Kinn (island)

Kinn

Unique rock formation on the western side of the island

Location in Sogn og Fjordane county
Geography
Location Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
Coordinates 61°33′37″N 4°45′10″E / 61.5602°N 4.7527°E / 61.5602; 4.7527Coordinates: 61°33′37″N 4°45′10″E / 61.5602°N 4.7527°E / 61.5602; 4.7527
Area 2.5 km2 (0.97 sq mi)
Length 2.8 km (1.74 mi)
Width 1.8 km (1.12 mi)
Highest elevation 315 m (1,033 ft)
Highest point Kinnavarden
Country
County Sogn og Fjordane
Municipality Flora Municipality

Kinn is an island in Flora Municipality which is in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. The island lies about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) west of the town of Florø. The neighboring island of Reksta (where the village of Rognaldsvåg is located) lies just 350 metres (1,150 ft) to the east of Kinn, the island of Skorpa lies about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) northeast of Kinn, and the island of Askrova lies about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) to the southeast. The 2.5-square-kilometre (0.97 sq mi) island is dominated by a large mountain, with all its residents living on the east side. The mountain, Kinnaklova, is a very notable landmark to sailors in the region since it has a deep ravine that cuts through the center of the peak.[1]

The island is the home to the historic Kinn Church, dating back to the 12th century. The church was the seat of the large parish of Kinn for centuries. The island was also the centre (and namesake) of the old municipality of Kinn which existed from 1838 until 1964.[2] The island can be reached by ferry from the town of Florø. The Kinnaspelet, a historical play, is performed on the island every summer.

The Ytterøyane Lighthouse is located about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) northwest of the island.

Name

The island was named after the old Kinn farm (Old Norse: Kinn) since Kinn Church is located there. The name is identical with the word for "cheek", referring to the steep slope of a mountain on the island. Historically, the name was spelled Kind.[3]

See also

References

  1. Store norske leksikon. "Kinnøy" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2013-11-06.
  2. Store norske leksikon. "Kinn. – sogn" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2013-11-06.
  3. Rygh, Oluf (1919). Norske gaardnavne: Nordre Bergenhus amt (in Norwegian) (12 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. p. 359.


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