Islands

Along the entire Brønnøysund area, the islands lie like small worlds in the sea, each with its own story. In fact, there are 10,045 islands, islets, and skerries here. Before bridges and roads connected the coast, the boat was the lifeline. People rowed to neighboring islands to trade goods, shop, attend church on Sundays, and to the mainland to sell fish, butter, and wool. Life along the coast in earlier times was defined by a close connection to the sea. Most people relied on a combination of fishing and small-scale farming to secure their livelihood. Communities were often small and largely self-sufficient, with a strong focus on using local resources from the sea—such as fish and seabirds. Life was demanding, but this mix of occupations also provided a safety net, reducing the risk of food shortages if one resource failed. Fishing provided both food and important trade goods. Many also farmed to produce butter, meat, and wool, and these two livelihoods were often combined to ensure survival in a challenging but resource-rich environment.