Askvoll
Encyclopedia
is a municipality in the county
of Sogn og Fjordane
, Norway
. It is located in the traditional district
of Sunnfjord
. The administrative centre is the village of Askvoll.
Askvoll municipality has about 3,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 326.4 square kilometres (126 sq mi). The municipality stretches from Bulandet in west and Førde
in east. The highest peak is the 1304 metres (4,278.2 ft) high Blegja. Alden Mountain, known as the "Norwegian Horse" is located here. It rises almost vertically out of the sea to a height of 481 metres (1,578.1 ft) above sea level and is visible from more than 100 kilometres (62.1 mi) out at sea. The most important industries in Askvoll today are Helle Knivfabrikk, Bulandet Fiskeindustri, and Sigurd Løkeland Hermetikkfabrikk (a producer of crab
s).
). The original municipality was identical to the Askvoll parish
(prestegjeld
) with the sub-parishes (sokn) of Askvoll, Vilnes, Øn, and Hyllestad. In 1862, the sub-parishes of Øn and Hyllestad (population: 2,475) were separated from Askvoll and (along with the Bø sub-parish from Lavik
) formed the new municipality of Hyllestad
. This left Askvoll with 2 sub-parishes and a population of 3,065.
On 1 January 1888, several farms (population: 317) were transferred from Askvoll to neighboring Utvær
. On 1 January 1964, the parts of Vevring
(population: 407) and Bru
(population: 92) that were located south of the Førdefjorden
were merged into Askvoll. This gave Askvoll a population of 3,585. On 1 January 1990, Askvoll and Fjaler
did a land trade: the Fjaler farms of Vårdal, Holmedal, Rivedal, and part of Hestad (population: 731) were transferred to Askvoll; and the Askvoll farms of Fure, Folkestad, and Våge (population: 482) were transferred to Fjaler
.
) is named after the farm Askvoll (Old Norse
Askvöllr), since the first church was built there. The first element is askr which means ash tree and the last element is völlr which means meadow
.
is from modern times. They were granted in 1990. It shows an old stone cross, the Korssundkrossen.
has seven churches within the municipality of Askvoll. It is part of the Diocese of Bjørgvin
and the Rural Deanery
(Prosti) of Sunnfjord
.
(through 10th grade), outpatient health services
, senior citizen
services, unemployment
and other social services
, zoning
, economic development
, and municipal road
s. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of elected representatives, which in turn elect a mayor
.
breakdown is as follows:
(ordførar) of a municipality in Norway is a representative of the majority party of the municipal council who is elected to lead the council. Aud Kari Stensland of the Labour Party
(Det Norske Arbeiderpartiet) was re-elected mayor for the 2007-2011 term.
along its 52 kilometres (32.3 mi) coast
line. To the west lies the North Sea
, to the north is the municipalities of Flora
and Naustdal
, to the east is Førde
and Gaular
, and to the south is Fjaler
and Solund
.
reserves within the municipality. Otherwise mainland Askvoll provides habitat
that is typical for the region. These however have restrictions, especially during the breeding season. One area that is good for birding is the Askvika nature reserve. This wetland
area has a rich bird life with 69 recorded species
.
is Norway
´s western-most fishing community. Bulandet includes 365 islands and has approximately 270 inhabitants. During the summer, Bulandet is a favourite spot for boaters and tourists staying in cottages and fisherman cabins. The name "Bulandet" comes from the numerous wharf
-side cabins here, known as "bu".
Bulandet are beautifully linked together to the neighbour community Værlandet by six bridges and 5240 metres (17,191.6 ft) of road. The Nordsjøporten road is not only important for traffic
and communication in the area but also allows for a fantastic journey
through the islands.
, near the majestic Alden Mountain, you find Værlandet island
Værlandet has a population of approximately 200 people. Fishing
and fish farming
are the most important industries, but both tourism
and the export
of high quality stone (breccia
) to Italy
are expanding. There is a collection of picturesque small houses on the water’s edge in Værøyhamna harbour.
