A few hundred years ago, Jelsa was an important center in Ryfylke, serving as both 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 primary access point to and from the region. In the 19th century, Jelsa boasted numerous artisans, including bakers, shoemakers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and an inn. Even in the early 1600s, a fiddler was mentioned as residing in this coastal town! To this day, the beautiful Jelsa Church and the school museum stand as a testament to Jelsa's prominent position in the 16th and 17th centuries.
By following the cultural heritage trail through the town center, you can learn more about this coastal town from that period up to the present day. You'll hear how Jelsa Church was built around the original stave church, learn about turbulent priestly elections, and gain insight into why the schoolhouse was constructed in Jelsa. You'll also discover the story of when electricity first arrived in Jelsa, hear about the "courting benches" installed in the area, and experience 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/Ryfylkemuseet I Film: Borghild Nærheim and Andreas Lange/Vandre lm. I Historical basis: Jelsa: Farms and People
