Hordaland

Hordaland. Hordaland was a prominent county on the western coast of Norway, renowned for its dramatic fjord landscapes and deep historical roots. Its administrative centre was the major city of Bergen, a historic hub of trade and culture. The county was formally dissolved on 1 January 2020 when it merged with Sogn og Fjordane to form the new county of Vestland.

Geography

Hordaland's geography was dominated by the vast, intricate Hardangerfjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world, flanked by the expansive Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The coastline was deeply indented, featuring notable fjords like Sørfjorden and islands such as Stord and Bømlo. Major waterways included the Eidfjord and Granvin arms of the Hardangerfjord, while significant mountains encompassed the Folgefonna glacier and peaks within Folgefonna National Park. The region's terrain stretched from the coastal archipelago facing the Norwegian Sea to the high-altitude wilderness bordering Telemark and Buskerud.

History

The region takes its name from the ancient Horda tribe, with its early history deeply tied to the Viking Age and the unified kingdom of Harald Fairhair. Bergen was established by Olav Kyrre and served as a major centre of the Hanseatic League, with the historic Bryggen wharf now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key historical events include the Battle of Fimreite in the Sverre-Birkebeiner conflicts and the area's role in the Black Death. Later, the construction of the Bergensbanen railway and engineering feats like the Hardanger Bridge connected its remote communities. The county was formally established in 1763 and lasted until its 2020 merger.

Economy

The economy was historically driven by maritime industries, with Bergen serving as a pivotal port for the Norwegian fishing fleet and the headquarters of major firms like Kongsberg Gruppen and Jotun. Aker Solutions and Kværner have been significant in the offshore oil and gas sector, supported by supply bases along the coast. Agriculture flourished in microclimates like those in Ullensvang, famous for its Hardanger apple orchards and Hardanger cider. Hydroelectric power generation from plants such as Sima Power Station was vital, while tourism centered on attractions like the Trolltunga rock formation and the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall.

Culture

Hordaland was a cultural heartland, home to the annual Bergen International Festival and institutions like the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Grieg Hall. It was the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, who resided at Troldhaugen, and playwright Ludvig Holberg. Traditional Hardanger fiddle music and the distinctive Hardanger bunad are key folk elements. The Edvard Grieg Museum and KODE Art Museums of Bergen preserve this heritage, while the University of Bergen and the Norwegian School of Economics are leading academic institutions. The natural landscape has inspired artists from the Bergen School and beyond.

Municipalities

Prior to dissolution, Hordaland comprised 33 municipalities. The largest by population were Bergen, Stord, and Bømlo, while extensive areas included Kvam and Voss. Key municipalities in the Hardanger region were Ullensvang, Eidfjord, and Kvinnherad. Other significant entities included Askøy, connected to Bergen by the Askøy Bridge, and Austevoll, a major fishing community. Northern municipalities like Modalen and Meland were part of the county, as were southern ones like Sveio and Tysnes. All these entities became part of Vestland county in 2020.

Category:Former counties of Norway Category:Vestland