Os, Hordaland

Os is a former municipality in the old Hordaland county, Norway. It was located in the Midhordland region, just south of Norway's second-largest city, Bergen. Due to its proximity to Bergen, Os experienced strong population growth.[3] The administrative centre (and commercial centre) of Os was the village of Osøyro. It is the largest settlement in the municipality, with over 60% of the municipal residents living here. Other large villages in Os included Hagavik, Halhjem, Søfteland, Søre Øyane, and Søvik.

Os kommune
Former municipality
View of Osøyro
Coat of arms
Hordaland within
Norway
Os within Hordaland
Coordinates: 60°13′37″N 05°28′33″E
CountryNorway
CountyHordaland
DistrictMidhordland
Established1 Jan 1838
Disestablished1 Jan 2020
Administrative centreOsøyro
Government
 • Mayor (2015-2019)Marie Lunde Bruarøy (H)
Area
 • Total139.57 km2 (53.89 sq mi)
 • Land133.48 km2 (51.54 sq mi)
 • Water6.09 km2 (2.35 sq mi)  4.4%
Area rank360 in Norway
 *Area at municipal dissolution.
Population
 (2019)
 • Total20,152
 • Rank57 in Norway
 • Density151.0/km2 (391/sq mi)
 • Change (10 years)
29.2%
Demonym(s)Osing[1]
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 codeNO-1243
Official language formNynorsk[2]
Created asFormannskapsdistrikt in 1838
Succeeded byBjørnafjorden in 2020
Websiteos.hordaland.no
Data from Statistics Norway

Prior to its dissolution in 2020, the 140-square-kilometre (54 sq mi) municipality is the 360th largest by area out of the 422 municipalities in Norway. Os is the 57th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 20,152. The municipality's population density is 151 inhabitants per square kilometre (390/sq mi) and its population has increased by 29.2% over the last decade.[4]

History
Map of Os
Solstrand Hotel in Osøyro
View of the Lysefjorden in Os
Lysekloster Chapel

The parish of Os was established as a formannskapsdistrikt, the predecessor of today's municipalities, on 1 January 1838. It originally encompassed all of the land surrounding the Fusafjorden. In 1856, the eastern district of Os (across the fjord) was separated to form the new, separate municipality of Fusa. This left Os with 3,750 residents.[5]

In 1900, "Askviknes Barnehjem" (near Hagavik) opened; it housed children of romani/tater; in the beginning the children's stay was something their families applied for; later children were introduced to the facility without consent of their families.[6]

On 1 January 1907, the northern part of the municipality was separated to form the new municipality of Samnanger. This left Os with 3,188 residents. During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee. On 1 January 1964, the Bogstrand area of Fusa (population: 28) was transferred to Os. This was the only part of Fusa on the west side of the fjord.[5]

During World War II, the Ulven concentration camp was used by the occupying Nazi German Army. It was located just northwest of Osøyro.

On 1 January 2020, the neighboring municipalities of Os and Fusa were merged to form the new Bjørnafjorden Municipality.[7]

Name

The municipality is named after the old Os farm, where the first Os Church was built. The name is identical with the Old Norse word "óss" which means "mouth of a river"; referring to the Oselva River.[8]

Coat of arms

The coat of arms is relatively modern, having been adopted in 1949 after a local competition. The arms are gold with a red background. The lower part of it shows one Oselvar, a boat design traditionally associated with the area. There is a small flower design above the boat.[9][10]

Churches

The Church of Norway had one parish (sokn) within the municipality of Os. It is part of the Fana prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Bjørgvin.

Churches in Os
Parish (sokn)Church nameLocation of the churchYear built
OsOs ChurchOsøyro1870
Nore Neset ChurchHagavik2000

Government

All municipalities in Norway, including Os, are responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, unemployment and other social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of elected representatives, which in turn elect a mayor.[11] The municipality falls under the Bergen District Court and the Gulating Court of Appeal.

Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Os is made up of 35 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The party breakdown of the final municipal council was as follows:

Os Kommunestyre 2016–2019 [12]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)7
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)14
 Green Party (Miljøpartiet Dei Grøne)2
 Conservative Party (Høgre)4
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Cross-party local list for Os (Tverrpolitisk Bygdeliste for Os)2
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 2012–2015 [13]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)7
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)13
 Conservative Party (Høgre)6
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Cross-party local list for Os (Tverrpolitisk Bygdeliste for Os)4
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 2008–2011 [12]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)5
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)17
 Conservative Party (Høgre)4
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)1
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Cross-party common list - local list for Os
 (Tverrpolitisk samlingsliste – bygdaliste for Os)		4
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 2004–2007 [12]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)5
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)16
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)1
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Cross-Party Common List (Tverrpolitisk samlingsliste)3
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 2000–2003 [12]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)14
 Conservative Party (Høgre)4
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)1
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)2
 Cross-Party Common List (Tverrpolitisk samlingsliste)4
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 1996–1999 [14]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)7
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)7
 Conservative Party (Høgre)4
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Common list for Os (Samlingslista for Os)5
 Cross-party local list for Os (Tverrpolitisk bygdeliste for Os)5
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 1992–1995 [15]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)4
 Conservative Party (Høgre)5
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)2
 Common list for Os (Samlingslista for Os)6
 Cross-party local list for Os (Tverrpolitisk bygdeliste for Os)7
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 1988–1991 [16]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)9
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)5
 Conservative Party (Høgre)6
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Common list for Os (Samlingslista for Os)6
 Cross-party local list for Os (Tverrpolitisk bygdeliste for Os)4
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 1984–1987 [17]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)8
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)3
 Conservative Party (Høgre)8
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Common list for Os (Samlingslista for Os)10
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 1980–1983 [18]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)8
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)1
 Conservative Party (Høgre)12
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Common list for Os (Samlingslista for Os)6
Total number of members:35
Os Kommunestyre 1976–1979 [19]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)8
 Conservative Party (Høgre)7
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 New People's Party (Nye Folkepartiet)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Common list for Os (Samlingslista for Os)6
Total number of members:29
Os Kommunestyre 1972–1975 [20]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)10
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)4
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)6
Total number of members:29
Os Kommunestyre 1968–1971 [21]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)10
 Conservative Party (Høgre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)3
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)2
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)6
Total number of members:29
Os Kommunestyre 1964–1967 [22]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)10
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)4
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)6
Total number of members:29
Os Heradsstyre 1960–1963 [23]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)11
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)5
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)6
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)1
Total number of members:29
Os Heradsstyre 1956–1959 [24]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)12
 Conservative Party (Høgre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)4
 Liberal Party (Venstre)5
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)2
Total number of members:29
Os Heradsstyre 1952–1955 [25]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)9
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)5
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)3
Total number of members:24
Os Heradsstyre 1948–1951 [26]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)9
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)5
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)3
Total number of members:24
Os Heradsstyre 1945–1947 [27]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)12
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)8
Total number of members:24
Os Heradsstyre 1938–1941* [28]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)5
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)3
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)4
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)4
Total number of members:16

Mayor
Western shoreline of Os
View from the Solstrand Hotel, looking southeast

In 1999, the Progress Party won the local election, and Terje Søviknes became the first Progress Party politician to hold the position of mayor in Os. He was re-elected in 2003, 2007, and 2011.

Before World War II, the municipality was led by Mayor Nils Tveit from 1916 to 1940. He also held the position briefly after the German occupation of Norway had ended.

Geography

The municipality of Os was located on the southwestern part of the Bergen Peninsula, south of the municipality of Bergen and southeast of the municipality of Samnanger. The Fusafjorden was to the east, the Bjørnafjorden to the south, and the Lysefjorden lies to the west. The municipality of Fusa was located to the east (across the Fusafjorden), the municipality of Tysnes was to the south (across the Bjørnafjorden), and the municipality of Austevoll was to the west (across the Lysefjorden).

The southwestern part of Os included many small islands including Skorpo, Strøno, and Innerøya. The village area of Søre Øyane was located on several small islands off the mainland shore.

The municipality was somewhat mountainous, especially in the northeastern part of the municipality. The mountain Sveningen was a tripoint boundary, marking the boundary point where the municipalities of Bergen, Os, and Samnanger meet. It was located in extreme northeastern Os. The mountains of Mosnuken and Lyshornet are both located in Os.

