A determined Norwegian couple has taken extraordinary measures to rescue their small village from disappearing. Wenche and Tor Inge Havrevoll spent nearly 5 million kroner to purchase two homes in Nesflaten, preventing them from becoming vacation properties and instead reserving them for young families.
The village of Nesflaten in Suldal municipality faces a severe population decline that threatens its very existence. Only 200 residents remain in this community along National Road 13 in southwestern Norway. The local school and kindergarten now face potential closure due to insufficient children.
"We had to do something to get more people here," Wenche Havrevoll explained. "It turned out there were no available houses for people who wanted to move here."
The couple's intervention comes at a critical time. Of the last four houses sold in Nesflaten, one became a commuter residence, another transformed into a holiday home, and the Havrevolls purchased the remaining two. They plan to rent these properties specifically to families with children.
This story reflects a broader pattern across rural Norway. Many district municipalities struggle with similar challenges of housing shortages and population decline. Approximately 40% of houses in Nesflaten have already become vacation homes or cabins.
Other Norwegian communities have implemented creative solutions to attract residents. SkjĂĄk municipality launched a trial living program where young families can rent homes for up to three years. All four trial homes were occupied within three months, and three families have since purchased permanent residences.
Ă…seral municipality offers free after-school programs, warm school meals, and kindergarten food. They also provide construction subsidies and use Freysta, often called "village Tinder," to attract new residents.
Kvitsøy, Norway's smallest municipality by area, has seen steady population growth through similar initiatives. Their trial living program has proven remarkably successful, with all participants choosing to remain in the community.
Marit Lofsnes Mellingen, director of the Center for District Development, noted the widespread nature of this challenge. "The situation is challenging for many district municipalities. Lack of housing hinders recruitment of labor and expertise to these areas."
Local investors in Suldal are also responding. Nesflaten Eiendom is building three apartments in the village because the municipality needs recruitment housing. Two apartments have been purchased by the municipality, while the company will rent out the third.
Torstein Mikal Brattland, co-owner of Nesflaten Eiendom, supports the Havrevolls' approach. "I think it's excellent because too many houses are becoming cabins in Nesflaten. Many young people say they want to move back, but there are no houses available."
The future of Nesflaten remains uncertain. The kindergarten currently has only four children, and the school serves just twelve students—both below the municipality's requirements for maintaining educational facilities.
Rolf A. Røtnes, professional director at Samfunnsøkonomisk Analyse, emphasized what matters most for settlement decisions. "Proximity to school and kindergarten is obviously important for everyone with children. If the distance to school increases, other factors must be compelling enough for families to stay."
The Havrevolls remain optimistic despite the challenges. They point to upcoming energy development projects that could bring new opportunities to the area. "We expect more people will come because significant developments are planned, including power expansion," they said. "But there must be houses available. If there are houses, it should be possible to get people to move here."
This grassroots effort demonstrates how individual action can complement municipal programs in addressing rural depopulation. The couple's investment represents both a financial commitment and a profound belief in their community's future.