Luster, Norway

Luster is a municipality in Vestland county, Norway. It is located at the end of the Sognefjorden in the traditional district of Sogn. The administrative centre is the village of Gaupne. Other villages in Luster include Fortun, Hafslo, Indre Hafslo, Jostedal, Luster, Nes, Ornes, Skjolden, Solvorn, and Veitastrond.

This article is about the municipality in Sogn, Norway. For the village in Luster municipality, see Luster (village).
Luster kommune
Municipality
View of the village of Luster
Coat of arms
Vestland within
Norway
Luster within Vestland
Coordinates: 61°29′38″N 07°19′46″E
CountryNorway
CountyVestland
DistrictSogn
Established1 Jan 1838
Administrative centreGaupne
Government
 • Mayor (2011)Ivar Kvalen (Sp)
Area
 • Total2,706.35 km2 (1,044.93 sq mi)
 • Land2,600.46 km2 (1,004.04 sq mi)
 • Water105.89 km2 (40.88 sq mi)  3.9%
Area rank17 in Norway
Population
 (2020)
 • Total5,174
 • Rank178 in Norway
 • Density2.0/km2 (5/sq mi)
 • Change (10 years)
4.6%
Demonym(s)Lustring[1]
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 codeNO-4644
Official language formNynorsk[2]
Websiteluster.kommune.no
Data from Statistics Norway

Luster is centered around the inner branch of the Sognefjord, which is called the Lustrafjorden. Its landscape includes fjords, steep mountains, water-abundant waterfalls, blue glaciers, and valleys. Both Jostedalsbreen National Park and Breheimen National Park are partially located in this municipality. The Sognefjellsvegen road goes over a mountain pass in eastern Luster.

The 2,706-square-kilometre (1,045 sq mi) municipality is the 17th largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Luster is the 178th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 5,174. The municipality's population density is 2 inhabitants per square kilometre (5.2/sq mi) and its population has increased by 4.6% during the previous 10-year period.[3][4]

In 2016, the chief of police for Vestlandet formally suggested a reconfiguration of police districts and stations. He proposed that the police station in Luster be closed.[5]

General information
View of the Fortun area
Norwegian sheep and Luster landscape
Old Gaupne Church

Lyster was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law). The original municipality was identical to the Lyster parish (prestegjeld) with the sub-parishes (sokn) of Fortun, Dale, Nes, and Gaupne. During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee. On 1 January 1963, the neighboring municipalities of Hafslo and Jostedal were merged with Luster, forming a much larger municipality. After the merger, Luster had 5,854 residents.[6]

Since the consolidation of the three municipalities of Hafslo, Jostedal and Luster in 1963, the area has been characterized by scattered rural settlements and large distances between these settlements. Luster was the largest municipality by area in the old Sogn og Fjordane county.[7]

On 1 January 2020, the municipality became part of the newly created Vestland county after Sogn og Fjordane and Hordaland counties were merged.

Name

The name (Old Norse Lústr) originally belonged to the fjord (now Lustrafjorden). The name is derived from the word ljóss which means "light" or "bright" - referring to the bright color of the water from the glaciers. Prior to 1918, the name was written Lyster.[8]

Coat of arms

The coat of arms was granted on 20 April 1990. They show a circular silver-colored tilia twig on a blue background. Although they are newly designed, they are inspired by an old woodcarving found in the Urnes Stave Church which is located in Luster.[9]

Churches

The Church of Norway has eight parishes (sokn) within the municipality of Luster. It is part of the Sogn prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Bjørgvin.[10]

Churches in Luster
Parish (sokn)Church nameLocation of the churchYear built
DaleDale ChurchLuster1250
Fet og JorangerFet ChurchFet1894
Joranger ChurchJoranger1660
FortunFortun ChurchFortun1879
GaupneGaupne ChurchGaupne1908
Old Gaupne Church1647
HafsloHafslo ChurchHafslo1878
Veitastrond ChapelVeitastrond1928
JostedalJostedal ChurchJostedal1660
NesNes ChurchNes1909
SolvornSolvorn ChurchSolvorn1883
Urnes Stave ChurchOrnes1130

Government

All municipalities in Norway, including Luster, are responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, unemployment and other social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of elected representatives, which in turn elect a mayor.[11] The municipality falls under the Sogn og Fjordane District Court and the Gulating Court of Appeal.

Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Luster is made up of 25 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The party breakdown of the council is as follows:

Luster Kommunestyre 2020–2023 [12]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)1
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)1
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)13
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Total number of members:25
Luster Kommunestyre 2016–2019 [13]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)7
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)1
 Conservative Party (Høgre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)1
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)13
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Total number of members:25
Luster Kommunestyre 2012–2015 [14]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)8
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)3
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)7
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Total number of members:25
Luster Kommunestyre 2008–2011 [13]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)10
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)3
 Conservative Party (Høgre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)7
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Total number of members:29
Luster Kommunestyre 2004–2007 [13]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)12
 Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)3
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)6
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Total number of members:29
Luster Kommunestyre 2000–2003 [13]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)17
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Joint list of the Conservative Party (Høgre),
Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti),
and Centre Party (Senterpartiet)		11
Total number of members:29
Luster Kommunestyre 1996–1999 [15]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)15
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)7
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Total number of members:29
Luster Kommunestyre 1992–1995 [16]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)18
 Conservative Party (Høgre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)5
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)10
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Local list for Hafslo (Bygdalista for Hafslo)1
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1988–1991 [17]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)16
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)5
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)9
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Local list for Hafslo (Bygdalista for Hafslo)2
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1984–1987 [18]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)16
 Conservative Party (Høgre)4
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)5
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)7
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Local list for Hafslo (Bygdalista for Hafslo)3
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1980–1983 [19]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)14
 Conservative Party (Høgre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)6
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)9
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Local list for Hafslo (Bygdalista for Hafslo)3
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1976–1979 [20]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)17
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)6
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)10
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
 Cross-party common list (Tverrpolitisk Samlingsliste)2
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1972–1975 [21]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)16
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)6
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)9
 Liberal Party (Venstre)3
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)2
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1968–1971 [22]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)15
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)5
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)9
 Liberal Party (Venstre)5
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)2
Total number of members:37
Luster Kommunestyre 1964–1967 [23]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)16
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)19
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)2
Total number of members:37
Luster Heradsstyre 1960–1963 [24]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)12
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)7
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Total number of members:25
Luster Heradsstyre 1956–1959 [25]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)11
 Conservative Party (Høgre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)4
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)7
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Total number of members:25
Luster Heradsstyre 1952–1955 [26]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)17
 Liberal Party (Venstre)7
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)12
Total number of members:36
Luster Heradsstyre 1948–1951 [27]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)16
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)6
 Liberal Party (Venstre)3
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)10
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)1
Total number of members:36
Luster Heradsstyre 1945–1947 [28]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)6
 List of workers, fishermen, and small farmholders
(Arbeidarar, fiskarar, småbrukarar liste)		11
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)8
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)11
Total number of members:36
Luster Heradsstyre 1938–1941* [29]  
Party Name (in Nynorsk)Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)18
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)7
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
 Joint list of the Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)
and the Liberal Party (Venstre)		6
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgarlege Felleslister)2
 Local List(s) (Lokale lister)1
Total number of members:36

Mayor

The mayor (ordførar) of a municipality in Norway is usually a representative of the majority party of the municipal council who is elected to lead the council. The mayors of Luster (incomplete list):

  • 2011–present: Ivar Kvalen (Sp)
  • 2003-2011: Torodd Urnes (KrF)

Geography
Note people entering the ice cave in the glacier Nigardsbreen—this gives some perspective on the size of the glacier as the cave shows in the other picture.
The glacier Nigardsbreen and the lake Nigardsbrevatnet in Luster municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county in Norway.

Location

Luster, one of the largest municipalities in southern Norway, is located in the glacial mountains where the Sognefjorden begins its path to the North Sea. The fjord is fed by many large glaciers such as the Harbardsbreen, Holåbreen, Jostedalsbreen, Nigardsbreen, Spørteggbreen, and others.[30]

It is bordered by four municipalities in Vestland county: Stryn to the north, Sunnfjord to the west, Sogndal to the southwest, and Årdal to the southeast. It is also bordered by three municipalities in Innlandet county: Skjåk to the northeast and by Lom and Vang to the east.

Mountains

The Hurrungane, Breheimen, and Jotunheimen mountains cover parts of the municipality. Store Skagastølstind (or Storen) is the third highest mountain peak in Norway at 2,405 metres (7,890 ft) high, and it is located on the southern border of Luster and Årdal. It is part of the Hurrungane mountain range which contains some of the most alpine peaks in Norway.

Mountains of Luster over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft)[31]
MountainHeightMountainHeight
Store Skagastølstind2,405 m (7,890 ft)Store Dyrhaugstind2,147 m (7,044 ft)
Store Styggedalstinden2,387 m (7,831 ft)Mjølkedalstind2,137 m (7,011 ft)
Jervvasstind2,351 m (7,713 ft)Store Ringstind2,124 m (6,969 ft)
Sentraltind2,351 m (7,713 ft)Tverrådalskyrkja2,088 m (6,850 ft)
Vetle Skagastølstind2,340 m (7,680 ft)Lodalskåpa2,083 m (6,834 ft)
Midtre Skagastølstind2,284 m (7,493 ft)Store Soleiebotntind2,083 m (6,834 ft)
Store Austanbotntind2,203 m (7,228 ft)Søre Dyrhaugstind2,072 m (6,798 ft)
Store Raudalseggi2,168 m (7,113 ft)Fannaråken2,068 m (6,785 ft)
Store Raudalstind2,157 m (7,077 ft)Stetind i Jotunheimen2,020 m (6,630 ft)
Uranostind2,157 m (7,077 ft)Brenibba2,018 m (6,621 ft)

Lakes and Rivers

There are notable lakes such as Veitastrondsvatnet, Austdalsvatnet, Styggevatnet, Tunsbergdalvatnet, Prestesteinsvatnet, and Hafslovatnet. There are also many big waterfalls such as the Feigumfoss waterfall at 218 metres (715 ft) tall. The river Jostedøla runs through the Jostedal valley and empties into the fjord at Gaupne.

