Metren

Metren is a small village located in the municipality of Læmet, within the county of Utøya in the northern region of Danmark. The settlement lies at an elevation of approximately 120 metres above sea level and is situated along a gently winding branch of the Vammfjord, a tributary of the larger Grønfjorden. The surrounding landscape is characterised by mixed pine and spruce forests, interspersed with small alpine meadows and a network of seasonal streams that feed into the fjord system. The village is accessible by a local county road that connects it to the larger town of Skjevik, approximately 25 kilometres to the west, and is served by a weekly bus connection operated by Nordtrans.

Historically, Metren was first recorded in the early 17th century in the royal registry as a holder of a small fishing outpost, with its economy primarily based on small-scale salmon fishing and craft woodworking. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the village’s population fluctuated modestly, peaking at around 140 residents in 1950 before a gradual decline as younger generations migrated to urban centres for employment. The village maintains a church built in 1882 that remains a centre for community gatherings and local events such as the annual summer harvest festival held each June, which attracts visitors from surrounding municipalities.

In contemporary times, Metren's economy has diversified modestly, with small family-owned hospitality businesses and artisanal woodworking workshops complementing traditional fishing practices. Despite its size, the village benefits from a robust local council that advocates for sustainable tourism and conservation of the surrounding fjord ecosystems, ensuring that growth remains balanced with the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage.