods

As for me, one of the biggest changes has been establishing a winter base that lets me indulge in vanlife more than I had the chance to earlier. I sold my old apartment which was a money drain for me, and moved in at my family’s cabin in the woods. This cabin has always been a place of refuge and inspiration, and now it serves as a sanctuary where I can immerse myself in nature and focus on my photography during the colder months. It’s a space that offers peace, reflection, and the quiet I need to recharge for the year ahead.

The cabin in the woods.
When you've been dreaming of living in a cabin in the woods, and the dream turn out to be true. This is Bekkrbua where I spend my winter.

The New Knotten: A Fresh Start on the Road

Another significant change from last year has been upgrading from the old camper, which many of you know as Knotten, to a new one—still bearing the name of Knotten. The Old Knotten was the backdrop for many unforgettable adventures last year, but as we also saw, had its bouquet of problems. The “New Knotten” represents a fresh start and is more equipped for my further journey with Ludde and the camera. Knotten is more than just a vehicle; it’s a home, a place to operate from, and a trusted companion on the road. Later this fall/winter I will come back to the “new” Knotten in more detail.

Knotten
Knotten, or as talk about in this blogpost "The New Knotten" baking in the sun on the road to Nordkapp.

Moving Forward: More Focus on Photography and Purposeful Travel

With these changes comes a shift in focus. While vanlife will for the foreseeable future be a part of my identity, I’m now placing a stronger emphasis on my photography than earlier. Knotten will still be my mobile home and base of operations, but my travels will be more purposeful—focused on exploring and capturing my favourite locations in more detail. This journey is no longer just about moving from place to place to explore; it’s about digging deeper into these locations that inspire me and call me back again and again in the search for more photographs.

Doing photography
Finally able to some photography after a rather stressful winter and spring.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. Your support means the world to me, and I hope you’ll continue to follow along as I’m embracing the change and embark on new adventures. Join Ludde and me in Knotten as we explore Norway, and our favourite locations with a fresh perspective, ready to capture the beauty of the landscapes and the moments that make life extraordinary.

Toffa and Ludde
Ludde and me embracing the changes to our life and the time ahead.
Selfie of Toffa.
One of the more rare selfies where I actually smile. I'm positive for the times ahead as I'm longing to get more of my life in order.
Knotten driving into the horison.
As the road leads on, Knotten, Ludde and I are embracing the change.

All photos by me except for the last photo which is by Kaddy.

Toffa and Knotten
Toffa and Knotten

Toffa Berg is a vanlifer and landscape photographer based in Norway. Travelling in a Laika X595R mobile home named Knotten, Toffa explores and documents the natural beauty of Norway, with a particular focus on woodlands, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, coastlines, and mountain landscapes. Avoiding cities, he seeks out quieter, less-populated areas to capture his imagery.

When not on the road, Toffa returns to Stavanger, his base for rest and preparation. Accompanied by his miniature schnauzer, Ludde, he shares his photography and experiences on the Toffa and Knotten website.

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