| Tromøy kommune | |
|---|---|
| — Former Municipality — | |
| View of Tromøy | |
| Nickname(s): The pearl of Southern Norway | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Norway |
| County | Aust-Agder |
| District | Sørlandet |
| Municipality ID | NO-0921 |
| Adm. Center | Tromøy |
| Area | |
| • Land | 29 km2 (11.2 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 95 m (312 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Estimate (2008) | 6,000 |
| Created from | Austre Moland in 1878 |
| Merged with | Arendal in 1992 |
Tromøy is the largest island in Southern Norway, a former municipality in Aust-Agder county, and is currently an important part of the present-day municipality of Arendal.
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The island is located directly across the harbor from the town of Arendal. Tromøy Bridge (Tromøybroa) a 400-metre (1,300 ft) long suspension bridge connected it to the mainland in 1961. There is a passenger ferry that takes six minutes to transport riders from Skilsø to Arendal. The highest point on the island is the 95-metre (312 ft) tall Vardåsen. The company Aker Pusnes is located in Pusnes. It is a designer and supplier of all types of deck machinery and mooring systems for marine and offshore applications.
The municipality (originally the parish) of Tromø (Old Norse: Þruma) which means "rim", "edge", or "border".[1]
The municipality of Tromøy was established on 1 May 1878 when the municipality of Austre Moland was divided into three separate municipalities: Tromøy (population: 2,320), Barbu (population: 4,874), and Austre Moland (population: 2,524). The municipality of Tromøy included several smaller islands, including Merdø, Skilsø, and Tromlingene.
On 1 January 1992, the municipality of Tromøy was incorporated into the municipality of Arendal, along with Moland, Øyestad, and Hisøy. Prior to the merger, the municipality had a population of 4,711.[2]
Tromøy is known for having once hosted many Viking kings. According to the Ynglinga saga, Harald Granraude, the King of Agder, had his headquarters at Tromøy. It also says that his daughter, Queen Åsa Haraldsdatter, took her one-year old son, Halfdan Svarte back to Tromøy after the death of Gudrød Veidekonge. There are several place names in Tromøy derived from the Viking era including Kongshamn and Hove.[3][4]
Hove is an area located on the south-western part of Tromøy which has easily cultivated, self-draining soil and was therefore a convenient place for early agriculture. The first recorded cultivation of potatoes in Norway is believed of have occurred at the Hove farm (Hove gård) which was one of the most significant estates in Tromøy. In 1757 the owner, Nils Mathiasen Aalholm, observed in his garden diary (Nils Aalholms hagedagbok) that potatoes were being cultivated on his farm. [5][6]
During the Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany (1940-1945), the Germans had an anti-aircraft school at Tromøy (Feld Flakartillerie-schule 50) from 1941-1944 at a camp built on the Hove farm. The camp was built for 1,500 men. There were 3 radars at the island and supposedly four 88 mm anti-aircraft cannons. Construction of a 200-metre (660 ft) airstrip was begun. Most of the camp's buildings, including the airstrip which never where completed, are still there today, along with a bunker (R618) of unknown purpose. The bunker is currently undergoing restorations (2007) but work has been halted due to an ownership dispute. The German military used 75 buildings in the area, most of them built during the war.[7]
Tromøy Church is the parent church in Tromøy parish in Arendal. The church is a medieval stone church from 1150. The foundation walls are 1.5 meters thick.
It was converted into a cruciform church in 1748. The church has a restored brick Romanesque portal with two grotesque face masks on the wall on each side of the portal.The church was painted during the 1750's and decorated in rococo style.
The church has a nave from 1751 hanging on the ceiling with a model of Dronningen av Danmark, a frigate based in Copenhagen. The baptismal font made of soapstone dates from the medieval period. Altarpiece and pulpit are from 1725. [8][9]
Arendal Catering is located at Hove Camp (Hove Leirsenter). Bjellandstrand Gård has a farm restaurant with exclusive dishes, and at Arendal Herregaard Hotel (close to Hove Camp) there's another restaurant. There is only one gas station on the island and it serves some fast food.
Hove Leirsenter (Hove Camp) is located at the idyllic Hove on the shore of the island of Tromøy, about 12 km from Arendal town centre. They have a variety of accommodation possibilities: dormitory, houses, lodges and tent areas are all at your disposal. The camp area is more than 87 acres (350,000 m2) and offers a soccer ground, handball courts, volleyball courts, playground, walking paths and beaches. The camp area is suitable for large camps and the price is very reasonable.
Arendal Herregaard Hotell was built in 1930 and it is one of the oldest hotels in the region. It is situated in idyllic surroundings only about 250 metres (820 ft) from Spornes beach - practically on the threshold of the North Sea. All rooms have been recently refurbished and they are charming and comfortable, with light colors inspired by southern Norway and the sea. The rooms are of different sizes and are furnished with birch wood furniture from Hovden and comfortable beds with mattresses from Ekornes, both leading Norwegian suppliers of quality furnishings. All rooms are equipped with fridge and TV. They offer: 41 rooms, restaurant with bar and conservatory (110 persons), lounge, spa (sauna, bath, aromatherapy and massage), conference facilities for up to 100 persons, team building and incentive activities, camp with lavvo, activities and hot tub.
Hove Familie Camping (Hove Family Camping) lies in beautiful surroundings. This is perfect for families, with great possibilities for fishing and hiking on many walking paths in the woods and along the coast. The campground is about 50 metres (160 ft) from the beach, and offers cabins, room for your caravan, a place to put up a tent, a kiosk, and mini golf.
Starting in 2007, the Hove Festival was Norway's largest festival venue. Its capacity is 20,000 people. Headliners for the first year included the American bands Slayer, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age, and My Chemical Romance.