Surviving the Cold: The Moment We Almost Turned Back

It’s been a week since we hit the road, and already, our overlanding journey has been filled with highs and lows. From barefoot adventures to architectural marvels, we’ve uncovered some hidden gems along the way. But nothing could have prepared us for the challenges we faced on Day 5—a freezing night with no heating system in the middle of nowhere. We seriously considered turning back. But let’s start from the beginning ...

A Serendipitous Stop at Barefoot Path Egestorf

Our adventure began with a stroke of serendipity. While driving north, we spotted one of those brown Autobahn signs near Hannover — this one read “Barefoot Path Egestorf.” Curious and with time to spare before our ferry to Finland, we decided to make an unplanned stop. After all, the next day was the last day the path would be open for the season, and it had an RV parking area right at the entrance—an overlander’s dream!

That evening, we parked our 12-ton beast, stretched our legs with a short walk, and enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by Annika in the truck. The next morning, we embarked on the barefoot path, a 3km trail where shoes were not allowed. It was cold, fun, and occasionally painful. Stepping on beechnuts barefoot? Definitely not for the faint-hearted! But the experience was one we’ll never forget.

Ferry to Helsinki: A Welcome Break

After a quick stop in Travemünde for some cake and a scenic view of Lübecker Bucht, we boarded the ferry bound for Helsinki. It was a long wait — boarding didn’t happen until 2 AM—but the following 30 hours gave us time to recharge. We ate, slept, and caught up on some reading as the ferry made its way through the Baltic Sea.

Discovering Helsinki’s Design and Culture

Helsinki greeted us with crisp autumn air and a lot of architectural charm. We parked near the city center and took out our trusty folding bikes for a ride through town. Our first stop? The Architecture and Design Museum, a must for anyone with an eye for aesthetics.

The next day, we played tourists with a twist—hopping on tram line 2 for a self-guided tour through Helsinki’s major landmarks. Senatsplatz, with its majestic dome, was awe-inspiring, while the bustling Marktplatz offered beautiful views of the water. The Felsenkirche (Rock Church) is a jaw-dropping structure carved directly into solid rock, and the charming Töölö district felt like a bohemian escape within the city.

One of the highlights? A visit to Café Regatta near the Sibelius Monument. This lakeside café is a hidden gem, and we savored every sip of our hot chocolate with a view of the water.

Helsinki left us buzzing with excitement. After a full day of exploration, we fell into bed, exhausted but full of joy.

Lahti: When Things Took a Turn

Leaving Helsinki, we made a pit stop to refill our water tanks and stock up on warmer clothes — we were starting to feel the bite of colder temperatures. a Helly Hansen Jacket was on Ralf bucket list for long. In Lahti, we cycled through town, visiting the Alvar Aalto Church and standing in awe beneath the towering ski jumps. The view from below the ski jumping arena was spectacular.

But our perfect day came to an abrupt halt that evening. As the sun set and temperatures plummeted, we realized our heating system wasn’t working. It was 5 degrees Celsius outside, and the temperature inside the truck dropped to 14 degrees. Ralf tried to fix it, but nothing worked. Huddled in blankets, we felt the cold seeping in, and for the first time on this trip, we questioned whether we could continue.

Should we abandon our plan to head north? Could we manage without heat, or would we have to turn back?

Jyväskylä: Back on the Road

After a restless, freezing night, we pressed on to Jyväskylä, hoping to find a solution to our heating problem. Despite the lingering worry, we took some time to enjoy the city, visiting the Alvar Aalto Museum to learn more about Finland’s most famous architect.

Thankfully, the wonderful team at Twiga Travel Cars came to our rescue. They helped us solve the issue with our heating system, and just like that, we were back in the game. That evening, we parked by a quiet lake, the warmth inside our RV making all the difference as we watched the stars reflect on the water. It felt like a hard-earned victory, and a reminder that the challenges of the road make the good moments even sweeter.

Reflecting on Our First Week

One week into our journey, and we’re starting to understand just how privileged we are to travel like this. Yes, the road has its fair share of obstacles — like nights without heating in the freezing cold — but it also offers us experiences and views you can’t get from the comfort of home.

This adventure is just beginning, and despite the moments of doubt, we’re ready for whatever comes next. Because at the end of the day, life truly begins when you step out of your comfort zone ... into the cold.