Emigration Expo 2025
Hallingdal participated in the "Emigration Expo" in Houten, Utrecht, in the Netherlands on March 29 and 30, 2025. The goal of attending the expo is to promote Hallingdal as an attractive place to live, work, start a business, and enjoy a good and active life. This is the second year the region has collectively traveled down since 2011.
Jorun Utne
Emigration Expo 2025 – Dutch People Want to Move to Hallingdal!
Hallingdal, with its six municipalities, is working to retain and recruit residents and to highlight Hallingdal as an attractive place to live, work, and thrive. As part of these efforts, Hallingdal was represented by a delegation at the "Emigration Expo" in Houten, Utrecht, in the Netherlands on March 29 and 30, 2025.
The representatives from Hallingdal who attended the expo were a diverse mix of people of different ages, nationalities, fields, and experiences, all with a heart for Hallingdal. Half of the Hallingdal delegation had themselves moved from the Netherlands and now live in Hallingdal.
Kim Numan moved to Hallingdal in July 2024 after meeting Hallingdal at the Emigration Expo in 2023 and 2024. This year, she represented Hallingdal at the expo and shared her experiences with potential new residents. "Hallingdal is fun! I think the culture in Hallingdal suits many Dutch people very well. Dutch people have a very similar culture. They are also hardworking, learn the language easily, and are very outgoing. They easily integrate into the community!" says Kim.
Kim further states that many Dutch people want to come to Norway because there is less stress, more nature, and space. Dutch people also appreciate Norwegians' focus on family and children.
After last year's trip, eight Dutch families have moved to Hallingdal, and several are still in the planning phase. "Moving to a new country is often a decision that is not made overnight. The fact that we have already gained so many new residents is absolutely fantastic!" says Jorun Utne, regional developer in Hallingdal.