When Dutch couple Sylvia van Bragt and Edwin de Herder decided to start a new chapter in life, they wanted a place that combined creativity, community and nature. They found it in Risør, a small town on Norway’s southern coast, where they now run a café and guesthouse.
Edwin, a professional musician, and Sylvia, a special education teacher, felt drawn to Norway’s respect for the arts and education. “Norway felt like a place where those things are valued, and where nature is always close by,” says Sylvia. They discovered Risør almost by coincidence, but its charm and close connection to nature convinced them it was the right place to start something new.
Settling in a new country
The couple moved to Norway in 2024. The first year was mostly exciting, but there were also some practical hurdles to overcome. The chance to build a new life from scratch gave them a real sense of freedom, and the café helped them quickly become part of the local community, which made the transition easier. At the same time, they had to deal with challenges such as learning Norwegian, adjusting to a new culture and new sytems, and handling everyday tasks like online banking and official paperwork, without a digital ID at first. “Those challenges actually made us stronger and gave us energy to commit even more,” Sylvia says.
Opening a café and guesthouse in Risør felt like a natural way to express their creative spirit and meet new people. The café, which has a small stage for live music and theatre performances, has become a place where people connect. “We’ve already met so many wonderful people, both locals and those who come here regularly because they have a cabin in Risør,” Sylvia adds.
According to Sylvia, learning Norwegian has been key to settling in properly. Speaking the language has opened doors socially and made them feel part of the community. Professionally, it will help her return to teaching and special education. She says: "When I passed my Norwegian tests, I realised I could continue my work here in Norway. That meant a lot.”
The guesthouse and café
Looking ahead
The couple hope to continue growing their café as a cultural meeting point, offering concerts, workshops and creative events, while keeping the guesthouse a cosy base for visitors. “My partner will continue to perform and create music in the café, while I take care of things behind the scenes,” Sylvia explains. “But I also feel ready to step back into teaching and special education, working with children who need extra support. That’s where my heart is.”
With many years of experience as a special education coordinator, Sylvia has supported children of all ages, including those adjusting to a new environment and culture after a relocation. Having moved abroad herself, she can now use that experience even more effectively to support families settling in with calm and confidence.
Eli Skaug Sivertsen, EURES representative in Southwest Norway will help Sylvia find a job in her field.
Compared to their life in the Netherlands, Risør feels calmer and more balanced. The slower rhythm and the proximity of nature give them a sense of peace they had been missing in the Netherlands.
Advice for others thinking of moving to a small Norwegian town
“Be open, be patient, and take part in the community. Learn the language as quickly as you can, because it changes everything. And don’t compare too much with where you came from, small towns in Norway have their own rhythm. Once you embrace it, life becomes both simpler and richer.”