Locations — from Norway and beyond
Most of my family originates from Norway, and I was born there, so that is where I will start. Understanding where people lived has been essential in tracing my ancestors and in identifying the correct church records. Up until 1800, more than 90% of Norwegians lived on farms, and many of these farms are described in the farm books (bygdebøker) of each county. The farm books from the west coast of Norway, where Osa is located, have been particularly helpful.
The map on the left is taken from Wikipedia.
Norway: Regions and Counties
Norway was traditionally divided into five geographical regions Norway was traditionally divided into five regions (Vestlandet, Østlandet, Midt‑Norge, Nord‑Norge and Sørlandet), which were then split into counties (fylker) and parishes. (See maps below, taken from Wikipedia)
Before 2017, Norway had 19 counties (shown on the middle map). In 2017, several were merged, reducing the number to 11 counties (shown on the right‑hand map). From 2024, some of these mergers were reversed, and Norway now has 15 counties, mostly matching the pre‑2017 structure.
A brief history of the farms
People have lived in Norway for at least 10,000 years. Archaeological remains dated to around 10,400 years ago have been found along the coast. Rock carvings from the Neolithic period show fishing, hunting and early farming.
Early farms appear to have been used for only a generation before being abandoned. From around 200 CE, settlements show continuity over several generations. Between 500 and 700 CE there is little archaeological evidence, possibly due to the volcanic eruption of 535–536, which caused years of poor sunlight and agricultural decline.
After this period, farms became concentrated in fewer places, with greater emphasis on animal husbandry. In some areas, the outlines of Viking‑age farm structures (800–1050 CE) can still be seen. Paradoxically, good arable land was sometimes converted to pasture, while marginal land was cultivated. This suggests the emergence of an elite class who owned land they did not farm themselves.
There is archaeological evidence of settlements during this period on many of the farms where my family later lived.
Vestland (Hordaland)
My father’s family came from various parts of the old county of Hordaland, which, together with Sogn og Fjordane, now forms Vestland. They lived in the areas of Ulvik, Kinsarvik, Voss, Tysnes and Kvinnherad. Historically, the parish of Kinsarvik covered almost all of present‑day Ullensvang and part of Voss.
Hordaland Municipalities
1 Askøy, 2 Austevoll, 3 Austrheim, 4 Bergen, 5 Bømlo, 6 Eidfjord, 7 Etne, 8 Fedje, 9 Fitjar, 10 Fjell, 11 Fusa, 12 Granvin, 13 Jondal, 14 Kvam, 15 Kvinnherad, 16 Lindås, 17 Masfjorden, 18 Meland, 19 Modalen, 20 Odda, 21 Os, 22 Osterøy, 23 Øygarden, 24 Radøy, 25 Samnanger, 26 Stord, 27 Sund, 28 Sveio, 29 Tysnes, 30 Ullensvang, 31 Ulvik, 32 Vaksdal, 33 Voss
Location resources
- Parishes in Hordaland
- List of digitalised farm books for Hordaland
- Kvinnherad Parish, Hordaland, Norway
- Farm names and numbers for farms in the Voss area
Østlandet
My mother’s side of the family was more spread out. They came mainly from the former counties of Oppland, Akershus, Buskerud and Vestfold. I will add more information about these areas as I work through the family story.