Kvitsøy
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| Basic data | |||
| Commune number : | 1144 | ||
| Province (county) : | Rogaland | ||
| Administrative headquarters: | Ydstebøhavn | ||
| Coordinates : | 59 ° 4 ′ N , 5 ° 25 ′ E | ||
| Surface: | 6.29 km² | ||
| Residents: | 517 (Feb 27, 2020) | ||
| Population density : | 82 inhabitants per km² | ||
| Language form : | neutral | ||
| Website: | |||
| politics | |||
| Mayor : | Stian Bjørsvi ( KrF ) (2019) | ||
| Location in the province of Rogaland | |||
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Kvitsøy is a municipality in the Norwegian Fylke Rogaland . It consists of 365 islands. The municipality is surrounded by the outer parts of the Boknafjord . In the north are the municipalities of Karmøy and Bokn , in the east Stavanger and Randaberg . The administrative center is Ydstebøhavn .
fauna and Flora
Except for seals and small dolphins, there are no mammals. However, the islands have a rich marine bird life. A variety of plants have found their way to the islands. In addition to native plants, there are also plants that were settled there by dumping waste from ships before entering the port of Stavanger.
history
Kvitsøy is first mentioned in the Snorre Saga ( see article: History of Norway ). There the peace of 1208, which ended the civil war between Birkebeinern and Baglern, was concluded between Inge II. , Håkon Galen and Philipp Simonsson .
Stone cross
On Kvitsøy there is a 3.90 m high stone cross from the time of the Christianization of Norway. It is said to be the largest and best preserved stone cross in Norway. In addition to being a Christian symbol, it also served as a sea mark. It was probably built around 1000 at the latest. In 1016 King Olav the Holy is said to have been with Erling Skjalgsson at the cross.
St. Clement's Church
Next to the cross are the foundations of St. Clement's Church . According to legend, it was demolished in 1270. The baptismal font of St. Clemens Church was found and is used today in the island church built in 1620.
lighthouse
The 18 meter high lighthouse was built in 1829. In 1859 it was raised by 7 m and the beacon is now 45 m above sea level. In 1938 the lighthouse was electrified and switched to automatic operation in 1969.
Kvitsøy-Trafikksentral
In 2003 the Kvitsøy-Trafikksentral, designed by the architects Jarmund / Vigsnæs AS, was opened. The "traffic control center" serves as part of a radar network to monitor ship traffic off the west coast of Norway. The striking architecture with the slate-clad outer walls is a focal point on the island. There is a viewing platform on the roof.
Radio station
In the municipality, the Norwegian radio operates a large transmission system for short and medium wave ( Kvitsøy radio station ).
