Crestholm

Crestholm is a coastal town and civil parish in the municipality of Westhaven, in the northern part of Eldmere. Set on a limestone bluff overlooking Crest Harbour, the town occupies a crescent of hills and shoreline. The name Crestholm combines Old Norse elements meaning crest or hill and holm, a small island or promontory.

Formed during the medieval period as a fishing port, Crestholm received town rights in the 15th century and developed trade through the harbor and river routes. Its shipyards and timber trade flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, followed by industrial decline in the 20th century and a shift toward service industries and tourism.

Today Crestholm sustains itself with fishing and seafood processing, small-scale manufacturing, and a growing coastal tourism sector. The harbour supports a marina and ferry services to nearby isles, while nearby fields host a modest wind-energy facility. The surrounding landscape preserves cliffs, dunes, and woodlands.

With a population of about 12,000, Crestholm has a town council led by a directly elected mayor. It forms part of the Westhaven District within Eldmere and collaborates with neighboring municipalities on regional planning, transport, and environmental initiatives.

Notable sites include Crestholm Lighthouse, the 12th-century St. Elara's Church, and the Old Toll Bridge across Crest River. The town is served by Crestholm railway station on the Northshore Line, a dense local bus network, and road connections to the regional coast.

Crestholm hosts the annual Maritime Festival, highlighting local seafood, boatbuilding heritage, and music. Local cuisine emphasizes fish dishes, dairy products, and produce from nearby farms.