Mountain is an old and pronounced landmark for sailors along the coast. It rises almost vertically out of the sea to a height of 481 metres (1,578.1 ft) above sea level and is visible from more than 100 kilometres (62.1 mi) out at sea. There is a marked path to the top, accessible using the scheduled boat service from Askvoll.
to the east and as far as Snønipa and the Ålfot glacier in Bremanger
.
factory. British Aluminium
Company started hydropower
plant development in 1906, and produced aluminium from 1908 to 1945. Traces of the English
industry are still apparent in the form of private houses, tennis court
s, and football fields.
is a medieval wooden church constructed in 1674.
statue in Rivedal is a monument to the pioneer spirit in the Dalsfjorden
prior to the year 1000. Together with his brother, Ingólfur Arnarson he discovered Iceland
, and laid the groundwork for the first Norwegian settlement there.
Counties of Norway
Norway is divided into 19 administrative regions, called counties . The counties form the primary first-level subdivisions of Norway and are further divided into 430 municipalities...
of Sogn og Fjordane
Sogn og Fjordane
is a county in Norway, bordering Møre og Romsdal, Oppland, Buskerud, and Hordaland. The county administration is in the town of Hermansverk in Leikanger municipality while the largest town is Førde....
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
. It is located in the traditional district
Districts of Norway
The country Norway is historically divided into a number of districts. Many districts have deep historical roots, and only partially coincide with today's administrative units of counties and municipalities. The districts are defined by geographical features, often valleys, mountain ranges, fjords,...
of Sunnfjord
Sunnfjord
Sunnfjord is a traditional district in Western Norway located in Sogn og Fjordane county. It includes the municipalities of Askvoll, Fjaler, Flora, Førde, Gaular, Jølster, Naustdal, and the southernmost parts of Bremanger...
. The administrative centre is the village of Askvoll.
Askvoll municipality has about 3,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 326.4 square kilometres (126 sq mi). The municipality stretches from Bulandet in west and Førde
Førde
Førde is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative center is the town of Førde which in 2010 had 12,035 inhabitants. The historic village of Bruland is located just east of the town of Førde...
in east. The highest peak is the 1304 metres (4,278.2 ft) high Blegja. Alden Mountain, known as the "Norwegian Horse" is located here. It rises almost vertically out of the sea to a height of 481 metres (1,578.1 ft) above sea level and is visible from more than 100 kilometres (62.1 mi) out at sea. The most important industries in Askvoll today are Helle Knivfabrikk, Bulandet Fiskeindustri, and Sigurd Løkeland Hermetikkfabrikk (a producer of crab
Crab
True crabs are decapod crustaceans of the infraorder Brachyura, which typically have a very short projecting "tail" , or where the reduced abdomen is entirely hidden under the thorax...
s).
General information
Askvoll was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistriktFormannskapsdistrikt
Formannskapsdistrikt was the name for a Norwegian local self-government districts put into force in 1838. This system of municipality was created in a bill approved by the Storting and signed into law by King Carl Johan on 14 January 1837...
). The original municipality was identical to the Askvoll parish
Church of Norway
The Church of Norway is the state church of Norway, established after the Lutheran reformation in Denmark-Norway in 1536-1537 broke the ties to the Holy See. The church confesses the Lutheran Christian faith...
(prestegjeld
Prestegjeld
A Prestegjeld is a geographic and administrative area of the Church of Norway roughly equivalent to a parish. A prestegjeld can consist of one or many congregations...
) with the sub-parishes (sokn) of Askvoll, Vilnes, Øn, and Hyllestad. In 1862, the sub-parishes of Øn and Hyllestad (population: 2,475) were separated from Askvoll and (along with the Bø sub-parish from Lavik
Lavik
Lavik is a village and former municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county in Norway. It is located in the eastern part of the present-day municipality of Høyanger...
) formed the new municipality of Hyllestad
Hyllestad
Hyllestad is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sogn. The administrative center of Hyllestad is the village of Hyllestad....
. This left Askvoll with 2 sub-parishes and a population of 3,065.
On 1 January 1888, several farms (population: 317) were transferred from Askvoll to neighboring Utvær
Solund
Solund is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sogn. Solund is the westernmost island municipality in Norway, and the only municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county that is made up only of islands...
. On 1 January 1964, the parts of Vevring
Vevring
Vevring is a village and former municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. The village of Vevring is presently located in western Naustdal municipality with a population of 143 residents...
(population: 407) and Bru
Bru, Sogn og Fjordane
Bru is a former municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It is part of the present-day municipality of Flora in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative center of Bru was the village of Stavang...
