Toffa
Hi there! I’m Toffa Berg, a landscape photographer and part-time vanlifer from Stavanger, Norway. I’m excited to share my life on the road and my love for Norway’s stunning landscapes.
Some Quick Facts – Just for Fun
- Astrology Sign: Cancer the Crab ♋
- Favorite Color: Earthy greens, reds, and oranges
- Morning Person or Night Owl?: Night Owl
- Go-to Comfort Food: Homemade cheeseburger 🍔
- Hobby You Can’t Give Up: Playing bass and guitar 🎸
- Biggest Pet Peeve: Traffic jams
- Secret Dream Job: Famous bass player 🎸
- Favourite Way to Unwind: Getting lost in a story-driven video game 🎮
- Current Playlist Vibe: Indie folk with a touch of singer-songwriter Americana
- Unusual Skill: I can annoy a stone!
Early Life and Beginnings
I was born, I grew up...
I was born and grew up in Stavanger, a city I once believed held the key to happiness. However, over time, I realized that the peace I sought was not in the urban environment but in the natural world. My true connection to nature began during childhood summers spent at my family’s cabin in the woods. These months were the highlight of every year, offering a profound sense of freedom and a deep connection to nature that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
Artistic Evolution
My creative journey began with art, focusing on oil and watercolor painting. I dabbled in photography during my last year of middle school, but it wasn't until a trip to a friend's family cabin that my passion for photography truly blossomed. I later ventured into concert photography, convinced that urban life was where I’d find fulfillment. I suppressed my connection to nature, believing that city life would bring me happiness.
Challenges and Transformation
However, this period was also marked by escalating challenges with mental health and addiction. I was forced to reevaluate what truly mattered. I took a break from photography for two years, and during this time of sobriety, I found my way back to it. My renewed connection to nature was profound, and the idea of vanlife started to take shape, though it would be years before it became a reality.
Vanlife Journey
I needed to turn my life up side down to get better.
After nearly five years of sobriety, I returned to concert photography, but old struggles with depression and alcohol resurfaced. This cycle continued for years, worsening my mental health as I isolated myself, driven by heavy drinking and disillusionment with the life I thought would bring me joy. By 2021, I reached a breaking point and realized that if I wanted to continue living, something had to change.
That change came in the form of Knotten—or rather, the original Knotten. Knotten wasn’t just a vehicle; it became a lifeline. Embracing vanlife allowed me to reconnect with the landscapes that had always brought me peace and gave me the freedom to rebuild my life on my terms. Knotten, starting as an old 1999 model Chausson Welcome 50, became my saviour. I customized it extensively to suit my needs and, in 2023, embarked on a transformative six-month journey across Norway. This trip marked the birth of Toffa and Knotten but also the farewell to the original Knotten.
Current Life and Passion
Today, I’ve upgraded to a newer camper, still named Knotten, and have established a base at my family’s cabin in the woods, leaving city life behind. Now, I travel across Norway part-time, accompanied by my loyal, waffle-loving companion, Ludde the mini schnauzer. Landscape photography remains my driving passion, inspiring me to capture the ever-changing light, moods, and colours of nature.
The road ahead
Stavanger remains my home base where I recharge, edit my photos, and reflect on my journeys before setting out again. My love for Norway continues to guide me, helping me draw closer to the natural beauty that inspires me daily.