RANDABERG

'Randaberg' is a municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway, located just to the north of Stavanger.
Randaberg was separated from Hetland July 1, 1922.

Contents

The name

Coat-of-arms

History

Economy

What to see

The name

The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the farm Randaberg (Norse ''Randaberg''), since the first church was built there. The first element is the plural genitive case of ''rönd'' f 'edge, brink, verge', the last element is ''berg'' n 'mountain'.

Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms is from modern times (1981). It shows fourteen pebbles placed at the ''rand'' ('edge') of the shield.

History

Some of the first inhabitants of Norway settled here, and it is believed that the first people came here around 12,000 years ago. It is thought that Svarthola (a.k.a. Vistehålå) was the main shelter for a group of 25 persons, from around 6000 BC. These people were mainly gatherers and hunters, but from around 4000 BC they also started farming. From around 2000 BC, their main activity was farming.

Economy

Randaberg is still an active agricultural community, and produces over 80% of Norway's parsley. The first potatoes every year are grown here, and are given to the Royal Family of Norway. However, there are three suburbs where most people live: Sentrum (310 houses), Viste Hageby (315 houses) and Grødem (135 houses).

What to see

During the summer the beaches here are very popular, and among the finest in the area around Stavanger. This includes ''Sandestraen'' and ''Vistestraen''. ''Hålandsvannet'', a small lake, is also a popular place for swimming.