Storelvi with Austerdalen (right) and Langedalen (left)

Glaciers

The Jostedalsbreen glacier (including the arm called Nigardsbreen) is the biggest glacier in continental Europe, the highest point on it is Høgste Breakulen. It is located west of Jostedal, north of Gaupne, in Jostedalsbreen National Park, much of which is located in the municipality of Luster.[31] Other glaciers include the Austerdalsbreen, Harbardsbreen and Spørteggbreen.

Economy

The inhabitants of Luster make their living by farming, growing berries and fruit, tourism, and hydroelectricity. Jøstedal and Fortun have large hydroelectric power stations. Summer tourism is quite busy. Tourist activities include mountain climbing, skiing, fishing, hiking, and hunting.[31] The Sognefjellsvegen tourist road passes through Luster.

River fishing

Fishing permits (for salmon fishing) are sold for use on specific rivers, including Årøy-elva.[32]

Attractions

Feigumfoss waterfall

With a vertical drop of 218 metres (715 ft), the Feigumfoss Waterfall is one of the highest in Scandinavia.[31]

Historic churches
Urnes Stave Church
Urnes Stave Church

Urnes Stave Church was built around 1150 and is Norway's oldest Stave church. The Church lies majestically on the top of Urnes. The Stave church is one of four Norwegian Churches on UNESCO`s list of the most precious cultural monuments in the world.

The Stave churches are constructions of high quality, richly decorated with carvings. In virtually all of them the door frames are decorated from top to bottom with carvings. This tradition of rich ornamentation appears to go back to the animal carvings of the Viking age. The dragons are lovingly executed and transformed into long-limbed creatures of fantasy, here and there entwined with tendrils of vine, with winding stems and serrated leaves. The elaborate designs are executed with supreme artistic skill. The stave church doorways are, therefore, among the most distinctive works of art to be found in Norway. However, it is difficult to connect them with the Christian gospel.[31]

Old Gaupne Church

The Old Gaupne Church is a magnificent church that was built in 1647 on a hill directly opposite Gaupne centre.[31]

Dale Church

Dale Church is a stone church that was built in gothic style in the year 1250.[31]

Breheim center

The Breheim Center contains a comprehensive exhibition. A journey through 20,000 years - from the Ice age to the present day, an audio/visual show takes visitors inside the glacier. Glacier boat M/S "Jostedalsrypa" crosses the Nigard Glacier Lake. There are internationally approved guides, glacier and climbing courses, and ski-trips.[31]

Notable inhabitants
Gerhard Munthe, 1817

Twin cities/towns
  • Lodalskåpa, a peak in the northeast part of Jostedalsbreen
  • Feigumfossen
  • Hafslovatnet lake with the Sognefjord in the background
  • Lustrafjorden
  • Urnes Stave Church
  • Sognefjell
  • Skjolden at Lustrafjorden in Luster, Norway
  • Several groups of people are glacier hiking on the glacier Nigardsbreen

References
  1. "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
  2. "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
  3. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian).
  4. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M)" (in Norwegian).
  5. Fjelltveit, Ingvild; Raunholm, Per Vidar (2016-12-20). "Foreslår å legge ned 17 lensmannskontor i Vest politidistrikt". NRK Hordaland (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2017-10-20.
  6. Jukvam, Dag (1999). "Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
  7. Natvik, Oddvar (9 February 2005). "Some historical data on the 26 Kommunes". Archived from the original on 13 June 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2008.
  8. Rygh, Oluf (1919). Norske gaardnavne: Nordre Bergenhus amt (in Norwegian) (12 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. p. 8.
  9. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 2017-10-22.
  10. "Alle kirker og kirkegårder i Norge" (in Norwegian). 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-06-03.
  11. Hansen, Tore, ed. (2016-05-12). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
  12. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Vestland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2019-10-29.
  13. "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
  14. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Sogn og Fjordane". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2019-10-29.
  15. "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  16. "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  17. "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  18. "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  19. "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  20. "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  21. "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  22. "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  23. "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  24. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1960. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  25. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1957. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  26. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1952. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  27. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1948. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  28. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1947. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  29. "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1938. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  30. Wobig, Andreas (2008). "Luster, Sogn og Fjordane". Archived from the original on 2007-08-07.
  31. "Luster Kommune". GoNorway.no. 2008. Retrieved 24 June 2008.
  32. "Laksefiske for alle". Aftenposten. 2014-07-19. p. 11.
  33. "Local History of Luster". 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-02-02.
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