Hamarøy

Hamarøy (Lule Sami: Hábmer[3]) is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional district of Salten. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Oppeid. Other villages include Drag, Innhavet, Karlsøy, Korsnes, Presteid, Skutvika, Tømmerneset, Tranøy, and Ulvsvåg.

Hamarøy kommune
Hábmera suohkan
Municipality
View near Tømmernes in Hamarøy
View near Tømmernes in Hamarøy
Coat of arms of Hamarøy kommune
Coat of arms
Official logo of Hamarøy kommune
Nordland within
Norway
Hamarøy within Nordland
Hamarøy within Nordland
Coordinates: 68°04′33″N 15°46′56″E
CountryNorway
CountyNordland
DistrictSalten
Established1 Jan 1838
 • Created asFormannskapsdistrikt
Administrative centreOppeid
Government
 • Mayor (2019)Britt Kristoffersen (Sp)
Area
 • Total2,020.45 km2 (780.10 sq mi)
 • Land1,837.61 km2 (709.51 sq mi)
 • Water182.84 km2 (70.59 sq mi)  9%
 • Rank#36 in Norway
Population
 (2022)
 • Total2,708
 • Rank#242 in Norway
 • Density1.5/km2 (4/sq mi)
 • Change (10 years)
Decrease −3.3%
DemonymsHamarøying
Hamarøyværing[1]
Official languages
[2]
 • Norwegian formNeutral
 • Sámi formLule Sami
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 codeNO-1875
WebsiteOfficial website
Data from Statistics Norway

The 2,020-square-kilometre (780 sq mi) municipality is the 36th largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Hamarøy is the 242nd most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 2,708. The municipality's population density is 1.5 inhabitants per square kilometre (3.9/sq mi) and its population has decreased by 3.3% over the previous 10-year period.[4][5]

General information

The municipality of Hamarøy was established on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law). During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee. On 1 January 1964, the part of Hamarøy located on the south side of the Sagfjorden and west of the Veggfjellan mountain (population: 77) was transferred to neighboring Steigen Municipality. On the same date, the Tysnes and Molvik farms (population: 33) was transferred from Hamarøy to the neighboring Tysfjord Municipality.[6]

On 1 January 2020, the western part of Tysfjord Municipality was merged into Hamarøy. This occurred because in 2017, it was decided by the Parliament of Norway that the neighboring Tysfjord Municipality would be divided along the Tysfjorden with the eastern half being merged with the neighboring municipalities of Narvik and Ballangen to form a new, larger Narvik Municipality and the remaining western half will be merged with the municipality of Hamarøy on the same date.[7][8]

Name

The municipality is named after the former island (now peninsula) Hamarøya (Old Norse: Hamarøy) since the first Hamarøy Church was built there. The first element is the genitive case of the former uncompounded name of the island hǫm, which means "thigh/leg (of an animal)" because the island (or a part of it) was shaped in the form of an animal's leg. Historically, the municipality name was spelled Hammerø.[9]

Coat of arms

The current coat of arms was adopted in 2019 for use starting on 1 January 2020 after a municipal merger. The blazon is "Azure, a rock carving of two swans argent". This means the arms have a blue field (background) and the charge is a depiction of a 9,000-year-old rock carving of the outlines of two swans. The swans have a tincture of argent which means they are commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The ancient rock carving seen at Dyreberget in Leiknes is a notable historical feature for the municipality. The two swans also symbolize the two cultures of the municipality: Norwegian and Lule Sami. The arms were designed by Ingar Nikolaisen Kuoljok and Dag Winsjansen.[10][11]

The former coat of arms was granted on 19 February 1982 and in use until 1 January 2020 when the new arms were put into use. The official blazon is "Azure, a lynx statant guardant argent" (Norwegian: I blått en stående sølv gaupe). This means the arms have a blue field (background) and the charge is a lynx. The lynx has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. Lynx are common in the area it was chosen for the arms as a symbol for the rich wildlife in the forests of the municipality. The arms were designed by Asbjørn Mathiassen.[12][13][14]

  • Current arms since 2020
    Current arms since 2020
  • Arms (1982-2019)
    Arms (1982-2019)

Churches

The Church of Norway has two parishes (sokn) within the municipality of Hamarøy. It is part of the Ofoten prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland.

Churches in Hamarøy
Parish (sokn)Church nameLocation of the churchYear built
HamarøyHamarøy ChurchPresteid1974
SagfjordSagfjord ChurchKarlsøy1770
Tømmernes ChurchTømmerneset1952

Geography
Hamarøyskaftet mountain in spring
Map of Steinslandvatnet nature reserve

The municipality of Hamarøy borders the municipalities of Narvik to the north, Steigen to the west, Sørfold to the south, the Vestfjorden to the northwest, and the country of Sweden to the southeast. The large island of Finnøya is located between the Sagfjorden and the Kaldvågfjorden.

