nyone who has ever sailed in this beautiful part of the world knows how endless the coast of Norway is. As the seagull flies, it is near to 1,000 nautical miles from the South Cape, Lindesnes, to the North Cape. And the coastline not only continues well past these two iconic landmarks, the distance from Oslo to Kirkenes for example would be closer to 1,500 nautical miles, measured in straight lines. But the coast meanders in and out and around and back and forth the countless skerries, islets, islands and deep mighty fjords that make up this vast seascape. It is impossible to measure the unravelled length of this coast. Norwegian geographers have of course tried, time and time again. Modern technology and satellites might have made this task easier, and based on this a number has emerged. 56,000 nautical miles would be the entire length if stretched out. Only an academic estimate, but anyway, mere numbers will never do this region of ancient land and sea justice. It is against this mighty backdrop that one can begin to grasp the dimension of the maritime heritage that is one of Norwegian’s national treasures and also part of the nation’s cultural identity. For many centuries, sailing and, indeed, rowing through this vast area has been the one and only means of transportation and communication. Farming hamlets and fishing outposts have over hundreds of years remained isolated in this land that, straight from the deep fjords, rises to impenetrable mountain ranges where roads have only in the past 150 or so years been blasted into the rocks with great difficulty. Even taking the rough climate, strong winds and troubled waters off the coast into account, marine traffic has been the one and obvious alternative. To an extent that even farmers had to adapt to seafaring, often building fine, strong and seaworthy boats in their barns during those long and dark winter months. But more important than farming, fishing has in the past been the major source of income and this, again, has produced some remarkable and strong craft. And, of course, not to forget the massive seafaring heritage handed down by the Vikings. While even in this day and age, Norway’s economic and social well-being is to a large part built on the offshore industry, exploiting the oil and gas fields of the North Sea. During the 1950s, road construction was definitely well under way and boats and landing stages by the water became less significant for daily life and subsequently fell into disrepair. It was only in the 1970s, that foreseeing Norwegians acutely became aware of the decline of marine traditions, knowledge and craftsmanship and the urgent need to preserve these as well as the historic boats and buildings themselves. In recognition of this, the federation »Forbundet Kysten« was founded in 1979 for the use and preservation of historical vessels, coastal culture and maritime heritage. This »coast society« is a huge, nationwide communal project based entirely on private initiative. By the end of 2021, the movement already had 10,000 active members throughout Norway, organized in 128 local branches along the coast. And it is still growing. // Das ehemalige Wachhäuschen des Zöllners // The former customs’ lookout post A read more 76 77 Fotos: Detlef Jens (1), Langesundsfjorden Kystlag (5), Atle Knudsen/Kystlag (7)
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