Planning an autumn trip with a motor home
As September approaches and the leaves begin to change color, there is no better way to welcome autumn than with a motorhome trip through some of the Nordic region's most scenic areas. This year I have planned an epic journey that will take me through Finland's lake districts, Finnish Lapland, the North Cape, Northern Norway with gems like Senja and maybe Lofoten, further along the Helgeland coast in Norway and finally back through Sweden via the beautiful Wilderness Route before returning home to Västerås. With the camera at its best, the goal is to capture all the autumn colors and magnificent landscapes. Both Finland (except Helsinki), North Cape, Senja and the Helgeland coast are new travel destinations for me.
Trip Route and Highlights
1. Finland's lake district
The journey starts on September 2 by crossing the Baltic Sea towards Finland with Silja Line. Finland's Lake District, known for its thousands of sparkling lakes and dense forests, will be my first stop. Here I hope to catch the first autumn colors that are beginning to reflect in the still waters. An important part of the trip is to take it easy and enjoy nature.
2. Finnish Lapland
The next stop is Finnish Lapland, an area that should be as magical as it sounds. Up here, autumn is normally already in full swing by early September, and the landscape explodes in colors of yellow, red and orange. One of the highlights here will be hiking in the autumn landscape and capturing the dramatic views on camera.
3. North Cape
After experiencing the wilderness of Lapland, the journey continues north towards North Cape – Europe's northernmost point. Here I am hoping for a chance to capture the unique light that can only be found at these latitudes. Even though the temperature is starting to drop, there is something special about standing by the cliffs and looking out over that sea.
4. Northern Norway: Senja and Lofoten
From North Cape I head west towards the coast of Northern Norway, where the next destination is the island of Senja. Senja is less well-known than Lofoten, but offers at least as dramatic fjords, steep cliffs and picturesque small villages. Possibly, there will again be a few stops at Lofoten, whose spectacular landscape with mountains rising directly from the sea and beautiful beaches is a dream for all photographers.
5. The Helgeland coast
Then the journey continues south along the Helgeland coast, one of Norway's most beautiful and least exploited coasts. With ferries taking me between the islands, I hope to experience the magnificent nature up close. This is a relatively unknown area for me so far, so it will be exciting to discover.
6. Wilderness road in Sweden
The last part of the journey takes me back to Sweden via the spectacular “Vildmarksvägen”. This road, which runs through some of Sweden's most remote and untouched areas, is a perfect end to the journey. Here I hope to experience the autumn splendor of the Swedish mountain world.
Thoughts when planning
Flexibility is key: Autumn can be unpredictable, and the weather can change quickly, especially in the north. I am well prepared with four-wheel drive and all-season tires as there will possibly be snow on some road sections.
Planning for remote areas: Some parts of the journey go through sparsely populated areas with limited opportunities to stock up on supplies. I will make sure to always have enough food, water and fuel.
Photography: Fall light and colors are great for photography, but can also be challenging with shorter days and rapidly changing light conditions.
Final Thoughts
Traveling by motorhome gives enormous freedom and the opportunity to get really close to nature. I hope this autumn trip will be an unforgettable experience filled with fantastic landscapes, beautiful autumn colours, clear air and countless photo opportunities. By planning but also being open to the unpredictability of the adventure, I look forward to experiencing the Nordic autumn in all its splendor.
