Gjerstad

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Gjerstad (disambiguation).
Gjerstad kommune
Municipality
View of Gjerstad from the Gjerstadvatnet
View of Gjerstad from the
Coat of arms of Gjerstad kommune
Coat of arms
Official logo of Gjerstad kommune
Agder within
Norway
Gjerstad within Agder
Gjerstad within Agder
Coordinates: 58°53′33″N 08°57′24″E / 58.89250°N 8.95667°E / 58.89250; 8.95667Coordinates: 58°53′33″N 08°57′24″E / 58.89250°N 8.95667°E / 58.89250; 8.95667
CountryNorway
CountyAgder
DistrictØstre Agder
Established1 Jan 1838
Administrative centreGjerstad
Government
 • Mayor (2015)Inger Løite (Ap)
Area
 • Total322.14 km2 (124.38 sq mi)
 • Land307.65 km2 (118.78 sq mi)
 • Water14.49 km2 (5.59 sq mi)  4.5%
Area rank256 in Norway
Population
 (2020)
 • Total2,428
 • Rank258 in Norway
 • Density7.9/km2 (20/sq mi)
 • Change (10 years)
−2%
Demonym(s)Gjersdøl
Gjersdøling[1]
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 codeNO-4211
Official language formNeutral[2]
Websitegjerstad.kommune.no
Data from Statistics Norway

Gjerstad is a municipality in Agder county, Norway. It is located in the traditional region of Sørlandet, in the southeastern part of the county, along the border with Telemark county.[3] The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Gjerstad. Other villages in the municipality include Ausland, Eikeland, Fiane, Gryting, Østerholt, Rød, Sundebru, and Vestøl.

The 322-square-kilometre (124 sq mi) municipality is the 256th largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Gjerstad is the 258th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 2,428. The municipality's population density is 7.9 inhabitants per square kilometre (20/sq mi) and its population has decreased by 2% over the previous 10-year period.[4][5]

General information[]

The parish of Gjerstad was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law). The borders have not changed since that time.[6]

Name[]

The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the old Gjerstad farm (Old Norse: Geirreksstaðir), since the Gjerstad Church was built there. One explanation of the name says that the first element is the genitive case of the male name Geirrekr and the last element is staðir which means "homestead" or "farm".[7][8] Another possibly explanation of the first part of the name says that it comes from the word geirr which means "spear". Historically, the name has been spelled Gerikstadum (c. 1400), Gierestat (c. 1567), Gierrestad, and Gjerrestad.

Coat of arms[]

The coat of arms was granted on 18 April 1986. The arms show three white or silver knives on a red background. The knife was chosen as a symbol for the smithies and knife makers in the municipality. Knife making has long been a local tradition for which the village is well known.[9]

See also: Coat of arms of Vestre Toten

Churches[]

The Church of Norway has one parish (sokn) within the municipality of Gjerstad. It is part of the Aust-Nedenes prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Agder og Telemark.

Churches in Gjerstad
Parish (sokn) Church name Location of the church Year built
Gjerstad Gjerstad Church Gjerstad 1848

History[]

View of a cotter's home at Lia in Gjerstad

Until about 1650, the prestegjeld of Gjerstad (the precursor to today's municipality) was named Vissedal (from vidr-ser-dalr meaning "wood-sea-dale"), a very proper description of the area. Gjerstad has been inhabited from the Stone Age and Viking Age through modern times. Agriculture has long been important, and until only decades ago the more marginal outfields in Upper Gjerstad were still utilized. Forestry also provided an important historic economic contribution, and logs were driven on rivers and streams in the municipality. To aid log transport by floating, numerous dams were constructed. Eikeland Ironworks were a significant contribution to the economy as well.

Geography[]

Gjerstad municipality has numerous glacially formed features, including a U-shaped valley, tarns, and lakes, most notably the large lake . It located in Agder county and it is bordered to the north by Nissedal and Drangedal municipalities (both in Vestfold og Telemark county); to the east by Kragerø municipality (also in Telemark); to the south by Risør municipality; and to the southwest by Vegårshei municipality. There are several larger roads that traverse Gjerstad: European route E18, Norwegian County Road 417, and Norwegian County Road 418.

Government[]

All municipalities in Norway, including Gjerstad, 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.[10] The municipality falls under the Aust-Agder District Court and the Agder Court of Appeal.

