SELVÆR In TRÆNA
This island municipality consists of around four hundred islands, islets and reefs. Four of the islands have permanent residents. In addition, a handful of islands have homes that are inhabited during the summer season and otherwise for shorter periods of the year. Our guests keep coming back here. They thrive here and there are more and more.
The photo above shows the neighboring island of Dørvær, which has no permanent residents. It is only 2-3 km south-south-east of us and is unfortunately outside this overview picture you see just below the text.
The clearest and largest in the photograph - taken from the north - you see Selvær, with the pier that closes the strait to the north. To the left in the background, which is in a southerly direction, you can clearly see the mighty wooden poles on the island of Sanna.
To the left - that is, east - of Sanna is Husøya, where around 450 of the inhabitants of the municipality live. We account for about twelve percent of the population in Træna municipality; that is, we make up about fifty people.
Selvær seen from the eagle's perspective. You now see southwest with Husøy in the upper left corner of the picture and the well-known Trænstavene at over 300 m.o.h. sticks up on the horizon.
Foto: Terje Kolaas, Din Tur AS.
What is the meaning of our name; SELVÆR?
Trygve Selvær's uncle researched the possible origin of the name and came to the following: It has nothing to do with the mammal's seals (no: sel), not least considering that our islets and skerries are not so characterized by being inhabited by seals. The Norse greeting “Heil og sæl” (that is, “whole and happy”) can give a clue: After a long voyage from the mainland and across the dangerous Trænfjorden, one finally came “heil og sel” in port. And if you take a closer look at the last sailing stage here, it goes through the narrow strait at Dørvær (no: door), then this narrow passage was perceived as the door to Selvær.
Just look at the powerful peaks of Dørvær that are visible on long lanes and in addition a safe landmark to sail for when you leave the mainland.
In our view, this explanation of names is as good as any other.
VERY GOOD WEBSITE ABOUT TRÆna MUNICIPALITY
Our municipality has an excellent website.
BOAT CONNECTION IS OUR HUMBLE ROPE
There is only a fixed boat connection between Selvær, Husøya, Sanna, Sandøya and Holmen. There is no fixed boat connection to Dørvær like the other islands without permanent residents. The exception is Holmen, where you will find an old cemetery. Here there is a demand call, ie that you agree in advance with the boat.
INFO ABOUT THE THREE OTHER INHABITED ISLANDS
Husøya with 400 residents. Klick here.
Sanna with her two permanent residents, and who are otherwise densely populated during the summer months. Klick here.
Sandøya with one permanent resident. In summer there are people in every house. Klick here.