World Class Boats and the Christopher Colombus Myth
Hyen
Gloppen municipality / Nordfjord region / Vestland county
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Hyen is far -very far- away from the busy, international cities in Taiwan, Australia or China with huge shipyards. Therefore, it might be a tad surprising to find out that this is where we find the company Brødrene Aa; world leaders in the construction of fast ferries made of carbon fibre composites. With a keen eye for sustainability and sleek design, the award-winning boats are in demand all over. And this shipyard is located at a postcard pretty place. Hyen is also said to be the birthplace of Christopher Colombus!
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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This is actually the view from the breakfast table – breathtaking! Photo: Ola Lilloe-Olsen.
The village of Hyen has around 600 residents. The town centre is situated right by the inner part of the fjord Hyefjorden, with steep mountains surrounding a little “downtown”. Here you’ll find a grocery store, the kindergarten, the school, and the church – among other things. From there, Hyen is divided into two valleys, Vestredalen (the west valley) and Austredalen (the east valley).
There are several hamlets in both valleys. In the western valley you’ll find the hamlets Solheim (link), Hjorteset, Heimseta, Eimhjellen, and Røyrvik. Further down towards the town centre, you’ll find Hope. Take a drive through the east valley, and you’ll find the hamlets Mjellem, Ommedalen, Rognkleiva and Gjengedalen. They are all part of Hyen but have their own distinct qualities.
Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Downtown Hyen, so to speak. Photo: Brødrene Aa
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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The people of Hyen work with farming, the shipyard, fish farming, egg production, and many commute to the nearby towns and cities of Sandane, Førde or Florø.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Get Your Pulse Raising
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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The mountains in Hyen are great for hiking. Photo: Silje Pettersen
Hyen is a great place to be if you like to exercise. There is an atlethic track, a football field, loads of hiking possibilities and cross-country skiing facilities. The little village of Hyen has fostered many national and international athletes, especially in skiing, plus track and field.
But you don’t have to be a hard-core athlete to enjoy Hyen. Hiking, fishing in both the fjord, rivers and freshwater lakes, and deer hunting are popular activities.
Photo: Marion Solheim
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Nesholmen Campsite is also a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature. Here, you'll find beautiful swimming spots, fishing areas, canoes available for rent, and scenery perfect for leisurely walks through forests, mountains, and cultural landscapes. The campsite hosts programs for children and youth, gatherings, and various events. A small café operates seasonally, serving plenty of ice cream during the summer months! You can also enjoy homemade dinners. Nesholmen can accommodate around 100 overnight guests.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Nesholmen Camp Site. Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Friluftshelga – Outdoorsy Fun and Flakedans
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Every year there is an outdoor festival in Hyen, called Friluftshelga (the Outdoorsy Weekend) – link (6) Facebook. At Friluftshelga, which by the way is longer than your average weekend, the days are packed with things to do. Cultural walks, overnight hikes, long mountain treks, football match, folk dancing, quiz, sales exhibitions, a lovely summer concert, an outdoor church service, fishing competition, bounct castle for the kids, canoeing, plenty of delicious food, and much, much more.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Oh, and let's not forget the Saturday Night Flakedans! A flakedans” It's a gathering where a wooden deck used as a dance floor is built for the occasion; it might be nestled in the heart of the forest, along the shore, or in any scenic spot. Musicians assemble, filling the air with melodies, while people take to the floor to dance. Meanwhile, others relax amidst nature, engaging in lively conversations and soaking in the atmosphere.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Christopher Colombus – from Hyen?
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Sebastiano del Piombo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In downtown Hyen, you’ll find the Colombus Park. A small monument has been erected by the sea to commemorate Columbus' birthplace. But why?
The author Thor Borch Sannes caused a bit of a stir when he published the book "Christopher Columbus, a European from Norway" in 1994. Borch Sannes claimed to have gathered sufficient evidence to confidently assert that Christopher Columbus was born in Hyen and first journeyed to Italy in his late teens. Not only that, but he was also related to the Bonde family, of noble lineage. With Nordic features, he spoke Latin, and gained access to royalty at a young age.
True or not, the myth of Christopher Colombus is definitely part of the Hyen history.
Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Magnar Heimset
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Sources
Main photo on top by Eilev Instanes
Nesholmen Leirstad – Stedet der alt kan skje!
Christopher Columbus : en europeer fra Norge? (nb.no)
Blogg.no | Visste du at Christopher Colombus var norsk? (nettavisen.no)
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Photo: Marion Solheim
Where is Hyen?
Church
Bus
Swimming pool
Junior high school
Primary school
Kindergarten
Public services in the village
None
Hotel/guesthouse
Gas station
Grocery store
Private services in the village
None
Game hunting
Sea fishing
Lake/river fishing
Soccer club
Choir
Leisure in the village
None
Vinmonopolet (wine and liquor shop)
Dentist
Library
Airport
Doctor's office
High school
Public services within 45 min
None
Pharmacy
Fitness center
Movie theater
Shopping center
Pub
Restaurant/cafe
Electric car charging
Private services within 45 min
None
Volleyball
Golf
Small boat harbour
Handball
Leisure within 45 min
None
In and Around the Village
Housing
Note that not all available houses in the village are listed on freysta.com. Feel free to contact the municipality for more information about available homes. Best of luck with finding your dream home!
Are you tempted? Get in touch with Hyen!
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