From Berlin to a Red House Dream – with Laura Krüger

Sometimes the loudest dreams call us somewhere quiet. For Laura Krüger, that place is a little red house deep in the Swedish forest. We asked her how trading city noise for birdsong became the richest move she’s ever made.

Hi Laura! You’re originally from Berlin, but you moved to Sweden a few years ago. You’re a vanlife enthusiast and currently renovating a 120-year-old house.

How did you end up in a small Swedish village? Was it a spontaneous decision or part of a bigger plan?
My boyfriend and I lived in a van for several years before settling here. At the end of 2020, we traveled through snow-covered Sweden and instantly fell in love—with the peacefulness, the beautiful houses, and the cozy glow of window lamps in the dark. That’s when the idea of one day owning a little red Swedish house first took root. So yes, it was part of a bigger plan. It took us three more years to make it happen. During that time, we lived very frugally and saved as much as we could. In the fall of 2023, we finally found and bought our dream house.

What would you say to someone considering a move from the city to the countryside?
Do it! I’m someone who tends to dive into things headfirst, but if you're unsure, renting a place for a while is a great way to try it out. For me, it was the best decision. I felt so overwhelmed living in Berlin. Now, life sometimes feels like a fairytale—I see deer, foxes, and even moose just outside my kitchen window.

What is your relationship with nature like—and has it changed since moving to Sweden?
Nature has always been where I recharge. I grew up in the Harz Mountains in Germany, with the forest just around the corner. I really missed that when I moved to Berlin. Living in a van brought me closer to nature than ever—waking up in the dunes of the Sahara, between hot air balloons in Cappadocia, in the forests of Sweden, or right by the ocean in Greece. But I knew I wanted a more permanent version of that lifestyle. Our house in the Swedish countryside is the perfect middle ground: a little more settled, but still surrounded by nature.

You’ve had your van, Oskar, for about five years now and have been on some incredible journeys. What’s your best advice for making van life cozy and memorable?
Let life surprise you! My best memories happened when I stepped out of my comfort zone. Take the road less traveled—Portugal and Spain are amazing, but so is Romania, for example. And don’t over-plan. Just go with the flow and trust that the best moments often aren’t the ones you anticipate.

How do you like Astrid Wild’s clothes, and which piece is your current favorite?
I absolutely love Astrid Wild’s clothes! My current favorite is the Ester Shorts — they fit my body perfectly. But my all-time favorite is the Minna Fleece. It keeps my neck warm and cozy, especially when it’s windy, and I wear it all the time.

Laura is wearing Minna Wool Fleece Jacket Camel in size Medium.

We love following Laura’s countryside life and watching her create her own space in the world – with heart and hands. Want more inspiration? Follow her daily adventures on Instagram. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your story – and for reminding us that sometimes, adventure begins right outside your front door. For more inspiring women, read Get out of your comfort zone and start living with Frida Augustsson.