| Åstol | |
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Åstol
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Bohuslän |
| County | Västra Götaland County |
| Municipality | Tjörn Municipality |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 0.14 km2 (0.1 sq mi) |
| Population (2005-12-31)[1] | |
| • Total | 238 |
| • Density | 1,647/km2 (4,265.7/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
Åstol is a locality situated south of Tjörn Municipality (close to Marstrand), Västra Götaland County, Sweden with 238 inhabitants in 2005.[1] Åstol has always been a center for fishing, especially for herring-fish, mackerel and flatfish. This is mainly due to the location of the island.[2]
Åstol is also well-known for its harbour. The harbour has an excellent location and is protected against wind and waves. Åstol also has a harbour for visitors, and is located along both south and north side of the harbour. The port has approximately 50 harbour spots for visitors. The depth of the harbour is 4,5 m which makes it possible for big boats such as steam-boats and galleons to add.[3]
Located in the center of the island you can find a small "Handelsbod"/store were you can buy almost everything that is required to live on the island. There is also a restaurant, café and a kiosk. Another thing that makes Åstol special is their smokehous, called Åstols Rökeri.
Åstol's smokehouse contains 6 different sections. The restaurant, "Iseriet", a beer garden called "Perrys Bar", a fish store, Björn's Pictures and the smokehouse.[4] At "Åstols Rökeri" you can order smoked eel, herring, mackerel, salmon and shrimp.
In 1747, when the great herring period started, people wanted to be close the herring-centrum, which was outside of Åstol's harbour. Because of the great location and the windless bay Åstol's harbour is in, people started to migrate to Åstol. The island was perfect for herring fishing and was a perfect place to live on.[2]
The men were fishermen and used to be out on fishing trips for long periods. Then the women had responsibility over the household and children.[2] The women, praying for the men to come back safely during the tough fishing season, but also the great respect and closeness the residents on Åstol felt for the ocean, made them develop a strong faith in Christianity and God. This view on God and the ocean have continued throughout the years and Åstol's society has been imprinted to be very supersticious and to have a very strong belief in God.[2]
Galenskaparna/After Shave made people open up their eyes more for Åstol because they made a short film that takes place at Åstol, it's called "Åke från Åstol".
Some famous swedish people who lives at Åstol are Birgitta Stenberg, Rosita Runegrund, Peter Harryson and Janne Josefsson.[5]
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