In a world where success is often measured in square meters, suits, and career titles, Martine chose a different path. She sold her house and belongings, took early retirement, and bought a Dovra RIG X-610. Her goal? Not to escape – but to find home.
“I love my life. I’m an adventurer. I wanted more time, more nature, more life. And Sweden called to me – the climate, the people, the freedom.”
From finance to the fells
Just two years ago, Martine lived a structured but comfortable life. She worked in Luxemburg’s financial sector, exercised regularly, and lived what she calls a “normal” life. But beneath the surface, there was a longing – for nature, silence, and simplicity.
“I loved being outside with my horses, taking photos and hiking. But I wanted to travel more.”
When Martine sold her house and her retirement date approached, she saw her opportunity. She sold most of her belongings, stored the rest – and packed her life into the Dovra. In November 2024, she headed north

A new life – in the middle of winter
Dreaming of vanlife is one thing. Actually doing it – and starting in the middle of winter, in northern Lapland – is something else entirely.

“I had never owned a camper before. Everything was new. But I really wanted this. And I wasn’t afraid.”

Martine began looking for a vehicle that could meet her needs: winter-proof, compact, stylish, and fully off-grid. She discovered Dovra on YouTube and traveled to Kumla to see it in person.

“When I saw the Dovra in the factory, I instantly knew: this is the one. I didn’t even have to think.”

The vehicle is built for Nordic conditions – with insulation, water based underfloor heating, solar panels, and natural materials. Martine also added clever storage solutions to be able to travel independently for long periods.

“This is my home”
Since then, Martine has been living in her Dovra – through four months of Lapland winter, with temperatures dropping as low as –30 °C. But despite the cold, she hasn’t felt frozen for even a second.

“It works. It’s always warm and quiet. I have more power than I need, I can charge my laptop and cameras. I feel safe. This isn’t camping . This is my home.”

And while some thought the vehicle cost a lot of money, Martine sees it differently:

“You get what you pay for. It’s only when you live in the Dovra that you realize how many smart details make the whole experience amazing.”

Everyday life in motion
Today, Martine’s life is simple but rich. She wakes up with views of mountains or forests, cooks in her small kitchen, reads, takes walks – and keeps moving. Sometimes she stays at campsites, sometimes with friends, sometimes all alone in nature.

“I enjoy the present moment. I am free. I have everything I need right here.”

The plan was to live in the vehicle for six months. Now it’s been eight – and there’s no sign she wants to stop.

Self-growth and Swedish vocabulary
Along the way, Martine has not only become a confident driver and navigator. She’s grown as a person. Gained new confidence. Become more organized. Learned Swedish.

“I’m at level B1 now. Swedes are so helpful, and learning the language makes me feel even more at home here.”

Her new life has given her a calm she never had before. A slower pace. A different kind of wealth.

“I don’t need much. I have my home, my freedom – and every day is a new adventure.”

A choice that inspires
Martine is far from the only one who’s dreamed of freedom on the road. But she’s one of the few who actually did it. She took the leap. Swapped the safety of finance for the silence of the mountains.

Her advice to anyone thinking of doing something similar?

“Just do it. Life is short. Do what you love”

Name: Martine Schillen
Age: Turning 60
Background: Finance industry in Luxembourg
Current home: Dovra RIG X-610
Travel route so far: Sweden, especially Lapland
Swedish language level: B1/1
Favorite vehicle feature: Insulation, design, and off-grid capabilities
Summer destinations: Sollefteå, Lofoten, Belgium
Future plans: Continue to discover