A few hundred years ago, Jelsa was an important center in Ryfylke, serving as an intellectual hub and a central trading post. Several fjords converge here, making the coastal town of Jelsa a crucial junction, with the sea route being the most important way in and out of the region. In the 19th century, Jelsa had many artisans such as bakers, shoemakers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and an inn. Even in the early 17th century, a fiddler was mentioned here in the coastal town! To this day, the beautiful Jelsa Church and the school museum stand as a reminder of Jelsa's significance in the 17th and 18th centuries.
By following the heritage trail through the town center, you can learn more about the coastal town from that period up to the present day. Here you will hear about how Jelsa Church was built around the stave church that originally stood there, you will learn about turbulent priestly elections, and you will gain insight into why the schoolhouse was built in Jelsa. You will also hear the story of when electricity first came to Jelsa, about the 'courting benches' set up in the area, and you will hear historical melodies from the coastal town. Local storytellers recount these tales.
Script: Tore Thorsen, Øystein Haga, Ruth Haga I Narrators: Tore Thorsen, Øystein Haga, Ruth Haga, Cecilie Jelsa, Maren Landsnes I Music: Folk Music Archive/Ryfylke Museum I Film: Borghild Nærheim and Andreas Lange/Vandre film. I Historical basis: Jelsa: Farms and People
