Hvitsten - Fred. Olsen and Edvard Munch

One has known about Hvitsten from the Viking Age, as this was the seat of Nevstein and Ingrid. Ingrid was the sister to King Harald Hardråd and the daughter of Sigurd Syr and Queen Åsta.

The village grew throughout the 19th century as shipowners used it as a winter harbor for their ships. As a result, the crew and officers settled on the site. This is where the history of Fred. Olsen Line started.

The beautiful wooden church from 1903 was a gift from Bolette Olsen, Fred Olsen's mother. For many Norwegians Fred. Olsen Line is the first thing many associate with Hvitsten.

The family estate, Lysedal, still dominates the landscape as well as the company's old Figureheads, which are placed around in the villages and its parks.

Fred Olsen Lines has exhibited 37 figureheads made by famous Norwegian artists, used on the shipping company's ships in the period 1938 - 1976. Maps and description can be found at the old school. (Download PDF for an overview)

Here in Hvitsten famous Norwegian artists such as Kristian Krogh, Hans Jæger and Lasson daughters Oda and Bokken had their summer paradise in addition to Edvard Munch. The Norwegian painter Theodor Kittelsen lived in Hvitsten from 1891 to 1896 and found inspiration for "Nøkken" in Haugertjernet, close to the village.

In 1910 Edvard Munch bought Nedre Ramme as a summer residence and studio. Here he painted several of his famous pictures, such as Alma Mater for the University Hall in Oslo. Munch owned Nedre Ramme until his death in 1944. A cultural trail has been established at Nedre Ramme - "In Munch's footsteps". Here you will find information about Munch's life and work in Hvitsten. There are 8 information boards with pictures and photographs showing Munch's art where they belong in the terrain.

Nedre Ramme is undergoing restoration and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020 as part of the cultural destination Ramme. At the same time, a curated art exhibition is planned in the 1350 m2 large gallery. For further information about the Cultural destination Ramme, visit www.ramme.no.