Andplassen

Andplassen is a Norwegian toponym that translates to “the duck place.” In Norwegian place-naming, it is used for locations associated with water where ducks are common, and it may refer to either natural landscapes or specific localities. The name is often applied to ponds, small lakes, wetlands, or canal-adjacent areas within parks or residential areas. As a proper place name, Andplassen is used in several municipalities across Norway, sometimes as a neighborhood or district designation rather than a distinct administrative entity.

Characteristics of places named Andplassen typically include a water feature, trails, and green spaces suitable for informal recreation and wildlife observation. Ducks, and other water birds, are common in these areas, and the sites may be used for walking, picnicking, and seasonal activities such as skating on frozen ponds. The name often reflects historical or ongoing use of the site by people for feeding or observing ducks, or simply its role as a duck habitat.

Origin and usage: The components “and” meaning duck and “plassen” meaning place illustrate how Norwegian toponymy often describes landscape features or land use. The tradition of descriptive place names is reflected in Andplassen, and distinct instances of the name exist in multiple regions. Context is typically needed to identify the exact location being referenced.

See also: toponymy, geography of Norway, duck pond.