**Stangvik Municipality**
**Definition:**
Stangvik was a former municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway, existing from 1838 until its dissolution in 1965. It was located in the traditional district of Nordmøre and encompassed a largely rural area characterized by fjords, mountains, and small villages.
—
## Stangvik Municipality
### Overview
Stangvik was a municipality in the county of Møre og Romsdal, Norway, situated in the Nordmøre district. Established as a municipality on January 1, 1838, under the formannskapsdistrikt law, Stangvik existed for over 125 years before being dissolved on January 1, 1965. The municipality was predominantly rural, with an economy based on agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industry. Its landscape was marked by fjords, steep mountains, and scattered settlements, typical of the western Norwegian coastal region.
### Geography
Stangvik was located along the northern shore of the Vinjefjorden and the Stangvikfjorden, two fjords that deeply indent the coastline of Møre og Romsdal. The municipality’s terrain was rugged, with a combination of fjord landscapes, forested hills, and mountainous areas. The area was known for its natural beauty, including steep cliffs and narrow valleys. The municipality included several small villages and hamlets, with Stangvik village serving as the administrative center.
The municipality’s location provided access to rich fishing grounds and fertile land suitable for farming, although the terrain limited large-scale agriculture. The fjords were important for transportation and communication, especially before the development of modern road networks.
### History
Stangvik was established as a municipality on January 1, 1838, following the implementation of the formannskapsdistrikt law, which created local self-government in rural Norway. Initially, the municipality covered a large area, but over time, parts of it were separated to form new municipalities or were merged with neighboring areas.
In 1865, the northern part of Stangvik was separated to create the new municipality of Surnadal. Later, in 1874, the western part was separated to form Halsa municipality. These changes reduced the size and population of Stangvik but allowed for more localized administration.
During the 1960s, Norway underwent a nationwide municipal reform aimed at reducing the number of municipalities and improving administrative efficiency. As part of this reform, Stangvik was dissolved on January 1, 1965. Its territory was divided between the neighboring municipalities of Surnadal and Tingvoll. The majority of Stangvik’s area and population were merged into Surnadal, while some parts were incorporated into Tingvoll.
### Demographics
Throughout its existence, Stangvik was a small, rural municipality with a population that fluctuated due to economic conditions and administrative changes. The population was primarily engaged in farming, fishing, and forestry. The municipality had a low population density, with residents living in small villages and isolated farms scattered across the fjord landscape.
The population was predominantly Norwegian, with a culture and dialect typical of the Nordmøre region. The community was closely knit, with local traditions and a strong connection to the natural environment.
### Economy
The economy of Stangvik was traditionally based on primary industries. Agriculture was limited by the mountainous terrain but included livestock farming and cultivation of hardy crops. Fishing was an important activity, both for local consumption and as a source of income. Forestry also played a role in the local economy, with timber harvested from the surrounding hills and mountains.
Small-scale industry, such as boat building and local crafts, existed but was not a major economic driver. The municipality’s economy was largely self-sufficient, with limited trade beyond the immediate region.
### Government and Administration
As a municipality, Stangvik was governed by a municipal council (kommunestyre) elected by the residents. The council was responsible for local services such as education, infrastructure, health, and social services. The mayor (ordfører) was elected by the council members.
The administrative center was located in the village of Stangvik, where the municipal offices and the main church were situated. The municipality cooperated with neighboring municipalities on regional issues, especially in transportation and economic development.
### Culture and Society
Stangvik’s culture was typical of rural western Norway, with strong ties to the land and sea. Traditional Norwegian customs, folk music, and local dialects were preserved in the community. The church played a central role in social life, with Stangvik Church serving as a focal point for religious and community events.
Festivals and seasonal celebrations were important, often linked to agricultural cycles and fishing seasons. The community valued education and maintained local schools to serve the children of the municipality.
### Transportation
Transportation in Stangvik was historically dependent on the fjords and waterways. Boats were the primary means of travel and transport of goods, connecting the scattered settlements along the fjords. Over time, road infrastructure improved, linking Stangvik to neighboring municipalities and facilitating access to larger towns.
Despite improvements, the rugged terrain and fjord geography posed challenges for transportation and communication, contributing to the municipality’s rural character.
### Legacy and Modern Context
Although Stangvik municipality ceased to exist in 1965, its historical identity remains significant in the region. The former municipal area is now part of Surnadal and Tingvoll municipalities. The name Stangvik continues to be used locally, particularly in reference to the village and the church.
The area retains much of its natural beauty and rural character, attracting visitors interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring Norwegian fjord landscapes. The history of Stangvik as a municipality reflects broader trends in Norwegian local government and rural development.
—
## See Also
– Municipalities of Norway
– Nordmøre district
– Møre og Romsdal county
– Norwegian municipal mergers (1960s)
—
**Meta Description:**
Stangvik was a former municipality in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, known for its fjord landscapes and rural economy. Established in 1838, it existed until 1965 when it was merged into neighboring municipalities.