Sortland, Norway

Sortland is a relatively new town; it received town status in 1997. However, the area around Sortland is mentioned in the Viking Sagas. Archaeological excavations indicate the area may have been inhabited as long as 5,000 years ago, at as may as eight different settlements. 

The church in Sortland is first mentioned in written sources in 1370. Merchants began to settle in the 17th century. By 1869, there were over 1,000 people living here. They lived on farms on both sides of the sound and around 10% of the population was Sami. 

For many years, especially at the end of the 19th century, there were large herring catches in the water around Sortland. However, although the fishing grounds were nearby, the population made a living from both fishing and agriculture. The first cannery was built in 1912 and employed around 120 people. 

At the start of the 20th century, Sortland was the busiest trading post in Vesterålen. Hurtigruten started calling in 1922 and a car ferry was established in 1948. The bridge was completed in 1975. 

The current church is likely the fifth or sixth church on the site. The spire from the old church is preserved and stands at the entrance to Minnelunden on the old church site in Sortland.