Holmestrand, Norway

Capital City

With a population of just 8,621, Holmestrand is a sleepy backwater, hardly the bustling metropolis many Americans dream of. The town's glory days as a timber port are long gone, and the transition to the modern economy has been slow and painful. A factory for aluminum processing provided some jobs in the 20th century, but that industry too has faded.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache here. Holmestrand only gained self-governing municipality status in 1838, and the town has struggled to keep up with the demands of the modern world. The railway line that once brought prosperity has been shuttered for decades. Fires have repeatedly devastated parts of the city, requiring constant rebuilding efforts.

Holmestrand may appeal to those seeking a quiet, quaint Norwegian life, but the lack of economic opportunities and lingering infrastructure challenges make it a poor choice for ambitious expats. This is a town stuck firmly in the past, offering little to entice newcomers.