Culture
Oseana kunst- og kultursenter

The Oseana Art and Cultural Centre is located in Os. It hosts art and music events year-round. The building is fairly new and in 2011, it won the "Building of the Year Award" (Årets Bygg) for Norway.[29]

Industry

Os has a tradition of small boat building since the early 1800s. The Oselvar is the traditional boat of Os. This small wooden boat was named after its major important building site during the 18th century, at the mouth of the Oselva River. These boats have traditionally been used for everyday work and for traveling to church. These boats were designed as either sailboats or rowboats. They still build these boats the traditional way in Os, and tourists are able to visit and watch them work.[30]

The Oselvar is now the official boat of Norway. With its traditions, the boat has become a symbol of the nation. The boat is shown on the coat of arms of Os.

Hagavik, a village in Os municipality, also has a modern boat building company, Askeladden Boats AS. Askeladden is Norway's largest manufacturer of leisure boats.

Transportation
Halhjem 01

The European route E39 highway runs through Os from the city of Bergen (to the north) to the ferry quay at Halhjem, on the shore of the Bjørnafjorden. The quay has two different regularly-scheduled ferry routes that stop here to cross the Bjørnafjorden. There is a ferry from Halhjem to Våge on the island of Tysnesøya in Tysnes municipality, to the southeast. There is also a ferry (that is part of the E39 highway) from Halhjem to Sandvika, just north of the village of Fitjar in Fitjar municipality, to the south.

The Norwegian government is planning to build a bridge or tunnel crossing to provide road access across the Bjørnafjorden. When completed, the northern terminus will be in Os.[31]

Demographics
Historical population
YearPop.±%
19515,580—    
19616,742+20.8%
19718,162+21.1%
198110,874+33.2%
199112,781+17.5%
200113,972+9.3%
201117,210+23.2%
201720,152+17.1%
Source: Statistics Norway.[32][33]

As of 1 January 2014, Os has a population of 18,678 which gives it a population density is 139.9 inhabitants per square kilometre (362/sq mi), compared to a county average of about 30 people per square kilometre and a national average of about 15 people per square kilometre. About 80% of the population of Os lived in urban settlements. About 1.9% of the population were registered as unemployed; the county and national average is 2.6%. 26% of the workforce were employed in public administration. 2% were employed in the primary sector of economic activity, 28.2 in the secondary sector, and 69.3% in the tertiary sector.[34] In the period from 29 October to 4 November 2001, 45.7% of the workforce of Os commuted out of the municipality, mainly to Bergen. In the same period, Os received a daily average of 753 commuters from other municipalities, 15.8% of those employed in Os.[35] In 2006, Os had a daily out-commuting of 3,001 people.[34]

Notable residents

The famous violinist Ole Bull built his summerhouse in Os, on an island named Lysøen. The special building was inspired by his travels, especially his travels to the Middle East. Lysøen was originally owned by Lyse Abbey, the ruins of which still stand and are frequently visited.

The singer-songwriter Aurora Aksnes, although born in Stavanger, grew up in Os.

gollark: You have a weird sleep schedule.
gollark: Will you acknowledge updated applications?
gollark: ++list_deleted lyric
gollark: But I won't be able to get rapid feedback on my improved staff application!
gollark: oh.

See also

References
  1. "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
  2. "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
  3. Os kommune i Hordaland (Os municipality)
  4. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2017). "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2018-01-05.
  5. Jukvam, Dag (1999). "Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistisk sentralbyrå.
  6. Marianne Herfindal Johannessen (2015-08-01). "'De hjemløse smaa'". Bergens Tidende. pp. 54–5.
  7. "Bjørnafjorden kommune" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  8. Rygh, Oluf (1919). Norske gaardnavne: Nordre Bergenhus amt (in Norwegian) (12 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. p. 206.
  9. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
  10. "Oselvar Boats". Archived from the original on 2008-10-03.
  11. Hansen, Tore, ed. (2016-05-12). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
  12. "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
  13. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Hordaland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
  14. "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  15. "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  16. "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  17. "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  18. "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  19. "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  20. "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  21. "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  22. "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  23. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1960. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  24. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1957. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  25. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1952. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  26. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1948. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  27. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1947. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  28. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1938. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  29. Oseana i pengetrøbbel
  30. Oselvaren (Os kommune)
  31. Gir ikkje opp brumotstanden
  32. Projected population - Statistics Norway
  33. Per 1 January 1964, 28 persons were transferred from 1241 Fusa to 1243 Os.
  34. "Figures on Os Municipality" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-10-05. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
  35. "Commuting. Population and housing Census 2001" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway. 2002. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
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