Municipal council[]

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Gjerstad is made up of 17 representatives that are elected to four year terms. Currently, the party breakdown is as follows:

Gjerstad Kommunestyre 2020–2023 [11]   hide
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)2
 Conservative Party (Høyre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)1
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)6
Total number of members:17
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 2016–2019 [12]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)1
 Conservative Party (Høyre)4
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)1
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)5
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 2012–2015 [13]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)2
 Conservative Party (Høyre)6
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)1
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)5
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 2008–2011 [12]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)7
 Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)1
 Conservative Party (Høyre)5
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)4
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 2004–2007 [12]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)7
 Conservative Party (Høyre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)5
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 2000–2003 [12]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)6
 Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet)2
 Conservative Party (Høyre)2
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)8
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1996–1999 [14]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)6
 Conservative Party (Høyre)7
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)4
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1992–1995 [15]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)7
 Conservative Party (Høyre)5
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)2
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)4
 Liberal Party (Venstre)3
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1988–1991 [16]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)10
 Conservative Party (Høyre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)3
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1984–1987 [17]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)11
 Conservative Party (Høyre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Liberal Party (Venstre)1
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1980–1983 [18]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)10
 Conservative Party (Høyre)3
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)2
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1976–1979 [19]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)10
 Conservative Party (Høyre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)4
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)3
 Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)1
 Joint list of the Liberal Party (Venstre) and
New People's Party (Nye Folkepartiet)		2
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1972–1975 [20]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)12
 Conservative Party (Høyre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)3
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1968–1971 [21]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)12
 Conservative Party (Høyre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)3
Gjerstad Kommunestyre 1964–1967 [22]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)12
 Conservative Party (Høyre)1
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties (Borgerlige Felleslister)5
Gjerstad Herredsstyre 1960–1963 [23]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)12
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Centre Party (Senterpartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)4
Gjerstad Herredsstyre 1956–1959 [24]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)11
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)4
Gjerstad Herredsstyre 1952–1955 [25]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)10
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)3
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)5
Gjerstad Herredsstyre 1948–1951 [26]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)9
 Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti)4
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)5
Gjerstad Herredsstyre 1945–1947 [27]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)11
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)2
 Liberal Party (Venstre)7
Gjerstad Herredsstyre 1938–1941* [28]  
Party Name (in Norwegian) Number of
representatives
 Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet)10
 Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet)3
 Liberal Party (Venstre)7

Attractions[]

  • The remains of Eikeland Ironworks can still be seen in the upper valley. Gjerstad was known for its handmade knives and the coat-of-arms recognizes this heritage.
  • Horga was a former pagan place of sacrifice which was destroyed by Olav Trygvason, during the introduction of Christianity to Gjerstad. It lies 300 metres (980 ft) from Holmen Gård.
  • Holmen Gård in Gjerstad (Norwegian: Holmen Gård i Gjerstad) is the site of a former farm. It was a Norwegian national center for folk art and handicraft until it was sold into private ownership in 2013. The site has been awarded the St. Olaf's Rose (Olavsrosa), a hallmark for Norwegian Heritage which designates especially distinguished places.

  • Eikeland verk building

  • Road with houses at the Eikeland verk in 1939

  • View of the buildings at Holmen Gård, Photo: ©Torgrim Landsverk

  • Main house at Holmen Gård, Photo: ©Torgrim Landsverk

Notable residents[]

Abel Memorial close to the local Church in Gjerstad. Foto: ©Torgrim Landsverk

References[]

  1. ^ "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
  2. ^ "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
  3. ^ "Gjerstad municipality". gonorway.com. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  4. ^ Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian).
  5. ^ Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M)" (in Norwegian).
  6. ^ Jukvam, Dag (1999). "Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistisk sentralbyrå.
  7. ^ Rygh, Oluf (1905). Norske gaardnavne: Nedenes amt (in Norwegian) (8 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. p. 11.
  8. ^ Thorsnæs, Geir, ed. (2 November 2017). "Gjerstad". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  9. ^ "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  10. ^ Hansen, Tore, ed. (12 May 2016). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  11. ^ "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Agder". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
  13. ^ "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Aust-Agder". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  14. ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  15. ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  16. ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  17. ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  18. ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  19. ^ "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  20. ^ "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  21. ^ "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  23. ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1960. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  24. ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1957. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  25. ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1952. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  26. ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1948. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  27. ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1947. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  28. ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1938. Retrieved 12 December 2020.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""