Ny-Hellesund

Ny-Hellesund
Outport

Amaldus Nielsen: Morning at Ny-Hellesund
Country Norway
Region Sørlandet
County Vest-Agder
District Kristiansand Region
Municipality Søgne
Time zone CET (UTC+01:00)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+02:00)

Ny-Hellesund is an outport in Søgne municipality in Vest-Agder county, Norway, consisting of three main islands with good harbors and approach conditions. Islands states: Monsøya, Helgøya and Kapelløya.

The place has 10 to 15 residents, and therefore no village. In summer there is a lively summer guests in houses, cottages and boathouses. There is considerable boat traffic through the main channel, Hellesundet (Helle Strait). In addition, a large number of boaters to for a day or three, not least the fine harbor conditions in the large, sheltered between the pollen and Helgøya and Kapelløya.

Ny-Hellesund can be regarded as one of the best preserved outports, and the ongoing preservation of the cultural environment of Ny-Hellesund began in 2009.[1]

In Ny-Hellesund is a former shipyard, called the Yard (Verftet) which is now converted into a restaurant and guesthouse. The site is designed by multi artist Per Fronth.[2]

Ny-Hellesund was from the 18th century known for its pilot station, customs station, guesthouses and fisheries.

Among others, Johan Martin Nielssen and Amaldus Nielsen, Norwegian painters have portrayed Ny-Hellesund[3]

Olavsund

Olavsund or Olav Strait, is part of the archipelago and the port of Ny-Hellesund.

Between Kapelløya and Helgøya goes Olavsund, according to legend was formed when Saint Olav struck with his sword against the mountain on the run from pursuers. In the narrowest part of Olavsund, it is possible to see the outline of Olav's face in the mountains.[4]

On Kapelløya that "has its name af a chapel (Kapell), of whom still is seen remaining", that Saint Olav have erected a chapel as thanks for the rescue. At this point it is planned to rebuild a chapel designed by Sverre Fehn.

In the entrance is cut the old hag, who is said to be a gyger (Norse mythological figure), which fell into the sea when the Saint Olav sailed through the mountains.

On one of the rock walls are engraved monograms from several members of the Norwegian royal family. .

Coastal fort

During World War II brought the German occupying military forces a coastal fort on Helgøya. Work began in 1942 and included attended Russian prisoners of war at work. The purpose of the facility was to protect coastal traffic and the west entrance to Kristiansand.

The fort was originally called "Norway's little Gibraltar." The fort had a workforce of 150. It was armed with four 10,5 cm coastal artillery guns had a range of approx. 12 km. To protect the fort were machine guns, mortars and flame throwers. Furthermore, the fort was equipped with radar, searchlights and smoke systems. All together there were built 31 buildings in three and 26 bulletproof stone bunkers in the area.

The fort was abandoned in 1945, all buildings demolished, removed equipment and facilities attempt to erase in the following 30–40 years. In 1987 started restoration. Several 10.5 cm M/13 Schneider guns are back in place. Fortification, trenches, roads and tunnels in the area is secured and repaired, so the area is easily accessible.[5]

References

  1. Søgneguiden
  2. About Verftet (The Yard) Website (English)
  3. Ny-Hellesund & Olavssundet in Norwegian
  4. About the planned Chapel in Olav Stait (Norwegian)
  5. Kystfortet på Helgøya i Ny-Hellesund www2.sogneguiden.no in Norwegian

Coordinates: 58°3′14.59″N 7°50′29.95″E / 58.0540528°N 7.8416528°E / 58.0540528; 7.8416528

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