Moving to Sweden
Over the years, we’ve met quite a few people who, after completing their hike, became interested in moving to Sweden, Norway, or Finland. It’s not surprising — there’s so much space, unspoiled nature, and a sense of peace. There are also plenty of professional opportunities, and in rural areas, houses can still be quite affordable.
Still, not many people actually take the leap and move. Mees, from the Netherlands, did. After hiking the S:t Olavsleden in 2023, she decided to buy a house in Sweden and start a new life there. We spoke with her about this life-changing decision.
Why?
I’ve been fascinated by Sweden — or actually, all of Scandinavia — for years. It’s the nature, the peace, the space, the silence, the language, and the architecture… the charm of those simple wooden houses. All of it has always drawn me in.
Last year was a tough one for me personally. I lost a lot, and perhaps more importantly, I lost myself. I had always enjoyed walking long distances, and at some point, I got the idea to go on a solo long-distance walk. It seemed so freeing — just being alone for a while, depending on myself, and simply walking.
That’s when I came across the S:t Olavsleden. I booked the trip through Nordic Pilgrim and set off. I loved it. In the silence and nature, I finally found myself again. The contact with the hosts along the way was so inspiring; it made me think about running a similar kind of accommodation myself. The connection with other pilgrims and their stories — it all touched me deeply. I wanted to be part of that world.
By the end of the walk, I was convinced: now was the time to move to Sweden. I had already lost everything, so I was free to go wherever I wanted. And how often do you get that kind of freedom in life — especially at 40? The timing felt right, and I decided to just take the leap and go for it.
How?
I simply started looking for houses. I had sold my home in the Netherlands and wanted to use that money to buy something in Sweden — something small and simple, so I could live mortgage-free. That idea felt so liberating.
I dreamed of having a piece of land in the woods, with no view of neighbors — completely free. I started looking in the south of Sweden, since I knew the area a bit, and it seemed easier in terms of distance to the Netherlands, daylight, and climate.
I searched for about nine months, mainly on Hemnet and Facebook, before finding the right place. I made offers on several houses, and the fourth one turned out to be the one I bought. Along the way, the search gave me new insights that changed what I was looking for.
I made another trip to the Karlstad region but realized it wasn’t right — it was too far to drive in one day, and since I always want to keep walking, half a year of snow didn’t suit me. I drove to Sweden about five times, mostly to explore and feel out what really made me happy.
In the end, my idea evolved from wanting a completely remote cabin in the forest to a house at the end of an asphalt road — still surrounded by forest, but with neighbors at a reasonable distance. The road is maintained and cleared of snow by the municipality, there are some local facilities, and even a few friends living nearby. It all felt right. I feel comfortable and safe taking this step on my own.
Tips
Visit multiple times — drive around, view houses, and experience what’s truly important to you.
The bidding process can be nerve-wracking! It’s hard to predict how prices will develop during the process. Participating in a few bids helps you understand the market better.
Living remotely sounds idyllic, but you need to consider the practical side too. A cleared road in winter is essential — and having a neighbor you can ask for help is a real comfort.
Mees Hurkmans, The Netherlands