(population: 92) that were located south of the Førdefjorden
Førdefjorden
Førde Fjord is a fjord in Sogn og Fjordane county in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. It passes through the municipalities of Førde, Naustdal, Askvoll, and Flora. The fjord begins at the town of Førde, at the estuary of Jølstra river, which comes from the lake Jølstravatn...
were merged into Askvoll. This gave Askvoll a population of 3,585. On 1 January 1990, Askvoll and Fjaler
Fjaler
Fjaler is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Dale. Other places in Fjaler include Flekke and Espedal....
did a land trade: the Fjaler farms of Vårdal, Holmedal, Rivedal, and part of Hestad (population: 731) were transferred to Askvoll; and the Askvoll farms of Fure, Folkestad, and Våge (population: 482) were transferred to Fjaler
Fjaler
Fjaler is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Dale. Other places in Fjaler include Flekke and Espedal....
.
Name
The municipality (originally the parishParish
A parish is a territorial unit historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest, who might be assisted in his pastoral duties by a curate or curates - also priests but not the parish priest - from a more or less central parish church with its associated organization...
) is named after the farm Askvoll (Old Norse
Old Norse
Old Norse is a North Germanic language that was spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and inhabitants of their overseas settlements during the Viking Age, until about 1300....
Askvöllr), since the first church was built there. The first element is askr which means ash tree and the last element is völlr which means meadow
Meadow
A meadow is a field vegetated primarily by grass and other non-woody plants . The term is from Old English mædwe. In agriculture a meadow is grassland which is not grazed by domestic livestock but rather allowed to grow unchecked in order to make hay...
.
Coat-of-arms
The coat-of-armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
is from modern times. They were granted in 1990. It shows an old stone cross, the Korssundkrossen.
Local Churches
The Church of NorwayChurch of Norway
The Church of Norway is the state church of Norway, established after the Lutheran reformation in Denmark-Norway in 1536-1537 broke the ties to the Holy See. The church confesses the Lutheran Christian faith...
has seven churches within the municipality of Askvoll. It is part of the Diocese of Bjørgvin
Diocese of Bjørgvin
Bjørgvin Diocese is a diocese in the Church of Norway. It covers churches located in the counties of Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane. The cathedral city is Bergen. Bergen Cathedral, formerly the Church of Saint Olaf, serves as the seat of the presiding Bishop...
and the Rural Deanery
Deanery
A Deanery is an ecclesiastical entity in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England. A deanery is either the jurisdiction or residence of a Dean.- Catholic usage :...
(Prosti) of Sunnfjord
Sunnfjord
Sunnfjord is a traditional district in Western Norway located in Sogn og Fjordane county. It includes the municipalities of Askvoll, Fjaler, Flora, Førde, Gaular, Jølster, Naustdal, and the southernmost parts of Bremanger...
.
| Parish (Prestegjeld) | Sub-Parish (Sokn) | Church Name | Year Built | Location of the Church |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Askvoll Parish | Askvoll | Askvoll kyrkje | 1863 | Askvoll |
| Bulandet bedehuskapell | 1905 | Musøya | ||
| Holmedal kyrkje | 1868 | Holmedal | ||
| Kvammen kapell | 1977 | Kvammen Kvammen Kvammen is a small village located on the south side of the Førdefjorden in the municipality of Askvoll in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It is located about north of the village of Dale and about northeast of the municipal center of Askvoll. The town of Førde and access to the highway is ... |
||
| Stongfjorden bedehuskapell | 1908 | Stongfjorden | ||
| Vilnes kyrkje | 1674 | Vilnes | ||
| Værlandet bedehuskapell | 1960 | Værøy | ||
| *In 2006, the 3 sokns (Askvoll, Holmedal, and Vilnes) were merged into one sokn: Askvoll. | ||||
Government
All municipalities in Norway, including Askvoll, are responsible for primary educationPrimary education
A primary school is an institution in which children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as primary or elementary education. Primary school is the preferred term in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth Nations, and in most publications of the United Nations Educational,...
(through 10th grade), outpatient health services
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
, senior citizen
Old age
Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle...
services, unemployment
Unemployment
Unemployment , as defined by the International Labour Organization, occurs when people are without jobs and they have actively sought work within the past four weeks...
and other social services
Social work
Social Work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of an individual, group, or community by intervening through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice, and teaching on behalf of those afflicted with poverty or any real or...
