mannvædd

Mannvædd is a small coastal settlement located in the western part of Vestland county, Norway. The village lies on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Norwegian Sea, with the surrounding terrain characterized by steep fells and deep fjords. As of the 2020 census, Mannvædd had an estimated population of 350 residents.

The name Mannvædd is derived from the Old Norse words “mann” (man) and “vædd” (stream or ford), reflecting the village’s historical role as a crossing point for travelers and traders navigating the surrounding waterways. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area was inhabited since the late Viking Age, with burial mounds and remnants of turf farmhouses found on the hillsides. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Mannvædd became a modest fishing hub, specializing in cod and herring that were processed in a local cooperatived. During World War II, the village served as a modest naval outpost for the Norwegian coastal defense.

Today, Mannvædd’s economy is diversified between small-scale aquaculture, a family-owned boatyard, and tourism. Visitors are drawn to its scenic sea cliffs, the annual coastal festival celebrating local folklore, and the preserved 1890s lighthouse that now operates as a museum. The village is accessible by a short regional road connecting to the larger town of Florø, and seasonal ferry service links Mannvædd to neighboring islands.

Culturally, Mannvædd maintains a strong tradition of sea shanties, with local singers performing in the community hall on the eve of spring fishing season. The annual Mannvædd Fjord Festival features live music, traditional cuisine such as lutefisk and flatbrød, and demonstrations of age‑old fishing techniques. The village’s local school, established in 1904, continues to serve the educational needs of the surrounding rural area.