the island was inhabited from the 17th century to 1923. A post office was established in Bremstein in 1914. The letterbox was later converted into a post office and was open every winter during the fishing seasons between 1922 and 1945. For more than 40 years after the last residents moved from Heimlandet ( Bremstein ) became the island used as a base for active fishing. While driftnet fishing for salmon was carried out, several local fishermen were in the area in the summer. Large saithe and cod are still fished around Bremstein , and the island also used as a resting port.

After a few decades of standstill at the fish reception and in the arches, all buildings on Bremstein restored by Vega Skjærgårdspark. During the breeding season in recent years there has been a birdtender who, together with good helpers, have built up a new population of eiders in Bremstein In 2020, there were 41 breeding eiders, compared to one pair when the restoration work began.

The fishing village story

The Vega fishermen have been fishing in the surrounding waters Bremstein for many generations. The boat crews lived in the fishermen's huts on Sørholmen and Nordholmen. The fishermen themselves hung the fish on racks before the main pier with the fish reception was built in 1917. Cod was also steamed in the cod steamer.

Both the approach and the port conditions in the island were difficult. In 1908, the Storting, following a recommendation from the Government, decided to build a breakwater in Bremstein The pier is built of stone blocks. During the construction period, a railway line was laid and a steam locomotive was transported out to the island to transport the stone blocks.

When the 330-meter-long breakwater was completed in 1916, work began on the Tennsund breakwater, which was completed in 1921. Fishing continued in the island for over 40 years after it was vacated in 1923. Fishing for pollack, cod and monkfish is still carried out, and the harbour is used as a resting harbour. Around 200 fishing ponds in the waters around Bremstein is registered and documented through the Med project under the direction of Inger Pedersen Toppen.

Below you can see pictures of the breakwater construction and pictures from Bremstein today. If you would like to see more pictures of the construction of the breakwater in Bremstein you can visit the DigitalMuseum website .

Settlement

Bremstein has had a settlement since the 17th century. The permanent residents lived in Heimlandet. The children had a long journey to school in an open boat to Vega. There were 14 days at school and 14 days at home in Bremstein When the families moved from Bremstein , they took with them or demolished houses, barns and boathouses. The prayer house was moved to Vega.

Bremstein lighthouse (Steinan) approximately four nautical miles southwest of Bremstein was built in 1925 with accommodation for the lighthouse keeper, assistant and reserve assistant. The lighthouse and accommodation still stand and are today protected. The Norwegian Coastal Administration, in collaboration with a local group, Nordland County Council, the Vegaøyan World Heritage Foundation and Vega Municipality, are working to restore the lighthouse.

You can read more about the lighthouse's history and see more pictures on the Norwegian Coastal Administration's website .

Vegetation and birdlife

Bremstein is exposed to sea spray, and the vegetation is very simple with few species. As in the other areas at the far end of the archipelago, there are also occurrences of rare aquatic and marsh plants that are spread by birds.

In addition to eiders, several species of gulls and Black guillemot in the area. Egret farming has been resumed in recent years and there is an increasing breeding population in Bremstein .

Regulated movement

Show consideration for plant and animal life when moving in the landscape. Follow marked paths and hiking trails. Remember that the use of open fire is prohibited except on the shore. Please bring your own rubbish!

Want to know more?

Following this link will take you to a page with further recommended reading.

Source

“ Vegaøyan World Heritage. Cultural History Travel Book .” by Inga E. Næss and Rita Johansen.