Alversund

Alversund kommune
—  Former Municipality  —
Alversund Bridge.
Country Norway
County Hordaland
District Vestlandet
Municipality ID NO-1257
Adm. Center Alversund
Population (1963)
 • Total 2,081
Created from Hammer og Hosanger in 1885
Merged with Lindås in 1964

Alversund is a village in Lindås municipality in Hordaland county, Norway.

Alversund was formerly a municipality. Alversund was separated from Hamre January 1, 1885 - and the annex of Seim was transferred from Hosanger to Alversund the same date. Meland was separated from Alversund October 15, 1923. The rest of Alversund was merged with Lindås January 1, 1964. Alversund is located in southwestern Lindås community.

The Alversund Bridge spans the strait of Alverstraumen between Alversund and the island of Radøy, creating a vital connection between Radøy and the mainland. In Alversund there is a primary school counting 400 pupils. Alversund Church (Alversund kyrkje) dates from 1879. It was built of wood and has 200 seats. The church is located on the east side of the narrow strait between Radfjorden and Radsundet. [1]

Among other things one will find Den Gamle Bokstova, a book café where a small group of people meets 6-8 times a year to discuss literature. The building dates from the 16th century and is a former bank, library and community house.

The name

The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the old farm Alver (Norse Alviðra) since the first church was built there. The meaning of the name is 'all weather' ('weather from all directions' - describing a farm with an exposed and unsheltered site). The last element is sund n 'sound, strait', referring to Alverstraumen.

Notable residents

References