Sources from the 16th century show that the settlement is old. the island is privately owned and divided into the farms Sørparten and Nordparten. Extensive restoration work has been carried out on the residential building, outbuildings, piers and eider house. Skjærvær provides a good insight into how people have lived in the Vega Islands. In recent years, there has been work to build up the eider population in Skjærvær and as of 2020, around 40 eiders were breeding there, after the population had dwindled to two breeding eiders at the turn of the millennium.   

Industrial base

Both before and now, Vega fishermen have fished in the waters around Skjærvær . Before the fishermen's huts were built for rent around 1880, the fishermen lived with the permanent residents. The prayer house was built by the fishermen and their families. They gave money from fish from some of the permanent nets and the women also collected money at bazaars and other events for the prayer house. The harbor was shallow and poor before it was dredged in the 1930s. Two piers were built in the years 1930-1936. At that time, 20 – 30 men were working. The longest of the piers is 450 meters long.  

By visiting the DigitaltMuseum you can see pictures from the time when the breakwaters were built.

Bird life and vegetation

Birdlife is rich. Egret smoked has also been an important secondary food in Skjærvær , the tradition is still maintained. A theist colony is located in Skjærvær In Nordværet we find a cormorant colony that in the 1990s was the largest in the North Atlantic. On the island There are a number of rare marsh plants. One of these is Iceland cress, which probably came here with birds. The former hayfield is now heavily overgrown and characterized by erosion due to water, but the landowners are putting in a lot of work with scythe mowing to restore the vegetation.

Protection and conservation

Skjærvær is protected as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. The building complex with surrounding facilities and Skjærvær The fishing port is also protected under the Cultural Heritage Act. Skjærvær is part of the Vegaøyan World Heritage Area. The purpose of the nature reserve is to safeguard a nationally valuable coastal area, with the naturally associated flora and fauna.

Special value is attached to the area as a resting place for barnacle geese on spring migration, as a nesting, breeding and wintering area for seabirds and to the presence of special plant species/plant communities. The purpose of the bird conservation areas is to preserve good and undisturbed breeding and staging areas for seabirds. 

The purpose of the preservation of the buildings is to preserve a culturally, historically and architecturally valuable building complex linked to coastal culture, egg and dune gathering and fishing. The purpose of protecting the area around the buildings is "to preserve the effect of cultural monuments in the environment".

The purpose of the conservation of Skjærvær fishing port is to preserve it as an important port and fishing port facility with historical significance. This means that the breakwaters are protected against any form of damage/destruction. Moving or removing stones from the breakwater is prohibited (this also applies to small stones).

Traffic in the area

Vegetation is protected against all forms of damage and destruction. New plant and animal species may not be introduced. Animal and bird life with nesting sites and vegetation that is important for the bird's habitat is protected against all forms of damage and destruction. Dogs must be kept on a leash and should be kept away the islands during the breeding season. From April 15th to July 31st, there is a ban on land travel in the nature reserve (i.e. the islands outside the main island where the settlement is).

Show consideration when traveling in the landscape. Respect your privacy. Remember that the use of open fire is prohibited. It is not allowed to leave garbage. Borrowing a quay/landing must be agreed with the landowner. The same applies if you want a guided tour on land. The landowner can be contacted on mobile
412 51 296 / 994 71 379.

Want to know more?

By following this link you will be taken to a page with further recommended reading. ng.

Source

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