In the world of overlanding, some seek tropical climates or dusty desert trails. For Bjørn Egge, the call is different. It’s a whisper on the wind, a silence found deep in the snow-covered mountains of Norway. His life is a conscious choice to make nature his true home.

We chatted with Bjørn to learn what drives a man to spend over 200 nights a year chasing solitude under the Nordic sky.

The Call of the Wild

Bjørn’s story begins where the map starts to fade. “I originate from the mountains of Norway, where the raw nature shapes both the mindset and the heart,” he says. For Bjørn, this isn’t a hobby; it’s his life, looking to spend all of his free time outside, “between trees and mountains, where the wind whispers old fairy tales in my ear and the stars are my night light.”

This profound connection was forged in childhood but solidified by a poignant moment. “It came when I lost close family members. It was as if life suddenly knocked on my door, brutally reminding me that nothing lasts forever.” This catalyst pushed Bjørn to seize the moment and live his best life now, not in a distant ‘someday.’ He returned to the mountains, to the feeling he first had as a child lying alone under the open sky, a feeling of restless calm, of “being on my way to something bigger.”

A Rig Built for Extremes

To live this life year-round in Scandinavia requires a vehicle that's also a lifeline. Bjørn’s platform is a unique Nissan Navara, rebuilt by the experts at Arctic Trucks in Norway. Drawing on their Icelandic heritage, Arctic Trucks creates vehicles that can handle deep snow, raging rivers and steep mountain passes. “It is precisely this legacy that has been continued in my car,” Bjørn notes. “For me, it's about being able to trust that the vehicle is always ready for the unknown.”

But the truck is only half the equation. The soul of his setup is the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper. “This is far more than a regular rooftop tent. It's my mobile home.” After 250 nights in a conventional roof tent, the comfort and security of the Canopy Camper are non-negotiable. “Having the door and the comfort in my home is something I don't want to trade away,” he states. It provides a robust, year-round refuge, allowing him to sleep dry and warm even at minus 30 degrees Celsius.

He complements the camper with two other essential Alu-Cab products: a 270-Degree Shadow Awning and a Shower Cube. The awning creates a large, sheltered outdoor area, enabling him to cook and relax outside regardless of weather. The shower tent offers privacy and the ability to shower even in brutal, sub-zero temperatures. This entire system provides “all my needs for comfort, protection and flexibility throughout all seasons.”

The Wisdom of the Trail

Years of experience have taught Bjørn the value of simplicity and preparedness. Like many, he started by over-packing. Now, his philosophy is refined: “Everything that fits in my setup has at least one specific function, preferably two, and sometimes three.” This focus on multi-functional, quality gear ensures self-sufficiency without unnecessary weight.

This wisdom was hard-earned. He recalls a challenging winter night at -28°C. “I learned how important it is to be thoroughly prepared: It is not enough just to have an extreme winter sleeping bag.” He now brings his water bottle into his sleeping bag to prevent freezing. A simple yet critical routine. “This is a good example of how tough conditions force smart routines and provide experiences you never forget.”

When asked about his most memorable experience, the raw beauty of Iceland stands out. “Going for long walks surrounded by mighty mountains and volcanic landscapes, coming back to camp, taking a hot shower, eating a good meal and then sitting and looking out over the Greenland Sea, gives a feeling of freedom that is hard to describe.”

A Community Around the Fire

For someone who treasures solitude, Bjørn finds deep value in the overlanding community. “The most rewarding thing is without a doubt all the encounters with new cultures, people and nature experiences.” He speaks of conversations around a fire in a Swedish forest leading to profound friendships. “We learn from each other… It's a continuous exchange of stories, traditions, and little tricks to deal with everything from the cold to cooking outside.”

This sense of shared respect extends to the land itself. Bjørn is a staunch advocate for ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. “It's about leaving nature as we found it. Or preferably a little better.” For him, this is a matter of course, a lesson passed down and one he now teaches his son. “Nature takes care of you, if you take care of it.”

The Road Ahead

The adventure is far from over. Bjørn’s sights are set on exploring the rest of the Arctic Circle, with its extreme conditions and spectacular landscapes. His rig continues to evolve, with plans for an automatic tire inflation system to seamlessly adapt to changing surfaces on the long, remote tracks ahead.

For those dreaming of their own adventure but feeling overwhelmed, his advice is simple and powerful. “Just do it! Take the first step into the unknown, because the worst thing that can happen is that you fall in love with this lifestyle.”

He dismisses the notion that you need the most expensive gear from the start. “The main thing is to be curious and willing to try.” The community, he assures, is inclusive and helpful. “No one looks down on you because you ask. On the contrary, most people think it's nice to help.”

For Bjørn Egge, home isn’t a pin on a map. It’s a feeling of belonging that arrives the moment he parks his rig. It’s the drum of rain on the camper roof, the warmth of a diesel heater against the cold, and the vast, silent embrace of the Nordic wilderness. Home is, truly, where he parks it.

Follow Bjørn’s journeys on Instagram at @Egge_Overland.