, zoning
Zoning
Zoning is a device of land use planning used by local governments in most developed countries. The word is derived from the practice of designating permitted uses of land based on mapped zones which separate one set of land uses from another...
, economic development
Economic development
Economic development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area...
, and municipal road
Road
A road is a thoroughfare, route, or way on land between two places, which typically has been paved or otherwise improved to allow travel by some conveyance, including a horse, cart, or motor vehicle. Roads consist of one, or sometimes two, roadways each with one or more lanes and also any...
s. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of elected representatives, which in turn elect a mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
.
Municipal Council
The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Askvoll is made up of 23 representatives that are elected to every four years. For 2007–2011, the partyPolitical party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
breakdown is as follows:
Mayor
The mayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
(ordførar) of a municipality in Norway is a representative of the majority party of the municipal council who is elected to lead the council. Aud Kari Stensland of the Labour Party
Norwegian Labour Party
The Labour Party is a social-democratic political party in Norway. It is the senior partner in the current Norwegian government as part of the Red-Green Coalition, and its leader, Jens Stoltenberg, is the current Prime Minister of Norway....
(Det Norske Arbeiderpartiet) was re-elected mayor for the 2007-2011 term.
Geography
Askvoll covers an area of 321 square kilometres (123.9 sq mi). Of this, 254 square kilometres (98.1 sq mi) are on the mainland while the remaining 67 square kilometres (25.9 sq mi) are made up of islands and skerriesSkerry
A skerry is a small rocky island, usually defined to be too small for habitation. It may simply be a rocky reef. A skerry can also be called a low sea stack....
along its 52 kilometres (32.3 mi) coast
Coast
A coastline or seashore is the area where land meets the sea or ocean. A precise line that can be called a coastline cannot be determined due to the dynamic nature of tides. The term "coastal zone" can be used instead, which is a spatial zone where interaction of the sea and land processes occurs...
line. To the west lies the North Sea
North Sea
In the southwest, beyond the Straits of Dover, the North Sea becomes the English Channel connecting to the Atlantic Ocean. In the east, it connects to the Baltic Sea via the Skagerrak and Kattegat, narrow straits that separate Denmark from Norway and Sweden respectively...
, to the north is the municipalities of Flora
Flora, Norway
Flora is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Florø, which was founded in 1860, has 8,448 inhabitants . The Eikefjord area, which is the second largest place in Flora, has about...
and Naustdal
Naustdal
Naustdal is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Naustdal, which has 1,072 inhabitants . Other villages in Naustdal include Vevring and Helle.Tourists come from all over the...
, to the east is Førde
Førde
Førde is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative center is the town of Førde which in 2010 had 12,035 inhabitants. The historic village of Bruland is located just east of the town of Førde...
and Gaular
Gaular
Gaular is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Sande...
, and to the south is Fjaler
Fjaler
Fjaler is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Dale. Other places in Fjaler include Flekke and Espedal....
and Solund
Solund
Solund is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sogn. Solund is the westernmost island municipality in Norway, and the only municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county that is made up only of islands...
.
Birdlife
Askvoll can boast of many seabirdSeabird
Seabirds are birds that have adapted to life within the marine environment. While seabirds vary greatly in lifestyle, behaviour and physiology, they often exhibit striking convergent evolution, as the same environmental problems and feeding niches have resulted in similar adaptations...
reserves within the municipality. Otherwise mainland Askvoll provides habitat
Habitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
that is typical for the region. These however have restrictions, especially during the breeding season. One area that is good for birding is the Askvika nature reserve. This wetland
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
area has a rich bird life with 69 recorded species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
.
Bulandet
BulandetBulandet
Bulandet is an archipelago in Askvoll municipality in Sogn og Fjordane, Western Norway.-External links:**...
is Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
´s western-most fishing community. Bulandet includes 365 islands and has approximately 270 inhabitants. During the summer, Bulandet is a favourite spot for boaters and tourists staying in cottages and fisherman cabins. The name "Bulandet" comes from the numerous wharf
Wharf
A wharf or quay is a structure on the shore of a harbor where ships may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers.Such a structure includes one or more berths , and may also include piers, warehouses, or other facilities necessary for handling the ships.A wharf commonly comprises a fixed...
-side cabins here, known as "bu".
