Andøy

Andøy is the northernmost municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the Vesterålen archipelago. The main island in the municipality is Andøya. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Andenes. Other villages in the municipality include Bjørnskinn, Bleik, Dverberg, Fiskenes, Fornes, Nordmela, Risøyhamn, Skarstein, Å, Åknes, and Åse.

Andøy kommune
Municipality
View of the village of Andenes in Andøy
Flag Coat of arms Nordland within Norway
Andøy within Nordland
Coordinates: 69°05′40″N 15°45′52″E
Country	Norway
County	Nordland
District	Vesterålen
Established	1 Jan 1964
Administrative centre	Andenes
Government
• Mayor (2019)	Knut Andreas Nordmo (Sp)
Area
• Total	656.15 km^2 (253.34 sq mi)
• Land	616.74 km^2 (238.12 sq mi)
• Water	39.41 km^2 (15.22 sq mi)  6%
Area rank	172 in Norway
Population  (2020)
• Total	4,663
• Rank	187 in Norway
• Density	7.6/km^2 (20/sq mi)
• Change (10 years)	-6.8%
Demonym(s)	Andværing[1]
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 code	NO-1871
Official language form	Neutral[2]
Website	andoy.net
Data from Statistics Norway

The 656-square-kilometre (253 sq mi) municipality is the 172nd largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Andøy is the 187th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 4,663. The municipality's population density is 7.6 inhabitants per square kilometre (20/sq mi) and its population has decreased by 6.8% over the previous 10-year period.[3][4]

General information

Andenes and Bleik are located on the northern part of Andøya

The municipality of Andøy was established as a new municipality on 1 January 1964 due to the work of the Schei Committee. Andøy Municipality was created from the merger of the old municipalities of Andenes (population: 3,812), Bjørnskinn (population: 1,835), and Dverberg (population: 1,719). Initially, the new Andøy Municipality had 7,366 residents. The municipal boundaries have not changed since that time.[5]

Name

The municipality was named after the island on which it is located, Andøya. The Old Norse form of the name was Andarøy (from Amdarøy). The first element is the genitive case of the old uncompounded name of the island: Ǫmd. The last element is øy which means "island". The meaning of the uncompounded name is unknown.[6]

Coat of arms

The coat of arms was granted on 7 January 1983. The arms show a silver wave on a blue background. It was chosen as a symbol for the fact that the municipality is situated at the sea and that fishing is important economically to the municipality.[7]

Churches

The Church of Norway has three parishes (sokn) within the municipality of Andøy. It is part of the Vesterålen prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland.

Churches in Andøy

Parish (sokn)	Church Name	Location of the Church	Year Built
Andenes	Andenes Church	Andenes	1876
Bjørnskinn	Bjørnskinn Church	Bjørnskinn	1885
Dverberg	Dverberg Church	Dverberg	1843
	Fornes Chapel	Fornes	1965

Geography

Part of Andøya seen towards the east

Forfjord valley on Hinnøya, partly in Andøy municipality.

The municipality of Andøy is spread across the island of Andøya (the northernmost island in the Vesterålen archipelago) and the northeastern part of the island of Hinnøya (the largest and most populous island in Norway). The municipality also consists of smaller skerries including Bleiksøya, Vomma, and Stavaøyan. Andøy is located between the Gavlfjorden and the Andfjorden, and the Risøysundet strait separates the two main islands in Andøy. The Andøy Bridge connects the two islands.

The midsection of the island consists of bogs and marshes, known for their Arctic cloudberries. There are numerous lakes on the island including Bleiksvatnet and Skogvollvatnet. The island is also the only place in continental Norway where coal and fossils from dinosaurs are found. Forfjorddalen nature reserve on Hinnøya has some of the oldest pine trees in Scandinavia, some more than 700 years old.[8]

Birdlife

Lying furthest north in the area known as Vesterålen, Andøy is a mixture of vast areas of marshland fens, with a backdrop of high peaked mountains such as Kvasstinden. The coast is famous for its sheltered bays with white sandy shores. The area has a rich bird life and this is reflected in some good birding localities like Forfjorddalen Nature Reserve and Skogvoll, the latter a Ramsar site of international importance.

The bird cliff at Bleiksøya, outside of Bleik, is a spectacular and photogenic landmark outside the northern part of Andøya, with many species of seabirds including puffin.[9]

