Gjerstad

Gjerstad municipality has numerous glacially formed features, including a U-shaped valley, tarns and lakes. It is bordered in the north by Nissedal, Telemark and Drangedal, Telemark; in the east by Kragerø, Telemark; in the south by Risør, Aust-Agder; and in the southwest by Vegårshei, Aust-Agder.

[edit] History

Gjerstad has been inhabited from the Stone Age and Viking Era through modern times. Agriculture has long been important, and until only decades ago the more marginal outfields in Upper Gjerstad were still utilized. Forestry also provided an important historic economic contribution, and logs were driven on rivers and streams in the municipality. To aid log transport by floating, numerous dams were constructed. Eikeland Ironworks were a significant contribution to the economy as well.

[edit] Attractions

The remains of Eikeland Ironworks can still be seen in the upper valley. Gjerstad was famous for its beautiful handmade knives; the coat of arms recognizes this heritage.
Holmen Farm (in Norwegian, Holmen Gård) in upper Gjerstad is a Norwegian national center for handicraft.
Horga is a pagan place of sacrifice which was destroyed by Olav Trygvason, which lies 300 m from Holmen Gård.

[edit] Famous residents

Niels Henrik Abel ( 1802–1829), Norwegian mathematician, was the son of Søren Georg Abel. His grandfather, Hans Mathias Abel, served as minister to Gjerstad municipality from 1785 to 1804. His father became minister in Gjerstad in 1804, so Abel spent his boyhood in the rectory at Gjerstad. Abel spent his last months at the nearby Froland Verk.

[edit] External links

Municipalities of Aust-Agder
Arendal \| Birkenes \| Bygland \| Bykle \| Evje og Hornnes \| Froland \| Gjerstad \| Grimstad \| Iveland \| Lillesand \| Risør \| Tvedestrand \| Valle \| Vegårshei \| Åmli