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Akela We are planning a worldtrip! Ok, at least a half one. All around the globe there is not likely to go, but at least til New Zealand. That‘s right! Stimmt!

Now, does not sound so spectacular. Many people fly to New Zealand. If there wouldn´t be the matter with the transport. Because we don´t want to fly, we want to drive. By land from the Austrian Alps across the Balkans to Persia, continued by the Russian Federation and South-East Asia to the great Coral Sea until where we finally reach the land of the Maori and the New Zealand Alps.
- from alp to a

lp -

That´s at least the plan. And here you can follow us. Have fun
Lennox, Maria, Leander

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Wir machen eine Weltreise

Ok, wir planen eine Weltreise, zumindest eine halbe. Ganz rund um den Globus wird es wahrscheinlich nicht werden, aber immerhin nach Neuseeland. Klingt jetzt nicht so spektakulär. Viele Menschen fliegen nach Neuseeland. Wenn da nicht die Sache mit dem Transportmittel wäre. Denn wir wollen nicht fliegen, sondern fahren. Auf dem Landweg von den österreichischen Alpen über den Balkan nach Persien, weiter durch die russische Föderation und Süd-Ost Asien zum großen Korallenmeer, bis wir schließlich ins Land der Maori zu den neuseeländischen Alpen gelangen.

– from alp to alp –

So ist zumindest der Plan…

Und hier könnt ihr unsere Reise mitverfolgen. Viel Spaß beim Lesen

Lennox, Maria, Leander

27/01/2025

Mexico offers so much more than endless coastlines and dreamlike beaches. It serves as a gateway to an underwater world that leaves even our Aquaman, Lennox, in awe.

Depending on the season, the warm waters surrounding Mexico teem with whales, rays, sea lions, and sharks. But that’s far from all. The rich cultural heritage of the Maya and Aztecs still pulses through the land, with ancient rituals and traditions deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. It’s a place where history, nature, and adventure merge into an unforgettable experience.

20/01/2025

America – time and time again, it feels as if a new world is waiting around every corner. Whether standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, overwhelmed by its vastness, spotting our first grizzly bears during a hike, or parking Akela on a hill that looks like the surface of the moon, we’re constantly astonished by the diversity we never anticipated.

North America has, against all expectations, filled us with wonder and adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

18/01/2025

We arrive in Halifax on Canada’s east coast to welcome Akela—but our reunion is bittersweet. A broken rear axle leaves us stranded, forcing weeks of repairs and upending our plans.
Determined to press on, we push across Canada as quickly as possible, finally reaching the breathtaking landscapes of Alberta.

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we rediscover a sense of home. The stress of the past weeks melts away as we plunge into icy glacial lakes, soak in the serenity of snow-dusted peaks, and allow the raw beauty of nature to renew our spirits.

In British Columbia, the journey takes on new depth. We witness the incredible migration of salmon, a testament to life’s resilience and timeless cycles. Moments like these ground us in gratitude and remind us of the profound connection we share with the natural world—a bond worth cherishing and protecting.

What’s your favorite Canadian adventure?

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13/01/2025

Tasmania & Australia – a year-long adventure through remote wilderness and some of the world’s most pristine beaches, kissed by the crystal-clear waters of the Antarctic.

Tasmania feels like a land untouched by time, where nature thrives in its rawest and wildest form.
On the mainland, the striking red earth of Australia tells its own story, home to unique wildlife like the echidna and iconic landscapes.
Our journey stretched from the vibrant cities of the east coast to the spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru (Ayers Rock), a sacred site for the Indigenous people. We continued westward to the relaxed shores of the west coast, where unforgettable encounters with whale sharks left us in awe.

Yet, amidst the beauty, we also witnessed the painful truths of Australia’s history: the enduring scars of the stolen generations and the impact of devastating bushfires. It’s a land of breathtaking beauty, harsh extremes, and stories that demand to be heard.

Have you ever felt the untamed spirit of Australia and Tasmania?

