My new love: Northern Sweden

Hilde Pape talks about his new life in Arjeplog.

I am glad you are curious about northern Sweden! My name is Hilde Pape, an adventurous person from the Western Netherlands. In the summer of 2019, I discovered my new love: northern Sweden. Imagine magnificent scenery, vast landscapes and a calm that is hard to find elsewhere. After my first visit, I simply couldn’t stop going back – for every trip I was more and more fascinated by this magical region.

From the beginning, I hadn’t planned to move as soon, but in June 2024 I took the step. And now? I never want to return! Obviously, I’ve come across a lot along the way, and everything didn’t go completely smoothly, but I had the time on my side and prepared as much as I could. I left my job and sold the house in the Netherlands. I had a little saved capital to lean on. It gave me the freedom not to stress big decisions, but to shape the new life in Sweden.

Finding a job was also a goal, but it actually came a lot faster than I thought. Through contacts in Arjeplog Municipality, which is now my home, I was told that there would be an exciting service like influential pilots. I put it on my mind, but I also knew that my basic Swedish might not be enough. I just kept focusing on the move.

When I saw the ad online in February 2024, I thought, why not? I wrote my application in the best possible Swedish, and to my surprise I was called an interview. After two calls, I got the job! It was amazing, especially since I didn’t speak Swedish fluently. But my dedication and my own experience made impressions, and they chose to give me the chance.

In May, I finished all the last in the Netherlands, and on June 1, 2024, the floating load went north. What a journey it was! The first few weeks seemed almost unreal—like a mixture of dreams and reality shocks. Suddenly everything in Swedish was high. But thanks to the language course I went home and thanks to all the friendly and helpful people here, I quickly got into everyday life and managed my language.

A tip now: Fucking is Really Taken very seriously! It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know colleagues, neighbors and others in your vicinity – while you’ll hear everything from local tips to the secrets of the small town. A wonderfully easy way into both language and community.

I’ve managed my first true winters, and I still love it. The fresh air, the amazing nature and the better balance between work and leisure makes me enjoy every day. I am so glad I dared to take the step. By starting work, I was thrown into Swedish culture, gained professional experience and started building a social network almost from day one.

Why wouldn’t you be the next person in Move Up North to help a new life in the north?
If you’re ready to take the step, I’m, or any of my colleagues on Move Up North, here for you. Let’s make this trip together. Hopefully we will be heard soon!

With heat,
Hilde