From Rust to Roam – How I Turned a 1999 Suzuki Jimny into My Escape

"Creating space for what truly matters" - that's what Verena Hartwig told us when we sat down to chat about her rig, a 1999 Suzuki Jimny that she has lovingly converted into a roaming home on wheels. Here's that story, and a look at her summer of adventures through Germany and France. Enjoy...

I had been craving change for months. The kind that smells like salt air and sounds like the wind through pine trees.

That was when I found him: a faded, wine-red Suzuki Jimny from 1999, parked at a shady little car dealer in a tiny village. The salesman told me he had belonged to an old lady and had barely been driven in all those years. His paint was a little dull, his body carried a few scratches, and there was a small dent above the right headlight.

Underneath it all, I could see the potential for a second and far more exciting life. I knew at that moment I was not just buying a car. I was choosing freedom, adventure, and a way to take my life into my own hands.

From the very beginning, I knew what I wanted. It had to be simple, functional, and tailored exactly to my needs. Nothing extra and nothing complicated. Every inch had to work hard.

The kitchen was the most important part. I love cooking outdoors, sharing meals with friends I meet on the road, and turning a parking spot into a dinner party under the stars. I built a compact setup with just enough space for my stoves, a stash of fresh ingredients, and, most importantly, my coffee gear. Morning coffee in the fresh air has become my little ritual and my way of feeling at home, no matter where I am.

The bed needed to be fast and effortless to set up. I designed an extendable slatted frame that slides out in seconds, with no need to wrestle with cushions or rearrange the entire car. In minutes, I can go from driving to resting, curled up and listening to the wind or the waves outside.

Because this build was my escape, I wanted it to feel like me. I added small personal touches, from the colors to the materials to the way everything fits together. It is not just a camper, it is a little piece of my personality on four wheels.

By April 2024, he was ready. I set off without hesitation and drove straight to my dream destination: the wild Atlantic coast of southern France. The beaches were still empty and the wind was raw. On my first night, I parked just behind the dunes, completely alone, and watched the sun sink into the ocean, painting the sky in gold. In that moment, every cold evening in the driveway, every screw and splinter, and every doubt felt worth it.

I spent the next three weeks traveling through southern France on my own. Each day felt wide open with no fixed plan and no rush. I met new people, shared stories over campfires, and even helped set up a surf camp for a few days. My little Jimny carried me to some of the most beautiful places I had ever seen, where I could fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to the smell of salt in the air.

For the first time in my life, I visited Bordeaux and fell hopelessly in love with the city’s charm, its narrow streets, and the way the evening light turned the stone buildings golden.

Most of my time was spent near Biarritz. The ocean was icy, but I could not resist paddling out and pushing my surfing skills a little further each day. Between sessions, I met warm and welcoming people who made those cold waters feel just a little less freezing.

By the time I turned the key to head home, I knew this was not just a trip. It was the beginning of something much bigger: a new way of living.

Since that day, I have chased countless adventures. I have explored the surf towns of France, the quiet shores of Belgium, the dramatic Highlands of Scotland, winding mountain roads in Austria and Switzerland, the salt air of the German coast, and the jagged peaks of the Dolomites.

I have built a life where I can work from my little car, coffee in hand, with the ocean or mountains just outside my window. My Jimny has become more than a camper. It is my escapism and my ticket to the wild. It proves that you do not need a big budget or a big van to live big.

Out here, I am free. I am independent. I take life into my own hands. With every trip, every sunrise, and every dirt road, I know I was made to roam.

Big thanks to Verena for sharing her Suzuki Jimny microcamper escapism with us. But we couldn't let her get away without a quickfire Q&A, Passenger style. Here goes...

I’m from Cologne and I’ve always been a city kid. But the more time passes, the more I find myself drawn to nature. There is something about the outdoors that just feels right, like a quiet call to slow down and breathe.

I love adventures that are not planned out. No expectations, just going with the flow and seeing what happens. And of course, it is always better with my Jimny by my side.

When I’m on the road with my Jimny I cook fresh meals every day from the trunk of my little camper. I usually go for fresh vegetables or pasta if I need something quick. Cooking outside is one of my favorite parts of traveling.

I listen mostly to rock and rock ballads. Bands like Oasis and Green Day are always on my playlist. Their music fits the feeling of being out on the road perfectly.

For me, meaningful escapism means taking control of my life and creating space for what really matters. It means leaving behind stress and routines to reconnect with nature and myself. It is more than just a break, it is a way of living where every trip helps me feel free and alive.

I like that Passenger is as honest as my lifestyle. Their clothes are simple and practical, and they fit perfectly with my travels and my easy-going vibe. I also love how comfortable their clothes are.

My favourites are the long sleeves, especially the "Riser Recycled Cotton LS T-Shirt." I have quite a few of them, and I love how they wrap around me. The fabric is soft and cozy, perfect for cool mornings or evenings outside.

Follow Verena's DIY microcamper Jimny adventures on Instagram @rawig_ontheroad