Lian, Norway

Lian is a recreational area located in the border between Bymarka and Byåsen in Trondheim, Norway. The place was taken into use in 1933, when the Gråkallen Line of the Trondheim Tramway was extended there. It remains the terminus of the only tram line in Trondheim.

With the arrival of the tramway, a restaurant was built after insurance money from the former restaurant at Ugla. In addition, a ski jump was built. The area became the main location for winter sports in the city. The lake at Lian, Lianvannet, was an important swimming place during the summer, and an old cabin was converted into a beach restaurant. It was also possible to rent row boats. A dancing area was also built. Changing rooms were available in the restaurant.^[1]

From 1925, during winter, the frozen lake was used for trotting, with up to 6,000 watchers. In 1927, the land owner Graakalbanen offered the trotting association 100 hectare of land for free, but the deal did not go through, but the association did not except the deal since the tramway was not yet built. Instead they established themselves at Leangen. During World War II, the new field was confiscated by the German occupation forces, and again the association was offered free land. The deal only did not strike through thanks to a single, unwilling cabin owner.^[2]

The area around Lian has many cabins and some houses. About sixty cabins are illegally permanently occupied; only those buildings occupied from before 1967 may legally be permanently lived in. In 2008, the city suggested giving an amnesty for those who live in illegal houses, but have suggested changing reconstruction regulations for all houses in the area. This will in essence decrease the house value of legal housing (who get restrictions) to illegal housing (who now may be sold as permanent housing). This has created a large controversy.^[3]

References

Coordinates: 63°24′15″N 10°19′15″E / 63.40417°N 10.32083°E / 63.40417; 10.32083