10/01/2025

Borneo – a wild heart of nature, where everything feels bigger than we’ve ever known. Here, in some parts orangutans still roam free, we also found the Bajau Laut sea nomads live with the sea along the coasts. But the advancing tide of progress and technology threatens both wildlife and indigenous cultures, slowly eroding their way of life. The call of the wild is fading slowly.

Moving on to Indonesia – island hopping paradise, we encountered stunning beaches, vibrant underwater worlds, giant waterfalls and the unforgettable beauty of the Ring of Fire. We visited only a few of the 14,000 islands, but each one is unique in its own way. What they all share, though, is the curiosity and kindness of their people, always ready to help.

Have you ever experienced the untouched beauty of Borneo or the vibrant islands of Indonesia? Share your favorite adventure or dream destination with us!

08/01/2025

After the calm and vastness of our first travel segments, we dive into the energy of the Far East. The language and writing remain a mystery to us, but that doesn’t stop us from embracing the adventure!
In South Korea, we’re drawn into the dynamic rhythm of Seoul’s bustling streets, the bold flavors of fiery kimchi, and the seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology with timeless traditions.

Japan, on the other hand, feels like stepping into another dimension. From mystical temples and sacred shrines to the legendary ninja culture that continues to intrigue us, we’re immersed in a world of deep spirituality. The Japanese way of life—rooted in mindfulness, respect for nature, and an appreciation for simplicity—leaves a profound impression.

While everything in South Korea feels faster, better, higher, and more advanced, Japan teaches us the beauty of slowness, reflection, and finding peace in simplicity. Two worlds, each inspiring us in their own unique way!

What lifestyle fascinates you more – the fast-paced innovation or the tranquil spirituality? Let us know in the comments!

06/01/2025

In Central Asia, we discovered a world where less truly feels like more. Life in the fertile valleys or on high plateaus, surrounded by towering mountains, moves at a slower, more peaceful pace.

It’s not about having it all—it’s about cherishing what matters most: family, nature, and a deep sense of gratitude. Traveling through this kind of simplicity reminded us of what really makes life rich.

How has embracing simplicity shaped your journey or perspective?

03/01/2025

The Middle East – A Warm Embrace ✨

The Middle East welcomed us with open arms. Beyond the breathtaking deserts and exotic charm, it was the smells in the air, the rich cultures, and the unfamiliar language that drew us in.

But what truly left us in awe were the people—their warmth, generosity, and genuine hospitality.

From heartfelt conversations to unexpected acts of kindness, these encounters transformed our journey into something unforgettable. It’s the people we meet along the way that make travel so extraordinary.

What encounter changed your journey?

02/01/2025

Let’s take you deeper into our story, one chapter at a time, starting with the Balkans, where our adventure began.

After two years of intense preparation, we finally set off—filled with curiosity, anticipation and a racing heartbeat. The Balkans greeted us with deep stillness and a calm that felt almost unreal.

It was as if the landscape itself had paused, holding its breath to give us the space we needed to arrive and focus on what truly mattered. This quiet strength became our guide, shaping the first chapters of a journey into the unknown.

What new beginnings are you excited about? Let us know in the comments!

31/12/2024

Happy New Year 2025 🥳🎆

Thank you all for being part of our incredible journey this past years. Here’s to a new year filled with love, adventure and infinite possibilities!

What’s your biggest dream for 2025? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear! ❤️

📸 USA, Stevens Pass 2022

19/12/2024

✨ Happy Birthday Akela! 🚐✨

Akela is more than just a truck to us— it’s our trusted companion, our sanctuary and the engine driving our adventures for over seven incredible years.
Originally crafted in 1977 as a border patrol vehicle, this vintage Mercedes-Benz has been completely transformed into a snug and functional mobile home, embodying both nostalgia and resilience.

