Get a job in Vestland
Ready for a job in Vestland, Norway?
Norway’s western region is beautiful, well-preserved nature, which features Europe’s largest glacier, as well as Norway’s tallest waterfall. Everything else about Vestland also includes Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, as well as many other charming villages. You are guaranteed natural beauty, modern living, and cosy villages if you choose work in Norway.
Life in Vestland
Vestland is a highly sought after sightseeing destination, which is why you’re going to see cruise ships coming in all summer long when you live and work in Vestland. It has a unique mix of tall mountains and deep, blue fjords.
South of the county, you’re going to find the famous Nærøyfjord, which is a UNESCO listed area. Norway’s natural glory is truly larger than life here – and you don’t need to abandon the comfort of city life to live right in the heart of it.
Work in Vestland
- Average working hours per week: 37.5 to 40 hours, 7.5 to 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (sometimes even 4:00 pm)
- Number of Vacation days: 25 days
- Commute: Mostly public transport, biking also possible
- Work culture: Flat hierarchy, casual, efficient, punctual
FAQ
You can move to Vestland by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits). Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.
Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together
The most common mode of transport is public transport and biking.
Public Transport: Vestland has an good public transportation network with buses, trains, and ferries. Skyss operates most of the bus services, connecting major towns and rural areas. For intercity travel, the Norwegian State Railways (Vy) provides comfortable train services, with routes like the Bergen Line.
Ferries: Given Vestland’s extensive coastline and numerous fjords, ferries are widely used too. Companies like Fjord1 has ferry routes that connect different parts of the region.
Driving: Renting a car is a great way to explore Vestland at your own pace. Driving gives you the flexibility to visit remote areas.
Cycling and walking: Cycling and walking are great ways to experience Vestland’s nature up close. There are several hiking trails and bike paths around popular tourist spots like Bergen and the Hardangerfjord.
Air travel: If you’re travelling longer distances, Bergen Airport, Flesland, is the main airport in Vestland, with both domestic and international flights.
Where to look:
Bergen: As the largest city in Vestland, Bergen offers a wide range of housing from modern apartments in the city centre to charming houses in the surrounding suburbs. Neighbourhoods like Nygårdshøyden and Nordnes are popular among students and young professionals.
Stavanger: Although technically part of Rogaland, Stavanger is often associated with Vestland due to its proximity. It’s a hub for the oil industry, with a good selection of rental apartments and houses in areas like Eiganes and Våland.
Sogn og Fjordane: For those seeking a quieter life, towns like Førde and Sogndal offer more rural housing options, often with beautiful natural surroundings.
How to Find Housing:
Online portals: Websites such as Finn.no and Hybel.no are great starting points for finding rental listings and properties for sale. These platforms offer detailed filters to narrow down your search based on location, price, and property type.
Local real estate agents: Engaging a local real estate agent can provide insider knowledge and access to listings not always available online. Agents can also help navigate the Norwegian rental market and understand local regulations.
Social media and expat groups: Platforms like Facebook have various groups dedicated to housing in Vestland. Joining these groups can connect you with locals and other expatriates who may offer valuable tips and available listings.
University housing services: If you’re a student, universities like the University of Bergen offer student housing options and can assist in finding accommodation.
Still not sure about moving to Vestland?
Perhaps finding out a little more about Bergen – the city at the heart of it all – will change your mind. If you need the liveliness of a metropolitan area, but still seek that small town charm, Bergen is definitely the place for you. What other big city can you name where you can see little houses perched along the hillsides, seemingly barely clinging to the steep land? That is because Bergen is also known as “The City of Seven Mountains”, mountains out of which at least one is very easily accessible. For a short mountain getaway, the Fløyen peak awaits, just a 6-minute funicular ride from the city centre to the top.
Bergen is far from rural, though. Ten percent of the city’s population is made up of students, making it a hot spot for Norway’s young people – and, of course, to many exciting activities. Many of Norway’s most famous singers and bands hail from Bergen: take names like Kygo and Aurora, for example. If you’re not familiar with them yet, don’t worry, you will be if you decide to live and work in Bergen. It’s certain that at least one of the city’s hot music venues is going to be to your taste. Speaking of artists, Bergen is also home to KODE, Norway’s second-largest art museum, which also includes the chance to visit three composer homes.
So, if you want full access to art and culture and to all the exciting activities that a young, modern area has to offer, but still want to see a peek (and a peak – or rather, several peaks, as there is no shortage of mountains around here) of wild, untamed Norway – Vestland is your place. Come and get a job in Norway!
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