We meet Koen in his hallway. Next to the running shoes in the shoe rack stand tennis and padel rackets. On the hat shelf lies a set of discs for disc golf, and against the wallstands a fishing rod. “Winter is coming soon anyway,” Koen jokes as he follows my gaze. “Come in! Coffee?”
Koen is one of those who have chosen Arjeplog as their new home, and he really thrives here. His first visit was in 2018 when he planned a trail trip from the Netherlands and Belgium to Arjeplog. The town is known for its car testing activities in winter but also welcomes new tourists during the summer. The municipality and Argentis, a company that supports business establishments in Arjeplog, were of great help to Koen. His first year here, 2019, was a great success, and since then he has successfully organized trail trips for six years.
Why did you choose Arjeplog?
“Arjeplog is in a unique location. Close to the mountains, surrounded by water, with thousands of islands and close to Norway. Despite being a small village, there are many facilities and activities nearby. Now I’ve lived here permanently since this summer. I chose Arjeplog because it’s less stressful than in the Netherlands. People don’t live in bubbles here; here people care about each other. Although everything is smaller than in the Netherlands, it feels like there’s more to do here. We have more than twenty associations, and throughout the year they organize events and activities. I’ve never had as many close friends as I have here in Arjeplog.”
More to do? Can you elaborate?
“The best thing about Arjeplog is that you get involved in everything! Everyone knows it’s just us here, so if something needs to be done, you help out. It’s a small but rich community, few in number but rich in engagement. It’s easier to make friends, get out into nature, and get closer to work. If you’re just open to taking initiative, it can hardly get better. And if you have a good idea, there’s enthusiasm and support to develop it.”
Koen tells us that in his free time he likes to run, kayak, or fish. Trail running is especially his favorite. “There are so many trails and places to explore here. I’m afraid I won’t have time to explore everything in my lifetime! And the best part is that the landscape changes almost every month. It never gets boring!”
Besides running, he was also very active in ball sports in the Netherlands. “Here there’s a nice tennis court and a new padel court. During wintertime, you can also play badminton or floorball in the sports hall. If I want to take it a bit easier, I go to the gym or the swimming pool. We have an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, with a sauna of course!”
What about fishing? Or snowmobiling?
“I’ve just started fly fishing. It’s a real fishing paradise here, with fly fishing in the streams and fishing in one of the big lakes, or up in the mountain lakes. I don’t drive a snowmobile myself, but I know it’s a mecca for powder enthusiasts. But I do ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Always something,” he says with a laugh. Just 20 minutes from Arjeplog’s town center is the Galtis ski slope, which opens after New Year’s and stays open for three months. There’s also a slope in Jäckvik and nice ski trails around Arjeplog, two of which are illuminated.
Any final words?
“Come here! For a visit! Come and fish, swim, camp, hike, paddle, play disc golf, or visit the Silver Museum. You’ll fall in love with our archipelago among the mountains. It’s a special place that just has to be experienced. And who knows, maybe you’ll want to stay too?”
/ Martin Stråmo