Etne is renowned for its varied cultural history.
Langfoss waterfall, Åkrafjorden
Photo: Espen Mills
The Stødle church in Etne
Etne
Etne is renowned for its varied cultural history. In the Middle Ages, Stødle was the seat of king Magnus Erlingsson. Although crowned when only five years old, King Magnus lived a short life, falling in battle at twenty-eight. It was king Magnus’s father, Earl Erling Skakke who in 1160 commissioned his own private chapel which became Stødle Church. Nearby the church is a burial mound and ring formations in the ground, evidence of an important site during the Bronze Age. Traces of the more recent past are plentyful in Etne: Gjerde Church, Sæbøtunet hamlet and the Postal Road between Etne and Skånevik. Åkrafjorden is the location of the beautiful Langfoss Waterall and Eikemo Farm, a mountain farm active in goat husbandry, and inaccessible by road.
The village of Skånevik is best known for its wooden buildings and decorative shop fronts. It is not surprising then to learn that Skånevik is often called the “Pearl of Sunnhordland”. The Skånevik Blues Festival, held every summer, keeps the village awake long after midnight. The Country Market and Fair in Etne is also a huge seasonal event attended by people from near and far.
ETNE MUNICIPALITY
Coastline: 130 km
Area: 708 km2
Inhabitants: 3.900
Main industries: Agriculture, trade, construction & development, tourisme, light-manufacturing.
Highest point: Folgefonna – 1638 metres above sea level.
www.etne.kommune.no
www.aakrafjorden.no