Askøy is a narrow island, 30 km in length and lies between the two main waterways
into Bergen, in Hordaland county, on the western coast of Norway.
Traditionally Askøyværingen, as the inhabitants are called, were fishermen and
farmers, but fromthe end of the 1800s` many began to work in workshops and in
industry.For many years the ferry which was the islanders connection to the mainland,
was one of the busiest in the country.However this changed when the new suspension
bridge wa opened in 1992.
Since then, the amount of industria activity and the number of inhabitants has
increased toaround 24.000, making Askøy one of the largest rural communities in
Hordaland.Despite the workforce and population growth, Askøy has maintained much
of its charm and local communities. It is a island rich in contrasting natural
beauty, with a wealth of cultural interests, historical sites, bird sanctuary
and yearly sailboat race ”Askøy Rundt”. Askøy can be explored by signed posted
footpaths, dropping anchor, by car, or bypublic transport. Last but not least,
Askøy has a full range offacilities including shopping centers, swimming pools
and bowling alley.
We hope this guide gives you a taste of what Askøy has to offer and will inspire
you to make a trip out to visit us. |
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Information
- Askøy's population is over 23,000 (January 2008)
- Askøy is 99.1 km2
- Over 300 teams and organizations are registered here
- Askøy is the location for western Norway's largest sports hall, Askøy Forum
- More than 230 different species of birds have been registered on Herdla
- There is a county sports facility for sailing in Kollevåg
- Askøy bridge is Norway's longest suspension bridge
- Askøy municipality has 17 official swimming spots
- Askøy has a nudist-beach in Kollevåg
- The express boat "Snarveien" takes 9 minutes from Bergen
- Askøy is one of the municipalities in Norway with the highest increasing population
- Askøy is the municipality with the largest production of leisure boats in the
country
- Herdla is the most important meeting place for kiters and surfers in the Bergen
region
- During the occupation, the Germans built an airport on Herdla
- Hans Nielsen Hauge established a mill in Strusshamn in 1804
- The sea battle by Florvåg in 1194 was potentially the bloodiest in Norwegian
history
- Hanøytangen
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Askøy Culture
Askøy offers a rich local culture that few othermunicipalities can boast of.
There is a high concentration of choirs, brass bands, handicrafts and a wide variety
of sports.
Askøy also has a long tradition of coastal culture, but with great population
growth and continually shorter travellin time to Bergen, Askøy today, is a blend
of urba modernness as well as coastal traditions There are many active organisaitions
on Askøy, for whicheach area has their own buildings dedicated to the various
activities.
The island is also the base for Hordaland county's sports facility for sailing,
in Kollevåg. The athletics ground i Ravnanger is certified for European Cup meetings
for trackand field. Askøy Forum the largest sports hall of its kind in Hordaland
is also situated here and contains three handbal courts and has capacity for indoor
track and field events.
Our beautiful churches are actively used as cultural arenas, they range from
the very modern and new, such as Erda church, to the more older and traditional
churches like th one in Ask.For many years artists have found inspiration on Askøy
and the island today still remains a source of inspiration fo many. You are welcome
to visit their workshops, galleries orone of the many concerts arranged.
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