Bulandet are beautifully linked together to the neighbour community Værlandet by six bridges and 5240 metres (17,191.6 ft) of road. The Nordsjøporten road is not only important for traffic
Traffic
Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel...
and communication in the area but also allows for a fantastic journey
through the islands.
Værlandet
At the mouth of the fjordFjord
Geologically, a fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created in a valley carved by glacial activity.-Formation:A fjord is formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. Glacial melting is accompanied by rebound of Earth's crust as the ice...
, near the majestic Alden Mountain, you find Værlandet island
Værlandet has a population of approximately 200 people. Fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
and fish farming
Fish farming
Fish farming is the principal form of aquaculture, while other methods may fall under mariculture. Fish farming involves raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures, usually for food. A facility that releases young fish into the wild for recreational fishing or to supplement a species'...
are the most important industries, but both tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
and the export
Export
The term export is derived from the conceptual meaning as to ship the goods and services out of the port of a country. The seller of such goods and services is referred to as an "exporter" who is based in the country of export whereas the overseas based buyer is referred to as an "importer"...
of high quality stone (breccia
Breccia
Breccia is a rock composed of broken fragments of minerals or rock cemented together by a fine-grained matrix, that can be either similar to or different from the composition of the fragments....
) to Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
are expanding. There is a collection of picturesque small houses on the water’s edge in Værøyhamna harbour.
Alden
Also known as the "Norwegian Horse", AldenAlden
As a placename, Alden can refer to 'the Alder', the tree of the birch family, such as the Alden Valley, Rossendale, England, UK.-Place names:United States*Alden, California, a former settlement*Alden, Illinois, an unincorporated hamlet...
Mountain is an old and pronounced landmark for sailors along the coast. It rises almost vertically out of the sea to a height of 481 metres (1,578.1 ft) above sea level and is visible from more than 100 kilometres (62.1 mi) out at sea. There is a marked path to the top, accessible using the scheduled boat service from Askvoll.
Blegja
The 1304 metres (4,278.2 ft) high Blegja mountain in Askvoll is a magnificent view. From the top, hikers can see the Jostedal glacierJostedalsbreen
Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in continental Europe. It is situated in Sogn og Fjordane county in Western Norway. Jostedalsbreen lies in the municipalities of Luster, Balestrand, Jølster, and Stryn. The highest peak in the area is Lodalskåpa at a height of .Jostedalsbreen has a total area...
to the east and as far as Snønipa and the Ålfot glacier in Bremanger
Bremanger
Bremanger is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. Bremanger is the only municipality in Sogn og Fjordane, which is located in two districts. The north-eastern parts comprising Oldeide, Berle, Rugsund, Davik, Isane and Ålfoten is located in Nordfjord, while Bremanger, Kalvåg,...
.
Stongfjord Industries
Stongfjord Industries is Norway's oldest aluminiumAluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
factory. British Aluminium
British Aluminium
The aluminium producer British Aluminium Ltd was originally formed as the British Aluminium Company Ltd on 7 May 1894 and was subsequently known as British Alcan Aluminium Plc...
Company started hydropower
Hydropower
Hydropower, hydraulic power, hydrokinetic power or water power is power that is derived from the force or energy of falling water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Since ancient times, hydropower has been used for irrigation and the operation of various mechanical devices, such as...
plant development in 1906, and produced aluminium from 1908 to 1945. Traces of the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
industry are still apparent in the form of private houses, tennis court
Tennis court
A tennis court is where the game of tennis is played. It is a firm rectangular surface with a low net stretched across the center. The same surface can be used to play both doubles and singles.-Dimensions:...
s, and football fields.
Vilnes Church
The Vilnes Church on Atløy IslandAtløy
Atløy is an island in Askvoll municipality, Norway....
is a medieval wooden church constructed in 1674.
Ingólfur Arnarson
The Ingólfur ArnarsonIngólfur Arnarson
Ingólfr Arnarson is recognized as the first permanent Nordic settler of Iceland. According to Landnáma he built his homestead in Reykjavík in 874...
statue in Rivedal is a monument to the pioneer spirit in the Dalsfjorden
Dalsfjorden (Sunnfjord)
Dalsfjorden is a fjord in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It is located between the municipalities of Askvoll, Fjaler, and Gaular. The fjord is about long and it is generally about wide....
prior to the year 1000. Together with his brother, Ingólfur Arnarson he discovered Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
, and laid the groundwork for the first Norwegian settlement there.