International Island Games Association

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Hitra

Flag of Hitra

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LOCATION AND COMMUNICATION LINKS

Frøya and Hitra are neighbouring islands situated off the coast of Central Norway; Hitra is closest to the mainland, whilst Frøya is the outermost one facing the North Atlantic.

Hitra is connected to the mainland by one of the world’s deepest underwater tunnel, 264m under sea level.

Both islands can easily be reached by fastmoving catamaran ferries from the cities of Trondheim and Kristiansund, as well as the underwater tunnel between the islands. On the islands people mainly use private cars for transport.

GEOGRAPHY

These islands are quite similar in many ways, but with considerable differences as to size and topography in particular. Hitra being the largest one, comprising 707 sq. km and the countryside is varied with valleys, slopes, hills, marshland with hundreds of fresh-water lakes.  Frøya is only 147 sq. km. consisting mainly of broken country with moorland and stretches of marshland with fresh-water lakes between rocky hills. The summit of Hitra is 345m above sea level, in sharp contrast to Frøya’s 78m. The central parts of Hitra are covered with pine forest, whilst almost all trees of any kind on Frøya have been planted there. Both islands are surrounded by many smaller islands of differing sizes, Frøya by approx. 4000! The climate is generally mild with mild winters and not very high summer temperatures, though periodically it can be quite wet and stormy.

POPULATION AND MAJOR CENTRES

A large number of prehistoric sites tell us that both islands have been more or less occupied since the Stone Age. The population has gradually reduced since the World War to 4,200 on each island. This decrease in population has caused both islands serious economic difficulties for a long period.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Both islands have numerous and varied oceanic flora on an exposed landscape and are rich in bird life.  Whilst it is mainly sea-birds there are also other kinds from eagles to the more tiny ones.  Wild geese and swans are regular guests each year. Hitra has a wider range of fauna, with the country’s largest stock of deer and smaller game.  Frøya’s fauna is mainly mink, otter and hare together with a few deer. The Froan archipelago north of Frøya has the largest stock of seals on the Norwegian coast, and constitutes a 400 sq. km. game and landscape preservation area.  Hitra also has a nature preservation area consisting of marshland with lakes and streams — a paradise for birds.

HISTORY

There are several Viking graves on Hitra indicating early settlements and activity, but very little is known about the island’s evolution from the Viking age to the 13th century.

During the 13th and 14th centuries both islands belonged to the Church. Following the Reformation in 1537 they became Crown land governed by Officials on behalf of the ‘King by Grace of God’ residing in Copenhagen.

From approximately 1660, much of the land was handed over to rich landowners and during the period from 1750 to 1850 a great part of the land was gradually divided into smaller freehold farms.

In spite of the German occupation and presence of a large number of troops on Frøya during World War II, some secret connections to British territories were maintained. Amongst others, a Navy link between Shetland and Frøya was kept open, carrying couriers and arms supplies to the illegal Norwegian resistance movement.

PLACES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST

Within the best known fishermen’s village on Frøya and its surroundings, there is to be found a tall monument in memory of a disaster at sea in 1899 outside the village church; the highest light-house on the Norwegian coast; Norway’s first wind-power station together with a German fort that recalls bad memories from the time of war.  On Hitra an old renovated business site which was a centre for trade, shipping and industry is well worth a visit.  A miniature town consisting of 1,200 different kinds of buildings is another attraction. The year 2004 saw the opening of Hitra Wind Park, which covers the annual energy needs of 7500 households.

GOVERNMENT

Both islands have been self-governed, with their own local council and administration in accordance with the Norwegian government system, since 1837. However they formed one community until 1876 when they separated.  The public budgets are mainly financed by income tax, public fees with some support from the State.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Norwegian is the official language although the written version is quite similar to Danish.  This is because the official language was Danish during the long period that Norway belonged to the Danish Crown. The old Norwegian language is today used in Iceland. The population on both islands normally speak a regional dialect.

Both islands have a rich cultural life with a wide range of different activities of which singing, music and theatre seem to be the most popular. However there is also a fast-growing interest in cultural heritage and traditions. 

ECONOMY

The economy is heavily based on the fish processing industry. There are different kinds of fish processing factories on both islands, which manufacture a wide range of seafood. However most of these factories farm and process salmon.

Traditional fishing and farming have been in decline in recent years.  There are shipyards and mechanical workshops on both islands, but more so on Hitra.  The county seats have increased in population and now have a wider range of stores and services. Tourism is increasing and holiday resorts are becoming more and more attractive.  The shortage of labour in the fishing industry has lead to recruitment of foreign workers, primarily from Poland and the Baltic countries.

SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

There are several sports clubs, offering different sporting activities on both of the islands. Facilities include football grounds, shooting ranges, indoor swimming pools as well as a sports hall. The most popular sports are football, handball, shooting, volleyball with the addition of track and field on Hitra.  During the winter indoor activities are most popular, together with cross-country skiing when there is sufficient snow.   All teams play in district leagues, which can cause difficulties with fund-raising to cover transport expenditure. Besides sports the islands are eminently suitable for other leisure time activities such as boating, sailing, diving, deep-sea fishing or freshwater angling. During the hunting season Hitra is an attractive destination for hunters.

 


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