Askøy Municipality

Askøy Municipality comprises a group of islands located northwest of Bergen, with Kleppestø serving as the administrative center on the southeastern shore. An arched bridge built in 1992 connects these islands directly to the mainland.

The municipality was established in 1838 as a Formannskapsdistrikt and later underwent territorial changes when land was transferred to neighboring administrative regions. These boundary adjustments gradually shaped its current form.

The name comes from Old Norse, where "askr" means ash tree and "øy" means island, a naming tradition reflected in the 1961 coat of arms. This connection between natural features and place names shows how geography shaped local identity.

The islands can only be reached via the bridge completed in 1992, which provides direct road access from the mainland. The weather tends to be cool and often windy, so layered clothing is recommended for comfortable visits.

The municipality is surrounded by three fjords: Hjeltefjorden, Byfjorden, and Herdlefjorden, with Herdla island in the north preserving remains from World War II. These military structures tell the story of the island's strategic importance during wartime.