From the million-person city of Munich to small-town life in Flekkefjord
An engineer's story of nature, stillness, and opportunity
How does a mechanical engineer from Germany end up in a small town on the Norwegian south coast? Ask Simon Jesser (34) and the answer is simple: nature, peace, community, and opportunity.
From megacity to small-town idyll
Simon grew up in Flein, a small town near Heilbronn in Germany, and spent ten years in Munich before making the big leap to Flekkefjord.
6.2 mill. in the metro region
It's quite a jump from metropolis to market town. What made Simon turn his life completely around?
I fell in love with the town the very first time I visited. The nature, the calm, the closeness of everything made the decision easy.
Simon JesserFrom idea to a job in Flekkefjord
It all started with an exciting workplace. Simon was already familiar with IMPETUS, the Flekkefjord-based company that develops the IMPETUS Solver, a software platform used to test how much stress spacecraft, military equipment, and offshore structures can withstand. He had used their software himself as an engineer. After meeting the founders in Germany, he reached out directly to IMPETUS CEO Arve Grønsund Hanssen in 2022.
He visited the company in September that year, saw beautiful Flekkefjord, and was sold.
At the time he was working as a simulation engineer in Germany. Today he thrives as Head of Sales at IMPETUS in Flekkefjord.
I love it here. The variety, the responsibility, and a team moving at full speed make the job both exciting and motivating.
Simon JesserOpportunity and growth
Simon lights up when he talks about his role at IMPETUS. He joined as Customer Support Manager in February 2023 and loved it from day one. He has since moved into the Head of Sales position, with a working week full of variety: customer acquisition, partner support, proposals, negotiations, and representing the company at international trade fairs.
I get the best of both worlds: small-town life at home and big-city experiences through the job. The fjord view from the office doesn't hurt either.
Simon JesserHiking, fishing, good food, and a cabin dream
Simon is someone who knows how to enjoy life. He spends a lot of time outdoors, hiking, heading into the hills, casting a line, and making the most of time with friends.
I really love being out in nature around here. I hike a lot and fish. I also enjoy cooking good food, both for myself and for others.
Simon Jesser
He enjoys life here so much that he is now on the hunt for the perfect plot to build a cabin. He lives at Sveiga with a view over the fjord, an ideal base for daily routines. It takes just a few minutes to reach the forest or the hills.
The leisure scene in Flekkefjord surprised him in the best way. "For such a small town, the range of activities is impressive. I swim regularly at Ueneshallen, attend the language café, and have made good friends here."
Friends coming to visit
Simon's friends have grown fond of Flekkefjord too.
The only thing I genuinely miss from Germany is my friends. Luckily the internet exists, so we stay in touch. Some of them have even visited Flekkefjord, and they love it. Several have come back year after year.
Simon JesserSimon has hiked most of the peaks in the area and worked his way through every restaurant. What he values most about Flekkefjord is how close everything is: mountains, sea, lakes, and great trails, all right outside the door.
Social closeness in a small town
After ten years in the big city of Munich, Simon has landed comfortably in little Flekkefjord. He values being part of the tight-knit local community that only a small town can offer.
People here are open, helpful, and welcoming. I really appreciate the social closeness, knowing my neighbours and running into them on the street.
Simon JesserSimon has built a strong network in Flekkefjord through both work and leisure. The language café "Kveldsprat" was a particularly big help. It is where he found some of his closest friends here, including his fishing buddy Norbert.
I am always looking for hiking companions or people to do activities with. Feel free to reach out if you want to do something together. Find me on Instagram: @simon.enjoys2hike
Simon's advice: just go for it
Simon has a clear message for other young people considering a fresh start:
Flekkefjord gives you the perfect balance of career opportunities, outdoor experiences, and quality of life. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Simon JesserAnd remember: if you have a cabin plot, a cabin to spare, or just need a hiking companion, do not hesitate to contact Simon.