Lakes in the municipality include Fjerdvatnet, Forsanvatnet, Forsvatnet, Kaldvågvatnet, Kilvatnet, Livsejávrre, Makkvatnet, Reinoksvatnet, Rekvatnet, Rotvatnet, Sandnesvatnet, Skilvatnet, Šluŋkkajávri, and Strindvatnet.

Nature

Hamarøy is dominated by small fjords, pine, birch, and aspen woodland and forest, and coastal mountains. There are several nature reserves, such as Trollpollen nature reserve dominated by pine and birch[15] located a few kilometers north of Innhavet, Lilandsvatnet wetland area,[16] Steinslandsosen estuary,[17] and Kvannskogen with old aspen trees with rich lichen flora.[18] The mountain Hamarøyskaftet has long been regarded as nature's own phallic symbol (See picture 1 and picture 2).

Climate

Hamarøy has an oceanic or boreal climate, depending on winter threshold used (0 °C (32 °F) or −3 °C (27 °F)). The wettest season is autumn and early winter, while April - June is the driest, indicating an oceanic climate. The record high is 33.7 °C (92.7 °F) recorded 18 July 2018 at Drag.

Climate data for Drag 1991-2020 (19 m)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Daily mean °C (°F) −2.1
(28.2)		 −2.3
(27.9)		 −1
(30)		 2.6
(36.7)		 6.9
(44.4)		 10.7
(51.3)		 14.1
(57.4)		 13.1
(55.6)		 9.6
(49.3)		 4.6
(40.3)		 1.4
(34.5)		 −0.8
(30.6)		 4.7
(40.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 78
(3.1)		 70
(2.8)		 70
(2.8)		 53
(2.1)		 56
(2.2)		 58
(2.3)		 63
(2.5)		 67
(2.6)		 102
(4.0)		 96
(3.8)		 83
(3.3)		 91
(3.6)		 887
(35.1)
Source: yr.no [19]

Government

All municipalities in Norway, including Hamarøy, are responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, unemployment and other social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of elected representatives, which in turn elect a mayor.[20] The municipality falls under the Ofoten District Court and the Hålogaland Court of Appeal.

Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Hamarøy is made up of 17 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The party breakdown of the council is as follows:

Hamarøy kommunestyre 2020–2023 [21]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 4
  Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) 1
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 6
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Liberal Party (Venstre) 1
Total number of members:17
Hamarøy kommunestyre 2016–2019 [22]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 4
  Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) 1
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 3
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Liberal Party (Venstre) 4
Total number of members:17
Hamarøy kommunestyre 2012–2015 [23]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 6
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 2
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Liberal Party (Venstre) 4
Total number of members:17
Hamarøy kommunestyre 2008–2011 [22]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 7
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 3
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Joint list of the Liberal Party and political independents
(Samarbeidslista Venstre og partipolitisk uavhengige)		 2
Total number of members:17
Hamarøy kommunestyre 2004–2007 [22]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 3
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 4
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 2
  Joint list of the Liberal Party and political independents
(Samarbeidslista Venstre og partipolitisk uavhengige)		 4
Total number of members:17
Hamarøy kommunestyre 2000–2003 [22]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 6
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 3
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 4
  Joint list of the Liberal Party and politically independent voters (Venstre og partipolitisk uavhengige velgere) 8
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1996–1999 [24]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 6
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 5
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
 Collaboration list (Samarbeidslista)5
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1992–1995 [25]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 6
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 3
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 6
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 2
 Collaboration list (Samarbeidslista)4
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1988–1991 [26]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 9
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 5
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 1
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 4
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Liberal Party (Venstre) 1
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1984–1987 [27]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 8
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 5
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 2
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Joint list of the Centre Party (Senterpartiet) and the Liberal Party (Venstre) 5
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1980–1983 [28]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 7
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 7
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 2
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 3
  Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) 1
  Liberal Party (Venstre) 1
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1976–1979 [29]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 6
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 4
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 2
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 6
 Hamarøy Free Voters (Hamarøy Frie Velgere)3
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1972–1975 [30]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 8
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 5
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 3
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 5
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1968–1971 [31]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 8
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 6
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 3
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 4
Total number of members:21
Hamarøy kommunestyre 1964–1967 [32]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 9
  Conservative Party (Høyre) 7
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 3
  Centre Party (Senterpartiet) 5
  Local List(s) (Lokale lister) 1
Total number of members:25
Hamarøy herredsstyre 1960–1963 [33]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 9
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 3
  Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister) 10
  Local List(s) (Lokale lister) 3
Total number of members:25
Hamarøy herredsstyre 1956–1959 [34]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 9
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 4
  Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister) 12
Total number of members:25
Hamarøy herredsstyre 1952–1955 [35]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 9
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 4
  Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister) 11
Total number of members:24
Hamarøy herredsstyre 1948–1951 [36]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 8
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 7
  Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister) 9
Total number of members:24
Hamarøy herredsstyre 1945–1947 [37]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 11
  Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) 5
  Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister) 8
Total number of members:24
Hamarøy herredsstyre 1938–1941* [38]  
Party Name (in Norwegian)Number of
representatives
  Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) 11
  Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister) 9
  Local List(s) (Lokale lister) 4
Total number of members:24
Note: Due to the German occupation of Norway during World War II, no elections were held for new municipal councils until after the war ended in 1945.

