Åsane

Åsane bydel
City Bergen
Borough NO-120108
Area (2008)
 - Total (Ranked 3)
 - Percent

71.01 km²
ca. 15 %

Population (01.01.2009)
 - Total (Ranked 1)
 - Percent of total
 - Density]

38,802
15.5 %
547/km²

Åsane is a borough of the city of Bergen, Norway, making up the northwestern part of the city.

It was a municipality in Hordaland county, from January 1, 1904, when it was separated from Hamre, until January 1, 1972 when it was merged with Bergen (together with Arna, Fana and Laksevåg). The area was developed from mostly farmland to a built up suburb in the 1960s and 1970s. Centrally located in the suburb are the shopping centres Gullgruven and Åsane Storsenter, including IKEA. Bergen Trotting track and Eikås Motorsport Centre is located at Haukås. Bergen Jail is located at Hylkje.

Åsane is connected to downtown Bergen by the E16 highway which continues to Arna. The road connection to the northern municipalities in Hordaland is provided by the E39 highway, crossing the Nordhordalands-bridge opened in 1994. Plans to shorten E39 through Åsane include the construction of two tunnels, Eikåstunnelen (start of construction 2010) and Nyborgstunnelen. Most busses passing through Åsane stop at the centrally located Åsane Terminal.

Åsane has produced two well-known bands, Salhuskvintetten and Vinskvetten, formerly known as "Salhusvinskvetten". Kurt Nilsen's former band Breed is also from Åsane.

Åsane Fotball (soccer) is Norway's largest sports club. It's senior team play in the second division.

Famous residents

External links