Hvaler

Hvaler is a municipality in Østfold, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Viken. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Skjærhalden, on the island of Kirkøy. The municipality is an archipelago and consists of 833 islands. The population is concentrated on the largest islands, including Kirkøy, and Vesterøy. Hvaler was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838.

Geography

Hvaler is an archipelago, which makes it a popular summer holiday destination. The biggest islands are inhabited year-round and have primary schools, shops, and other public services. The smaller islands, including Tisler, have summer cottages that are visited by tourists during the summer season.

History

The name Hvaler originally belonged to the main island, which later became known as Vesterøy. The name is probably derived from the old Norse word hvalr which means whale, reflecting the importance of whaling for the area.

Economy

The economy of Hvaler is dominated by service industries, with a focus on tourism during the summer season. The archipelago's natural beauty attracts many visitors, particularly to the Ytre Hvaler National Park.

Culture

Hvaler is known for its well-preserved cultural heritage, including ancient monuments such as the stone circle at Helleristningene på Vesterøy and the medieval Klosterruinene på Hovedøya.

Notable people

Notable people from Hvaler include the novelist Kjell Ola Dahl and the actress Andrine Sæther.

See also

• List of islands of Norway
• List of municipalities of Norway