Mayors

The mayors of Hamarøy (incomplete list):

  • 1838-18??: Truls Krog Koch
  • 1857-1864: Nikolai Walsøe
  • 1880-1886: Olaus Holter
  • 1910-1919: Johan Hoff Ellingsen (V)
  • 1919-1937: Konrad Halmøy (V)
  • 1937-1942: Sverre Pedersen
  • 1942-1943: Sverre Vaag
  • 1943-1945: Sverre Pedersen
  • 1945-1945: Bjarne Gaarder
  • 1945-1946: Jonathan Vardevik
  • 1946-1947: Johan Stokland
  • 1947-1955: Arthur Thoresen (Ap)
  • 1955-1959: Petter Fikke (LL)
  • 1959-1967: Ulrik Normann (H)
  • 1967-1983: Olav Elsbak, Jr. (H)
  • 1983-1991: Ingvald Sørensen (Ap)
  • 1991-1995: Sverre Harald Eriksen (Sp)
  • 1995-2003: May Valle (V)
  • 2003-2007: Jan-Folke Sandnes (H)
  • 2007-2015: Rolf Steffensen (Ap)
  • 2015-2019: Jan-Folke Sandnes[39] (H)
  • 2019–present: Britt Kristoffersen (Sp)

Transportation
Skutvika, with ferry connection to Svolvær

While Hamarøy has a low population density, it sees some traffic during the summer months as the main road connection to Svolvær and the Lofoten islands runs through Hamarøy and its administrative centre, Oppeid. The ferry ride to Skrova and Svolvær is approximately 2 hours and departs from Skutvika (approximately 15 minutes from Oppeid) at regular intervals. In 2008, the ferry schedule was considerably reduced due to the new Lofoten Mainland Connection road. The European route E6 highway runs north and south through the municipality on its way to Narvik. Bus service by Stoklands Bilruter is available between certain villages in Hamarøy.

Economy
Tranøy Lighthouse

The municipal administration and other public services are located in Oppeid. There is a hotel in the municipality, as well as the scenic Tranøy Lighthouse which can be rented.[40]

Skutvik is a small residential and marina area concentrated around the ferry dock. In the high season the number of cars and motor homes in line for the ferry can be significant. There are a few sights to see in Skutvik, as well as a small bar/cafe and a Statoil gas station.

Knut Hamsun
Knut Hamsun Centre

The writer Knut Hamsun, winner of the 1920 Nobel Prize in Literature, grew up in Hamarøy. The Knut Hamsun Centre, a museum and educational center dedicated to Knut Hamsun's life and work, finished building in 2009 and opened for the public in June 2010. Knut Hamsun's childhood home is also open for visitors in summer. The Hamsun literature festival was founded in 1982 and takes place in Hamarøy during the first week of August every second year.

Notable people
Knut Hamsun, 1939

References
  1. "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
  2. "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
  3. "Stadnamn og rettskriving" (in Norwegian). Kartverket. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  4. Statistisk sentralbyrå. "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian).
  5. Statistisk sentralbyrå. "09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M)" (in Norwegian).
  6. Jukvam, Dag (1999). "Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistisk sentralbyrå.
  7. Karlsen, Tone Anita (22 August 2017). "Ny Narvik tar form". Harstad Tidende (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  8. "Intensjonsavtale Hamarøy og Tysfjord" (in Norwegian). Tysfjord kommune. 13 December 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  9. Rygh, Oluf (1905). Norske gaardnavne: Nordlands amt (in Norwegian) (16 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. p. 263.
  10. "Er du klar for nytt kommunevåpen?" (in Norwegian). NyeHamarøy.no. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  11. Gracheva, Svetlana (21 August 2020). "Kommunevåpen" (in Norwegian). Hábmera suokan/Hamarøy kommune. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  12. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  13. "Hamarøy, Nordland (Norway)". Flags of the World. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  14. "Godkjenning av våpen og flagg". Lovdata.no (in Norwegian). Norges kommunal- og arbeidsdepartementet. 23 April 1982. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  15. "Trollpollen naturreservat" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  16. "Lilandsvatnet naturreservat" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  17. "Steinslandsosen naturreservat" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  18. "Kvannskogen naturreservat" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  19. "yr.no/met.no".
  20. Hansen, Tore, ed. (12 May 2016). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  21. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Nordland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  22. "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
  23. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Nordland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  24. "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  25. "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  26. "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  27. "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  28. "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  29. "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  30. "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  31. "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  32. "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  33. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1960. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  34. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1957. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  35. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1952. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  36. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1948. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  37. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1947. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  38. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1938. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  39. "Han blir ny ordfører i Hamarøy". Fremover (in Norwegian). 14 October 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  40. "Tranøy fyr". Archived from the original on 6 February 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  41. IMDb Database retrieved 01 September 2020
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