Askøy in Norway is 22 km long and lies approximately 4 km from Bergen and have about 22.050 inhabitants and a areal of 99,0 km2. Askøy has an attractive variety of residential areas amid beautifully lush scenary. This is a place where most people can feel at home. On the eastern hillsides there are gentle and luxuriant landscapes for those who enjoy sweeping gardens, warmth and tranquility. Along the western shores, the barren, rocky coastline, bays and islets match the most idyllic seaside scenary of Southern Norway.
This is a setting to please those who appreciate the magic of a red sun settling into the evening sea. To the north, you can enjoy the freedom of living far from the bustle of the big city, yet be no more than half-hour away. At the southern end of Askøy, overlooking Bergen and the fjord approach to the city, is the island`s most populous area. Here are the municipal offices, the secondary school and the largest shopping centres. From here it takes 10-15 minutes to drive to downtown Bergen.
The Island recidents enjoy healthy, pleasant surroundings and splendid views of the sea. And here you can use the sea. There are myriades of small anchorages, fishing areas and outdoor recreation areas. An abundance of leisure activities are available on Askøy. Around 350 volunteer organanizations, athletic teams and associations cater to widely varying interests, from scuba diving and karate to bridge and brass bands. Askøy is especialy wellknown for its flourishing musical activities. Its 55 song and music groups perform countless concerts every year. Twenty-six different athletic teams, dominated by several soccer leagues, unite 4000 members for sport, friendship and competitions.
HERDLA
Herdla is a scenic jewel, just a 45-minute drive from the centre of Bergen. The island is 2 km2 in area and lies at the point where the Fedjefjord divides into the Hjeltefjord (to the west of Askøy) and the Herdlafjord (to the east of Askøy). The name Herdla is old Norse and probably means “the separated one”. The nature reserve on Herdla was established in 1985 and is partly protected. 208 different species of bird have been registered here. There is good fishing and the holiday centre is well placed for angling from the shore or from a boat. Sea-angling trips can be arranged on a hired boat.
Herdla is special in many ways with distinctive natural features compared with the rest of the West Norwegian coast. Herdla is young from a geological point of view. At the end of the last ice age (approx. 10,000 years ago) the inland ice extended all the way to where Herdla is situated today. A roaring river of melting water brought enormous amounts of gravel and sand to what eventually became the characteristic flatland of Herdla as we know it.
Tree-clad heights encircle the Valen plain, a moraine just a few metres above sea level. The scenery on Herdla is distinctive and lovely. There are wetlands used for nesting by rare species of birds, pebble beaches and copses of trees to shield against weather and wind. There are sheltered harbours, swimming coves and excellent spots for anglers. Herdla has Hordaland’s biggest farm, which became historical when conquered by Harald Fairhair. It remained the property of the king for many years, and it was visited by Vikings such as Egil Skallagrimsson as well as by gentry, rich tradesmen and men of the church.
The highest point above sea level is 60 metres. The big stone blocks along the western side of Herdla (Vestrefjera) which continue to Prestvika and Urdneset were left behind along the edges of the ice. The biggest has been calculated to weigh 160 tonnes. Vestrefjera has the best pebble beaches in all of Hordaland. Valen, where an airport was built during the second world war, is the creation of tidal currents moving to and fro between the Herdlafjord and the Hjeltefjord. The same phenomenon is evident just north of the Herdla bridge.
There are many aspects to the history of Herdla. Findings of stone age tools confirm that here have been settlements for at least 5000 years. The northern part of the present municipalities of Meland and Askøy, together with the entire municipality of Øygarden, were separated from the district of Manger on 1 January 1871. The new municipality was called Herløe, with Herlø as the seat of administration. The name was changed to Herdla in 1920. In 1964 the municipality was dissolved and Northern Askøy was joined with the municipality of Askøy. This marked the end of an era.
HERDLA MUSEUM
Drive over Norway’s longest suspension bridge for a wonderful view of Bergen. Herdla Museum was opened in May 1995, as a museum of culture, nature and war history. The exhibitions deal with varied subjects from the ice age to the present day. Herdla farm became the property of the king at the time of Harald Fairhair and was later the home of officers of the Crown for a very long time.
HERDLA CHURCH
Herdla Church (Church of St. Nicholas) is among the oldest in Norway. It was first mentioned in 1146 in a letter from Pope Eugenius III to Orm, the abbot of St. Michaels monastery in Bergen, to which the church then belonged. Around 1190 Herdla Church was transferred to the Chruch of Christ in Bergen, and in 1308 it became one of 14 royal chapels under the Church of the Apostles in Bergen.
BERGEN KRINGKASTER
Bergen kringkaster at Strømsnes was built in 1936 around a German Telefunken-sender.
STRUSHAMN CULTURECENTER
One of the most well known harbours at Askøy is Strusshamn.
BIRDWATCHING
208 different species of bird have been registered here, one of Norway’s largest bird sanctuaries. The bird reserve at Herdlaflaket was established in 1985 and is partly protected. 208 different species of bird have been registered here.
FISHING
There is good fishing and the holiday centre is well placed for angling from the shore or from a boat. Sea-angling trips can be arranged on a hired boat. The ocean has always been an important means of sustenance.
GOLF
Herdla Golfclub is a golf course with 6 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies just a 45-minute drive from the centre of Bergen.