Vilhelm Fredriksson, 26, made a life-changing decision four years ago when he left his home in Borlänge and his construction job in Stockholm to work on his family's farm in Västnår outside Oviken. This summer, he officially took over operations of the farm, continuing a family tradition that spans generations.
Fredriksson originally comes from Borlänge but has roots in Oviken, where his mother grew up. Since childhood, he has spent summers on the family farm in Västnår, which is owned by his grandmother's younger brother, Per-Göran Eriksson. He now lives on the farm with his partner Kerstin Zetterman, who is studying to become a preschool teacher.
She expressed her preference for living outside cities, stating she is actively searching for a house in rural areas.
The story reflects a broader trend of young people choosing rural life over urban centers. In a related report, SVT Mittnytt featured 27-year-old Beatrice Rödins, who recently began working full-time at an egg production facility in Mellansel outside Örnsköldsvik. She expressed her preference for living outside cities, stating she is actively searching for a house in rural areas.
While Fredriksson's story represents a personal return to family roots, it aligns with observations from real estate professionals and researchers who note increasing interest among young people and 'homecomers' – those born and raised in rural areas who are returning to settle outside cities again.