Climate

Climate data for Andøya 1961-1990
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	0.3 (32.5)	0.1 (32.2)	0.8 (33.4)	3.3 (37.9)	7.5 (45.5)	11.1 (52.0)	13.5 (56.3)	13.3 (55.9)	10.0 (50.0)	6.2 (43.2)	2.8 (37.0)	1.1 (34.0)	5.8 (42.4)
Daily mean °C (°F)	−2.1 (28.2)	−2.2 (28.0)	−1.4 (29.5)	1.1 (34.0)	5.2 (41.4)	8.5 (47.3)	11.0 (51.8)	11.0 (51.8)	7.8 (46.0)	4.2 (39.6)	0.9 (33.6)	−1.2 (29.8)	3.6 (38.5)
Average low °C (°F)	−5.1 (22.8)	−5.2 (22.6)	−4.4 (24.1)	−1.8 (28.8)	2.5 (36.5)	6.2 (43.2)	8.7 (47.7)	8.3 (46.9)	5.2 (41.4)	1.7 (35.1)	−1.7 (28.9)	−4.0 (24.8)	0.9 (33.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	98 (3.9)	86 (3.4)	79 (3.1)	68 (2.7)	53 (2.1)	61 (2.4)	67 (2.6)	77 (3.0)	108 (4.3)	144 (5.7)	109 (4.3)	110 (4.3)	1,060 (41.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm)	15.3	13.1	13.5	13.1	10.6	11.8	12.1	12.8	16.6	19.2	17.0	17.4	172.5
Source: Norwegian Meteorological Institute[10]

Government

All municipalities in Norway, including Andøy, 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 Vesterålen District Court and the Hålogaland Court of Appeal.

Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Andøy is made up of 23 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The party breakdown of the council is as follows:

Andøy Kommunestyre 2020–2023 [12]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	3
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	1
	Green Party (Miljøpartiet De Grønne)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	14
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
Total number of members:		23

Andøy Kommunestyre 2016–2019 [13]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	5
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Green Party (Miljøpartiet De Grønne)	1
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	9
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	1
	Andøy List (Andøylista)	2
Total number of members:		23

Andøy Kommunestyre 2012–2015 [14]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	5
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	9
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	1
	Andøy List (Andøylista)	3
Total number of members:		23

Andøy Kommunestyre 2008–2011 [13]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	6
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	9
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	3
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	1
Total number of members:		23

Andøy Kommunestyre 2004–2007 [13]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	5
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	10
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	2
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	1
Total number of members:		23

Andøy Kommunestyre 2000–2003 [13]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	7
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	4
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	11
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	2
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	7
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	4
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1996–1999 [15]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	13
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	8
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	7
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	5
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1992–1995 [16]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	10
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	1
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	13
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	6
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	4
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	3
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1988–1991 [17]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	14
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	14
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	2
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	3
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	3
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1984–1987 [18]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	15
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	12
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	2
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	2
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	3
	Free Voters' List (Frie Velgeres liste)	1
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1980–1983 [19]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	11
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	12
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	3
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	3
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	4
	Andenes Non-party List (Andenes Upolitiske Liste)	1
	Free Voters' List (Frie Velgeres Liste)	2
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1976–1979 [20]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	12
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	7
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	3
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	4
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	5
	Andenes Non-party List (Andenes Upolitiske Liste)	3
	Free Voters' List (Frie Velgeres Liste)	2
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1972–1975 [21]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	14
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	7
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	5
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	4
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	7
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1968–1971 [22]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	15
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	5
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	9
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	5
Total number of members:		37

Andøy Kommunestyre 1964–1967 [23]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	11
	List of workers, fishermen, and small farmholders (Arbeidere, fiskere, småbrukere liste)	11
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	15
Total number of members:		37

Mayor

The mayors of Andøy (incomplete list):

• 2019–present: Knut Andreas Nordmo (Sp)
• 1999-2019: Jonni Helge Solsvik (H)
• 1995-1999: Kjell Are Johansen (Ap)
• 1980-1995: Leif A. Iversen (H)
• 1976-1979: Johan Kleppe (V)

Transportation

The Hurtigruten boat stops at Risøyhamn in Andøy. Andøya Airport at Andenes is served by Widerøe airlines. During the summer, Andenes is connected to Gryllefjord on the island of Senja by ferry. By car, you reach Andøy on Norwegian County Road 82, northbound from Sortland.

Military

Andøya Air Station is located next to Andenes. It is the home of the 333rd Squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and houses all P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft in the Norwegian Armed Forces. Andøya Rocket Range is a civilian facility for launching sounding rockets, located a few kilometres south of Andenes.

References

1. "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
2. "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
3. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian).
4. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M)" (in Norwegian).
5. Jukvam, Dag (1999). "Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistisk sentralbyrå.
6. Store norske leksikon. "Andøy" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2012-08-05.
7. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
8. "Forfjorddalen naturreservat" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 2012-02-07. Retrieved 2008-11-18.
9. "Bleiksøya naturreservat" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 2009-02-10. Retrieved 2008-11-18.
10. "eKlima Web Portal". Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Archived from the original on 2004-06-14.
11. Hansen, Tore, ed. (2016-05-12). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
12. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Nordland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2019-10-27.
13. "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
14. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Nordland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2019-10-27.
15. "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
16. "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
17. "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
18. "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
19. "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
20. "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
21. "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
22. "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
23. "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 2020-03-18.

External links

• Municipal fact sheet from Statistics Norway (in Norwegian)

• Nordland travel guide from Wikivoyage