In the rugged landscape along the western coast of Norway, sheep farming and wool production has for hundreds of years been fundamental for the livelihood of the local population. With the emergence of modern society, this has changed, but Nordhordland is still a core area for wool production in Norway. Through a comprehensive project involving partners both from the farming community, from the wool industry and from politics, the region will now take a clear position in this area.

An annual wool week

Every year, people from all over the country gather in Nordhordland to share knowledge and learn more about the use of wool. This year, the Wool-week has a 10-day program filled with events that focus on the identity of western Norway, on the region’s proud cultural heritage and on the strong tradition of textile crafts and wool use. On offer is a wide range of courses, lectures and exhibitions, knitting cafes, social and culinary events.

Local identity as basis for visitor initiatives

But the Wool-week is not just a festival - it is a strong indicator of living traditions of wool both in the region of Nordhordland and in the county of Hordaland. Building on this, the project team is now developing a focused itinerary for visitors where they can experience both sheep farming, wool production and textile creation. They will of course also be offered exciting dishes based on lamb meat.

The wool project may eventually be important for everyone in the value chain from sheep farmer to designer. You can find more information about the Wool-week in Nordhordland here: www.ullveka.no