Bindal, Norway – A couple who traded the bustle of Stockholm for a remote farm in Norway is now celebrating a significant achievement: their handcrafted gin has earned gold medals at a prestigious European spirits competition. Sara and Henrik Nordlöf, who embarked on a life-altering move to the veiløs (roadless) Hildringen gård (Hildringen farm) in Bindal, Nordland county, are seeing their passion project, Hildringen Dry Gin, gain recognition and fly off the shelves at Vinmonopolet, Norway’s state-owned alcohol retailer.
The Nordlöfs’ story is one of ambition, resilience, and a willingness to embrace a dramatically different lifestyle. Leaving behind established careers in the Swedish capital – Henrik in property development and Sara in marketing – they sought a slower pace of life and a closer connection to nature. Their decision, initially met with some skepticism, has blossomed into a thriving business and a testament to the allure of rural Norwegian life. The couple purchased Hildringen gård in 2022 for five million Norwegian kroner (approximately $460,000 USD as of March 15, 2026), according to reporting from Namdalsavisa.
From City Life to Rural Entrepreneurship
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Hildringen gård’s remote location, accessible only by boat and snowmobile in winter, presented logistical hurdles. The couple faced a steep learning curve as they transformed the property, converting an old barn into a distillery, renovating the farmhouse, and building essential infrastructure like roads and a dock. They’ve invested millions of kroner in the project, supplemented by a 400,000 kroner grant from Bindal municipality’s business development fund and support for building a forest road from the Nordland county municipality, as reported by Banett.no.
The Nordlöfs’ journey began with a desire for a different lifestyle. They found themselves increasingly drawn to escaping the city, seeking a place where they could truly unwind and reconnect with nature. “We had a good life in Stockholm. A nice house and a good school,” Henrik Nordlöf told Namdalsavisa. However, the allure of a life centered around outdoor pursuits – hunting, fishing, and enjoying the stunning Norwegian landscape – proved irresistible. The couple’s search led them to Norway, where property prices were comparatively more affordable than in Sweden, particularly for coastal estates with accompanying woodland.
Their initial exploration of the Norwegian coast began with a vacation on the Swedish west coast in 2021, but the high prices prompted them to look further afield. A fishing trip to the Rana region of Norway proved pivotal. Renting a cabin through Airbnb, they were struck by the relative affordability of coastal properties. A subsequent search on Finn.no, a Norwegian online marketplace, revealed several promising options, ultimately leading them to Hildringen gård.
Hildringen Dry Gin: A Taste of the Norwegian Wilderness
The decision to produce gin was a natural extension of the couple’s desire to create a sustainable livelihood rooted in the local environment. Hildringen Dry Gin is crafted using botanicals sourced from the surrounding forests and coastline, capturing the essence of the Norwegian wilderness. The recent accolades at a leading European spirits competition – details of which remain undisclosed – have significantly boosted the brand’s profile, and demand.
The success of Hildringen Dry Gin is particularly noteworthy given the challenges of establishing a distillery in such a remote location. The Nordlöfs have had to overcome logistical hurdles to source ingredients, transport equipment, and distribute their product. However, their commitment to quality and their unique location have proven to be key differentiators. The gin is now available through Vinmonopolet, Norway’s government-owned alcohol retailer, providing access to a nationwide market.
A Family Affair and a Featured Story
The Nordlöfs’ story has captured the imagination of Norwegians and beyond. They are currently featured in the latest season of the popular Norwegian television program “Der ingen skulle tru at nokon kunne bu” (Where no one should believe anyone could live), a show that profiles individuals and families living in remote and challenging locations. Nationen reports that the show has drawn over a million viewers.
The family, including their three children, Edvard (2), Elis (12), and Erik (10), are fully integrated into the rural lifestyle. The children attend local schools and participate in outdoor activities, embracing the opportunities afforded by their unique environment. The Nordlöfs’ experience demonstrates the growing appeal of rural living, particularly for those seeking a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.
The couple’s success similarly highlights the potential for entrepreneurship in rural areas. By leveraging the natural resources and unique characteristics of their location, they have created a thriving business that contributes to the local economy and showcases the beauty of the Norwegian wilderness. The story of Sara and Henrik Nordlöf is a compelling example of how passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change can lead to remarkable achievements.
Key Takeaways
- Rural Revival: The Nordlöfs’ story exemplifies a growing trend of individuals and families seeking a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle in rural areas.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Their success demonstrates the potential for entrepreneurship in remote locations, leveraging local resources and unique characteristics.
- Norwegian Appeal: The affordability of Norwegian coastal properties, compared to Sweden, played a key role in their decision to relocate.
- Gin Production: Hildringen Dry Gin, crafted with local botanicals, has gained recognition and is now available through Vinmonopolet.
As Hildringen Dry Gin continues to gain popularity, Sara and Henrik Nordlöf are focused on expanding their production capacity and exploring new markets. They are also committed to preserving the natural beauty of their surroundings and contributing to the local community. The next step for the couple is to increase production to meet growing demand, and they are currently exploring options for expanding their distillery facilities. Readers interested in learning more about Hildringen Dry Gin can visit the Vinmonopolet website or follow the couple’s journey on social media. Share your thoughts on this inspiring story in the comments below!