Akela has carried us across deserts, mountains and coastal highways on four continents. Once designed to enforce borders, it now symbolizes the freedom to cross them—a beautiful twist of fate that aligns perfectly with our journey’s spirit of connection and exploration. 🌍✨

🔧 Specs & Features:

Engine: 130hp, 5.6l „A robust 6-cylinder diesel powerhouse“
Age: 47 years old but still running strong!
Top Speed: 90 km/h - Uphill: 10-20 km/h
Interior: Fully converted with love, sweat and a whole lot of DIY spirit!

From breaking down in the middle of nowhere to being our cozy haven under the stars, Akela has been through it all. He’s not perfect (sometimes far from it), but it’s ours, and it’s packed with memories. ❤️

Now it’s your turn—do you have a name for your car or camper? Feel free to introduce your vehicle! 🚐✨

16/12/2024

We’ve just realized that the last time we introduced ourselves was when we first started this journey! 🌍
After so many years on the road and so many new faces here, it’s time for a reintroduction.

We are Maria, Leander and Lennox—a family of three from 🇦🇹 who set out on an unexpected 7 year long global overland odyssey spanning four continents, 35 countries, 130,000 kilometers and countless life-changing experiences. 🚐✨

🌟 Maria: The heart of the family, animal lover and creative cook who keeps the adventure grounded.
🌟 Leander: A dreamer with an adventurous spirit, capturing the world through his lens and trying to keep the truck alive.
🌟 Lennox: Our 12-year-old ocean enthusiast, who inspired us with his passion for marine life and the oceans and a true lasagna lover.

We’ve embraced the simple life on the road and discovering the beauty and fragility of our planet along the way.

We’re thrilled to share more of our journey with you— Pre-order now via the link in our bio.

Now that you know more about us, we’d love to get to know you better! 🌍 Who are you and where are you in life right now? Are you chasing adventures, dreaming of something big or savoring the little things?

Drop a comment to introduce yourself—we’d love to connect and hear your story! 💬

12/12/2024

Exciting news! 📚 We are thrilled to finally announce our first photo book in collaboration with 🎉

While it unfortunately won’t make it under your tree this Christmas, it’s available for pre-order now— a perfect belated gift for adventure lovers.

The book officially hits shelves on January 21, 2025 in Europe, with an international release on February 14.

This is a collection of our favorite moments, landscapes, and stories from our journey around the globe – a visual love letter to life on the road.

We’re still eagerly awaiting our hard copy and couldn’t be more excited to share some sneak peeks with you soon!
Stay tuned!

Pre-order now via the regional links below -
we can’t wait to share this piece of our adventure with you!

EU ORDER:
https://gestalten.com/products/life-on-the-road-around-the-world-on-four-wheels?sca_ref=7581458.16KdUoolpt&sca_source=euinsta&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=uppromote&utm_campaign=leander-nardin

UK ORDER:
https://uk.gestalten.com/products/life-on-the-road-around-the-world-on-four-wheels?sca_ref=7581459.b0XSQvF0oeBSfUE&sca_source=ukinsta&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=uppromoteuk&utm_campaign=leander-nardin

US ORDER:
https://us.gestalten.com/products/life-on-the-road-around-the-world-on-four-wheels?sca_ref=7581460.ZR3EKIjjO9EyeJ&sca_source=usinsta&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=uppromoteus&utm_campaign=leander-nardin

09/12/2024

This year may have been quiet here, but behind the scenes, it was anything but! 🌍
We’ve been busy working on some exciting projects, and now, one of them is almost ready to see the light of day.

Any guesses what it might be? Drop your ideas in the comments! 💭

Stay tuned for a big reveal the next couple of days – we can’t wait to share it with you!

📸 Tajikistan, 2017

30/10/2024

Scubing down a river with .muenchen and
It was freaking cold, but look at this incredible visibility in the river 😍😍

21/10/2024

Thanks for having us, ! 🙏
It was a true pleasure to share our stories and adventures from our world trip, while also raising awareness about the importance of our oceans and cetaceans. 🌍🐋 We hope to see you all again next year! ✌️

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On The Road Again

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http://www.akela.world/

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