Hilde Lundevall Arnet   

(by Tess Robeson January 2026)         

“My attitude in life is to make the best of it, wherever I am.”

“Being in nature is comforting,” said Hilde Lundevall Arnet. Hilde, who was born just outside Oslo, Norway, grew up in the countryside and lived an outdoorsy life. Hilde remembers her childhood fondly. “We would go skiing after school.” Hilde is the oldest of three siblings. “Our father bought a log cabin up in the mountains, and our family would go fishing, hiking, and berry picking. The love for nature stays with you throughout your life.”

After high school Hilde spent a year in Paris, studying art history, sociology, and the French language. She continued her studies at The University of Oslo. At 22 she married her boyfriend whom she had met in Paris when she was 19.

Hilde’s husband, a mechanical engineer who was working for an oil company, relocated to Aberdeen, Scotland, on account of his work. Hilde enrolled at the University of Aberdeen. After two years the couple returned to Norway, where Hilde completed a degree in economics in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city.

Hilde worked in human resources in Bergen. Later the couple, now with three children, decided to move to Arendal, on the southern coast of Norway. The Arnets were there for 10 years. Hilde served as the first president of the local Soroptimist Club, a global volunteer organization that empowers women and girls through education and training.

Hilde’s husband’s work then took them to Singapore, where they stayed for 15 years. “I was a member of the Friends of the Museums there,” said Hilde. “I took a docent course and became a docent.” She enjoyed showing visitors the National Museum.

Hilde did philanthropic work in Singapore as a board member of the Norway House, a private aid initiative that benefitted children in Cambodia. “We supported an orphanage,” said Hilde. “We not only raised funds; we went to Cambodia to make sure things were being managed well.” She travelled there four times a year for 10 years.

In 2011 Hilde and her husband attended a wedding at the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel in Cascais. Thereafter, Portugal was on their radar as a place in which to settle. In 2016 the Arnets bought a condo project in Cascais, which was completed in 2020. With Covid and its complexities at the time, the Arnets moved to their new home in 2022. “I find Portugal and the people here welcoming and warm,” said Hilde. “It’s easy to be a foreigner in Cascais.”

Hilde joined IWP the same year. “I’m so impressed with IWP and all the interesting, hardworking, and resourceful women. It’s well-organized – so many events and activities. And we give back to the community.” For Hilde joining IWP is a great way to meet people with the same interests. She has participated in walks, tours discovering Lisbon, bridge (she’s a “big fan”), and ballet outings.

On a typical day, Hilde likes to walk her dog on the beach at Guincho. She takes classes in Portuguese. She enjoys reading historical fiction, biographies, and histories and knitting for her five small grandchildren.

“My attitude in life is to make the best of it, wherever I am,” reflected Hilde, “and to always be curious, positive, and adaptable. When settling down in a new country, it is important to learn, integrate, and adapt. Get involved in one’s community.”

“We’re very privileged to live in this part of the world,” said Hilde. “It’s safe. Being here is a blessing.”