Hamarøy and the author Knut Hamsun
On my way north to Finnmark I also visited the beautiful peninsula of Hamarøy in Nordland county. Hamarøy is know for the Norwegian author Knut Hamsun (1859-1952). He moved with his family to Hamsund at the age of three, and stayed here until the age of 14.
I visited the house he grew up in, which today houses a small museum with objects related to the author and his family. The day I came to Hamarøy was in fact the first day of the Hamsun Festival which is contributed to spreading knowledge of Knut Hamsun’s life and works, and his close connection to Hamarøy. This year – 2022 – the festival had its 40th annivarsary.
There was an exhibition of paintings in the barn. The artist was Knut Hamsun´s grandchild Regine Hamsun.
The Hamsun Centre
After visiting Hamsun´s childhood home I visited “Hamsunsenteret” – a centre which has exhibitions about Hamsun’s life and writing – as a celebrated and condemned author.
The Hamsund Centre is located in the middle of the landscape in which the Nobel Prize-winning author grew up, and which inspired him to write renowned books such as Pan, Markens grøde (Growth of the Soil) and Landstrykere (Wayfarers.)
The centre comprises two buildings – a six-floor main building (known as the tower) and a single floor auditorium.
The architectect s Steven Holl and he has gained a host of nominations and architectural awards for his work on the Knut Hamsun Centre.
TRANØY – where nature meet art
Also located in municipality of Hamarøy – is Tranøy – an old trading post and today a charming small village with a couple of interresting galleries.
Tranøy – is the place where nature, art & culture meet.
I stayed one night at “Bankpaa” – a small and soulful guest house.
From 1991 to 2021, this was a hotel called Edvardas Hus that Queen Sonja has visited the several times.
The building was built in 1924 in late Swiss style and initially served as a bank, hence the name ” Bankpaa” (Bank på).
Just next door to the guesthouse is the Hamsun gallery which is located in the old shop where Knut Hamsun worked as a shop clerk in the 1870s.
The guesthouse owner recommended me to watch the exibition “Svabergutstillingen” arranged by the Hamsun Galley. And WOW – what a fascinating exhibition on the bare rock-face, never seen anything like it.
Artists: Elin Bergstø Rossing and Roar Kjærnstad
Beautiful scenery – with the mountains Tilthornet and Hatten in the background.
Beautiful sculpures also in Tranøy Sculpture Park – a permanent outdoor exihibition in the area near the harbour.
The only restaurant is an old whale ship called «Svolværingen» which is restored and moved ashore. A fascinating place, great food!
You can also dine at the nearby TRANØY LIGHTHOUSE, it also offer accommodation . If the weather is not as hazy like when I visited, you can get the view of the spectacular Lofoten wall.
