It is not only the cruise tourists who are lured by the beautiful nature, the majestic mountains and the turquoise water. This summer, around 40 young people from Denmark, Finland and Sweden have traveled to Geiranger to work. Dane Clint Lind (19) had no doubts when he saw the job advertisement for the tourist village, even though the weak krone exchange rate means that the money he earns in Norway is worth less in his home country. – It doesn’t mean much. It is the opportunity to be here that matters. The opportunity to see nature and get away from Denmark. It is fantastic. Clint Lind says it is fantastic to have the opportunity to work in Geiranger. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news Weak krone The Norwegian krone that Danes earn in Norway is worth less in Denmark this summer than a year ago. In the past year, the Norwegian krone has weakened by more than 10 percent against the Danish krone. As a result, the money he earns in Norway does not reach as far as it did before, when he returns home to Denmark. Those who come from countries whose currency is the euro also fare worse than before. The Norwegian krone has weakened by 11 percent against the euro in the past year. Lind explains that he thought about the money before he took the job and traveled, but quickly concluded that it was not that important. – Experience over money, notes the Dane with a smile on his face. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news – But the salary is already high in Norway, so there is not that big of a difference. But with the krone exchange rate now, it will actually be somewhat lower than the minimum wage in Denmark, he claims. In Geiranger, he maintains and rents out kayaks and boats to the tourists who come to Grande Hytteutleige and Camping – something that is right in the heart of the Dane. – I have been in the water all my life. Among other things, I have been a swimming instructor, lifeguard, diver and windsurfing, says Lind. Sofia Nordbäck, summer intern at Nordjobb, says Norway is the most popular country to work in among Nordic jobbers. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news It is through the program Nordjobb, which is part of the Nordic Association, that the job opportunity appeared. It is a program that works to increase mobility on the Nordic labor market, and to reduce unemployment among young people. – This year there are actually more applicants to Norway. The financial part is important, but I think it is much more important for them to experience and get to come here, says Sofia Nordbäck in Nordjobb Norway, where she is a summer intern. Sofia Nordbäck at Nordjobb is traveling around Norway this summer to look after the Nordjobbers. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news And when asked which country is the most popular to work in among the Nordic workers, she says that it is Norway. – Norway is a very popular country to work in. Many people come specifically to Norway to experience the Norwegian summer and winter, says Nordbäck. Grande Hytteutleige and Camping have never before taken in so many northern workers in one season. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news Have worked together for ten years At Grande Hytteutleige and Camping, four out of five employees are so-called “northern jobs” this year. Never before have they taken in so many. – We are very grateful that we got so many people here. Stephanie Grande, assistant general manager at Grande Hytteutleige and Camping, says they have good experience in employing northern workers. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news That’s what Stephanie Grande, assistant general manager at the company says. For around ten years, they have taken in young workers via the organisation. – We have good experience with it from before. We know what we are getting, and the candidates are very motivated, she says. Danish Clint Lind also thinks it is fantastic to have the opportunity to come here and work. – Especially when the weather is nice, it’s really nice to be out with the kayaks and boats. When the weather is less nice, it’s less fun. But that’s the way it is with all jobs that are outdoors, I think, he says, laughing. Photo: Annabelle Kårvåg Sørensen / news
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Clint Lind works in Geiranger via Nordjobb
