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Part of what is fascinating about Askøy, is the
contrast between new and old. Below is just a few examples of Askøys rich history.
Cultural Artifacts and Environments
Heaps of stones and raised terraces tell us about earlier generations', intense
exploitation of an originally barren landscape. On Askøy most small farms had
their own boat
houses, often in bays with good anchoring conditions. There are still plenty
of well preserved boat houses like this in Follese or Berland.
Building customs As with the rest of the western coast of Norway, boathouses,
barns and outhouses are usually wicket constructions, but in some places like
Kjerrgarden the walls are made of stone, typical for the rural areas around
Bergen. Potato cellars of this kind can be found in many places around the island.
On Askøys east coast, there are some examples of more urban architecture, an effect
of
people from Bergen building summer homes here. In Hop lies Thomas Erichsen's
Minde, a protected building from the late 18th century. In Florvåg there are various
examples of
industrial architecture from the last century, whilst Strusshamn has a well preserved
industrial site with roots in the early 1800s.
Ancient Monuments Askøy has two large grave mounds, that both bear the name
"Kongshaugen". One is located in Hop, the other in Ask. The mounds are believed
to be from the last part of the iron age, from 500 - 1000 AD. A residential site
from the early
stone age has been registered in Strømsnes. On the west side of Herdla are what
is interpreted as the remains of an old fortress. There is also a spring on the
island which by tradition is called the "Kingspring". |
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