In the 19th Century, many Norwegians heeded the call to move to North America, buying a ticket to seek their fortune abroad, or being sponsored by a family member who had emigrated before them.
Now, the town of Vang in Norway wants their people back. With a population of just over 1600, Vang in the Valdres region has put out an appeal to Americans to move to their cozy town and experience life in the heart of Norway.
Tor-Evert Grøndal, himself a newer member of the community, hopes to persuade a “cascade of Americans” to move back to Vang. His project Come Home to Vang in Valdres shows off the area and an array of townspeople in a cheeky promotional video. But the campaign isn’t just a fun daydream for Norwegian Americans. The site provides a how-to guide, in case you are serious about taking the plunge.
If you speak Norwegian, you can find out what’s happening in Vang and review tips covering moving to Vang, launching a business, or buying a cabin in the area.
Vang’s website touts the town’s “Westland mountains with Eastland climate”, describing it as “a village with agriculture, entrepreneurs, tourism and business in a vibrant and inclusive rural community.”
Aleksander Bern, senior researcher at University of Inland Norway, told NRK that some of the reasons for moving to a rural location like Vang are friluftsliv—a life close to nature, an escape from stress and noise, a feeling of freedom and a chance to return the place of your roots.
Outdoorsiness isn’t a requirement, but it’s certainly a plus with year-round activities like hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing. Some of the town’s clubs and associations reveal a vibrant cultural life with activities for any taste, including bridge club, car enthusiasts, foragers, traditional foods, music, crafts, sauna, sports and farming. You can find everything about clubs and leisure activities in the Vang Club Portal.
Ready to pack your bags? Here are some tips on how to make your move.
Sources:
Please Come Back to Norway
https://vanginvaldres.com/
https://www.vangivaldres.no/
https://www.nrk.no/video/vil-lokke-amerikanarar-til-vang-i-valdres-sjaa-tv-sendinga-1945_56b05e45-2a9a-4411-affd-9f9e2d4c2e3b