Averøy

Averøy is a municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is part of the region of Nordmøre. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Bruhagen. Other villages in the municipality include Bremsnes, Kornstad, Kvernes, Kårvåg, Langøy, Sveggen, and Vebenstad.

Averøy kommune
Municipality
View of Mekknoken in Averøy
Coat of arms Møre og Romsdal within Norway
Averøy within Møre og Romsdal
Coordinates: 62°59′50″N 07°33′19″E
Country	Norway
County	Møre og Romsdal
District	Nordmøre
Established	1 Jan 1964
Administrative centre	Bruhagen
Government
• Mayor (2015)	Ingrid Ovidie Rangønes (Ap)
Area
• Total	175.68 km^2 (67.83 sq mi)
• Land	172.87 km^2 (66.75 sq mi)
• Water	2.81 km^2 (1.08 sq mi)  1.6%
Area rank	312 in Norway
Population  (2020)
• Total	5,788
• Rank	163 in Norway
• Density	33.5/km^2 (87/sq mi)
• Change (10 years)	5.7%
Demonym(s)	Averøying[1]
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 code	NO-1554
Official language form	Neutral[2]
Website	averoy.kommune.no
Data from Statistics Norway

The municipality includes the main island of Averøya and the many small islands surrounding it. The Kornstadfjorden, Kvernesfjorden, and Bremsnesfjorden surround the municipality on three sides and the open ocean on the fourth side. The Hestskjær Lighthouse and Stavnes Lighthouse are located in the northern part of the municipality.

The 176-square-kilometre (68 sq mi) municipality is the 312th largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Averøy is the 163rd most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 5,788. The municipality's population density is 33.5 inhabitants per square kilometre (87/sq mi) and its population has increased by 5.7% over the previous 10-year period.[3][4]

General information

View of northwestern Averøy

The municipality of Averøy was established on 1 January 1964 when the former municipality of Kvernes and most of the municipalities of Kornstad and Bremsnes were merged into one large municipality. On 1 January 1983, the small island of Eldhusøya (and the small surrounding islands) was transferred from Eide Municipality to Averøy Municipality.[5]

Name

The municipality is named after the island Averøya (or Averøy) (Old Norse: Afrøy). The meaning of the first element is unknown (maybe afr which means "great" or "big") and the ending -øya or -øy means "island".[6]

Coat of arms

The coat of arms was granted on 4 April 1986. The arms show three Stone Age arrowheads in gold on a red background. The arrowheads refer to actual arrowheads, made of slate, which have been found in the municipality. The arrowheads thus symbolize the long time that the area has been inhabited.[7]

Churches

The Church of Norway has three parishes (sokn) within the municipality of Averøy. It is part of the Ytre Nordmøre deanery in the Diocese of Møre.

Churches in Averøy

Parish (sokn)	Church name	Location of the church	Year built
Kvernes	Kvernes Church	Kvernes	1893
	Kvernes Stave Church	Kvernes	14th century
Kornstad	Kornstad Church	Kornstad	1871
Bremsnes	Bremsnes Church	Bremsnes	1771
	Langøy Chapel	Langøy	1935

History

The municipality of Averøy has many historic landmarks, like the Bremsnes cave with Mesolithic findings from the Fosna culture. Langøysund, now a remote fishing community, was once a bustling port along the main coastal route, and the site of the Compromise of 1040 between King Magnus I and the farmers along the coast. Also, the Medieval Kvernes Stave Church (built around 1300-1350).

Government

All municipalities in Norway, including Averøy, 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.[8] The municipality falls under the Nordmøre District Court and the Frostating Court of Appeal.

Municipal council

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

Averøy Kommunestyre 2020–2023 [9]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	12
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	3
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	1
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	3
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	2
Total number of members:		23

Averøy Kommunestyre 2016–2019 [10]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	9
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	4
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	2
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	2
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	3
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	6
Total number of members:		27

Averøy Kommunestyre 2012–2015 [11]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	8
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	5
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	2
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	4
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	4
Total number of members:		27

Averøy Kommunestyre 2008–2011 [10]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	6
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	6
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	2
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	2
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	3
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	7
Total number of members:		27

Averøy Kommunestyre 2004–2007 [10]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	8
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	3
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	2
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	7
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	2
Total number of members:		27

Averøy Kommunestyre 2000–2003 [10]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	12
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	3
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	4
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	4
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	8
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	4
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1996–1999 [12]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	9
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	2
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	3
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	6
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	12
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1992–1995 [13]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	10
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	1
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	4
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	7
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	8
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1988–1991 [14]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	12
	Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	5
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	4
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	9
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1984–1987 [15]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	13
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	5
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	5
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	6
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	6
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1980–1983 [16]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	12
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	5
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	5
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	6
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	5
	Non-party list (Upolitisk liste)	2
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1976–1979 [17]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	13
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	1
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	5
	New People's Party (Nye Folkepartiet)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	11
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	4
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1972–1975 [18]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	12
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	1
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	6
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	8
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	6
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	2
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1968–1971 [19]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	14
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	1
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	6
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	7
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	6
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	1
Total number of members:		35

Averøy Kommunestyre 1964–1967 [20]  

Party Name (in Norwegian)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)	14
	Conservative Party (Høyre)	2
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)	7
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	7
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	5
Total number of members:		35

Mayor

The mayors of Averøy (incomplete list):

• 2015-present: Ingrid Ovidie Rangønes (Ap)
• 2011-2015: Ann-Kristin Sørvik (Sp)
• 2007-2011: Jarle Haga (V)
• 2003-2007: Kjell Magne Sandø (Ap)
• 1997-2003: John Harry Kvalshaug (Sp)
• 1986-1997: Leif Helge Kongshaug (V)
• 1984-1985: Eilif Aae (Sp)
• 1979-1983: Jarle Haga (V)

Transportation

Atlantic Ocean Road

The tourist attraction Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Ocean Road) connects the island and municipality of Averøy to the neighboring Eide Municipality, which is on the mainland to the west. The Storseisundet Bridge crosses the municipal boundary. In 2005, it was awarded the "Building of the Century" prize by the Norwegian Construction Industry. On the other side of the island near the village of Sveggen, Averøy is connected to Kristiansund Municipality via the undersea tunnel. This tunnel, known as Atlanterhavstunnelen (Atlantic Tunnel), was completed in December 2009, replacing the ferry from Bremsnes on Averøya to the city of Kristiansund.

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. Thorsnæs, Geir, ed. (2017-08-22). "Averøy". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2017-10-09.
7. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 2019-05-26.
8. Hansen, Tore, ed. (2016-05-12). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
9. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Møre og Romsdal" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway. Retrieved 2019-10-19.
10. "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
11. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Møre og Romsdal" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway. Retrieved 2019-10-19.
12. "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
13. "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
14. "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
15. "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
16. "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
17. "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
18. "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
19. "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
20. "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 2020-04-26.

External links

• Municipal fact sheet from Statistics Norway (in Norwegian)