Natalie Gilstrøm - Expats and Locals Limburg

An interview with Natalie

“Building a life in a new country takes time, but staying open makes all the difference.”

My name is Natalie Gilstrøm Lund and I am originally from Denmark. I studied International Business in Copenhagen and later spent a semester abroad in Barcelona, where I focused on Marketing. After that, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Sales and Marketing.

I also lived in Utrecht for several years, where I did an internship and gained work experience. Even back then, I already knew I wasn’t done with living abroad. I’ve never been someone who wanted a very standard life path. At a certain point, it felt like everyone around me was following the same routine, and that scared me. I wanted something different.

How is living in Limburg as an international?

Moving from Utrecht to Limburg was a big change. We mainly moved because buying a house in Utrecht simply wasn’t realistic for us. In Limburg, we found more space, more nature and a lifestyle that reminded me of Denmark. That sense of calmness and privacy immediately felt familiar.

As an international, Limburg feels unique. There’s a strong German influence, which you notice in the language, mentality and daily life. I started sharing my experiences here simply as myself: honest, curious and open. That authenticity resonated with people, especially locals, and my account began to grow.

What stands out to me most is the nature. Coming from a very flat country like Denmark, the hills and landscapes of South Limburg feel special. Places like the so-called “Limburg Tuscany” genuinely surprised me with their beauty I also love the culture here: carnival, local festivals and seasonal events like the Christmas markets in the caves of Valkenburg. These traditions give the region a rich and unique character.

What role has travelling played in your life?

Travelling has shaped me deeply. I travelled solo through Southeast Asia, visiting countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. I also worked as an au pair in Dubai. That experience wasn’t always easy, but I chose to focus on the positive parts: the people I met, the cultures I experienced and the independence I gained.

Travelling alone taught me resilience and confidence. It showed me that I can rely on myself and that even challenging situations can turn into valuable memories.

How did sharing your life online start?

I’ve always shared my journey in some way. When I was younger, it was mostly on Facebook for family and friends. Later on, I started thinking more seriously about creating content. At one point, I even bought a domain with the idea of starting a vlog called Danish Girl Abroad, but I never fully committed to it back then.

During Covid, while living in Utrecht, that desire to share was still there, but I hadn’t found the right foundation yet. Everything changed when I moved to Limburg. Being in a new region with a different culture and lifestyle gave me fresh inspiration and a clearer story to tell. I now run the instagram account @limburgdiary where I share my daily life in Limburg from an international perspective and highlight local hidden gems.

What challenges have you faced living here?

One of the hardest parts of living in Limburg as an international is the job market. Not speaking Dutch or German fluently is a real barrier. I often get positive feedback on my energy, skills and background, but then hear that fluent Dutch or German is required. That can be frustrating, especially knowing that in cities like Utrecht or Amsterdam, the situation would be very different.

At the same time, social media have helped me professionally. My online presence gives people a quick sense of who I am and what I bring, which has opened doors that might otherwise have stayed closed.

How important is community for you?

I didn’t rely heavily on formal support systems myself, but I do see their value. Expat groups and Facebook communities can be incredibly helpful, especially at the beginning. They create a sense of belonging and make it easier to meet people who share a similar mindset.

Some of my closest friendships here started through these groups. You don’t meet your best friend on day one, but showing up consistently really makes a difference.

How did your Instagram account grow and how do you approach creating content?

At first, my account grew slowly. I had around 1,200 followers when I was contacted by a regional newspaper for an article, and after that publication my following increased quite quickly. Over time, I learned more about how the algorithm works and how to analyse what really connects with people.

I create all my content with my phone. While working at a marketing agency, I learned a lot about filming, framing and storytelling. Everything I make feels very casual and intuitive. Sometimes I follow trends, but most of the time I capture the moment and build the story around it later.

Content creation fits naturally into my life. In the weekends, we explore new places as a family, and I share those moments as they happen. It never feels staged to me, more like documenting everyday life. Filming in public was scary at first, but I learned not to worry too much about what others think. Most people forget about it within five minutes, and the opportunities it brings are worth that brief discomfort.

What advice would you give to newcomers?

If I could give one piece of advice to people moving to a new place, it would be to use Facebook groups and local networks. They’re incredibly powerful tools to meet people and feel less alone.

And be patient with yourself. Building a life in a new country takes time, but if you stay open and curious, it will slowly start to feel like home.

This interview was conducted and published with the voluntary consent of the interviewee.
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