Alright, so I’m juggling several viewings today but wanted to get this out to you as quick as possible. I’m an agent for a global agency and I’ve sold homes both locally and abroad, so I understand what international buyers are looking for, especially those searching for a second home or a peaceful retreat. Here’s one property in Norway’s Hylkje that truly fits the bill for someone craving authentic country living by the sea, and it’s not too far from Bergen either.
Let’s start with the property itself – it’s a proper country home, but not your usual move-in ready home, I’m going to be straight up. The cabin was built in 1942, so as you’d expect, it’s got a lot of character from another era, but it does need some renovations. It’s a fixer-upper for sure, but if you’re looking for potential and want to put your own stamp on things, this is one to look at. The size isn’t huge inside, about 27m² living area, but that’s absolutely typical for Norwegian cabins of this age. There’s more usable space outside though, with a total of 94m² including outbuildings and storage, which is really quite practical for boats, tools, gear, and just general country living.
What really makes this property special if you ask me, is the land and the location. You’ve got about 5,131 square meters – that’s over an acre – and about 28 meters of private shoreline. Private shoreline is really rare these days, and this bit leads straight down to your own boathouse and dock. The boathouse is a tad rustic but does the job and could be fixed up with a bit of effort. The dock means you can have a boat right outside your door, and for anyone who loves fishing, boating, or even just swimming, this is a huge plus.
Let me pause on the area for a minute. Hylkje is a quiet, low-density spot but only about 20 minutes from Bergen, one of Norway’s main cities. You get the privacy and calm that comes with country living—no noisy neighbors and not a lot of traffic—but you’re not cut off from everything you need. Norwegians love their hyttes (cabins), especially ones near fjords, so you know you’re in the right place if you want to experience local life.
Living in Hylkje, you wake up every morning to the views over Sørfjorden, which are simply stunning even if I’ve seen them a hundred times myself. The fjord here is famous for wild salmon, and there’s good year-round fishing for those who’re keen. The climate here is fairly mild by Norwegian standards – summers are cool, with long daylight hours for late-night barbecues or swimming, and winters are cold but not extreme, with opportunities for snow activities just a short drive away. In spring and autumn, you’ll see the forests around the fjord change color, and it’s genuinely peaceful – just the sound of the birds and the water most days.
If you’re coming in from overseas, a big question is probably about amenities and getting around. There’s basic shopping in Spar Hylkje, just a few minutes’ drive away, so you’re never stuck for supplies. Bigger shopping centers and all the city services (restaurants, cafes, medical, etc.) are in Åsane and of course Bergen – only a short drive, so you can enjoy both the rural and the urban life. Importantly, building supply stores are within easy reach if you want to get stuck into renovating and need materials right away.
For families, there’s plenty of space for kids to run around on the lawn or down by the shore, and it’s safe. You could build a firepit, set up swings, or garden as much as you want—gardening’s popular here, and the soil’s decent for growing fruit bushes or flowers. Local activities are all about the outdoors: hiking in the forests, fishing, swimming, picking wild berries, and kayaking in the fjord. You can hike up to viewpoints overlooking the water or take the boat over to small villages across the fjord on weekends.
Now keep in mind, the cabin itself is not new and definitely isn’t all shiny – it will need updating and fixing up, but it’s solid. You can use it as it is, but most buyers probably will want to improve it. Think of it as a blank canvas—a chance to build your own Norwegian holiday retreat just how you want it. It’s possible to expand (subject to regulations), so there’s room to make it your own.
Here are the key features in short bullets:
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- Main living area approx. 27m²
- 5,131m² land plot
- 94m² usable space total (cabin + outbuildings)
- Approx. 28m shoreline private
- Boathouse and dock
- Access via 100m path from cabin to shore
- Expansive views over Sørfjorden
- Private setting, low building density
- Good supply of mature trees
- 3 min to local shop, 12 min to shopping center
- 20 min to Bergen city
- Excellent fishing/boating right out front
- Ample space for gardening/play
- Forest and mountain walks nearby
A country home like this is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to outdoor life. The renovation side might put off buyers looking for a just-move-in place, but for someone with vision, it’s a great long-term investment and a solid way to experience Norwegian fjord life. If you’re interested or want a virtual tour, reach out—I’m usually on the move but will get back to you as quick as I can.
