# Odda Municipality

> former municipality in Hordaland, Norway

**Wikidata**: [Q109494](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109494)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odda_Municipality)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/odda-municipality

## Summary  
Odda Municipality was a former administrative division in Hordaland county, Norway, existing until its dissolution in 2019. It encompassed diverse landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and fjords, and was known for its industrial heritage and natural attractions like Trolltunga. The municipality merged into Ullensvang Municipality in 2020.

## Key Facts  
- **Dissolved**: 2019-12-31, replaced by **Ullensvang Municipality**.  
- **Location**: Formerly in **Hordaland** county, Norway; part of **Vestland** after 2019.  
- **Area**: 1,615.89 km² (2018), with 136.98 km² covered by lakes and 62.04 km² by glaciers.  
- **Population**: 6,930 (2016 census).  
- **Coordinates**: 60.025833° N, 6.667222° E.  
- **Language**: Used both **Bokmål** and **Nynorsk** (2015).  
- **Twinned with**: Hoyerswerda (Germany) and Stenungsund Municipality (Sweden).  
- **Notable Features**: **Folgefonna National Park**, **Trolltunga**, **Tyssedal Hydroelectric Power Station**.  
- **Municipality Number**: 1228.  
- **Capital**: **Odda** town.  

## FAQs  
**Q: When did Odda Municipality exist?**  
A: It was established in 1913 and dissolved on December 31, 2019, merging into Ullensvang Municipality.  

**Q: What natural attractions were in Odda?**  
A: Key sites included **Trolltunga**, **Folgefonna Glacier**, **Låtefossen** waterfall, and **Sørfjorden**.  

**Q: What industries were significant there?**  
A: The **Tyssedal Hydroelectric Power Station** (built 1906) and the **Nitrophosphate process** for fertilizer production were economically important.  

**Q: How was the municipality governed?**  
A: It was led by a mayor, with **Roald Aga Haug** serving from 2015 until dissolution.  

**Q: What administrative changes affected it?**  
A: A 1964 boundary change incorporated **Røldal Municipality**, and it later merged into **Ullensvang** in 2020.  

## Why It Matters  
Odda Municipality was a hub of hydroelectric innovation and natural beauty, contributing to Norway’s industrial growth and tourism. Its dissolution reflected national efforts to streamline local governance, but its legacy endures through protected landscapes like **Folgefonna National Park** and engineering landmarks such as the **Tyssedal Power Station**. The region’s unique blend of rugged terrain and human ingenuity makes it a microcosm of Norway’s broader identity.  

## Notable For  
- **Geological Wonders**: Home to **Trolltunga** and the **Folgefonna Glacier**.  
- **Industrial Heritage**: Pioneered hydroelectric power and fertilizer production.  
- **Cultural Sites**: Featured **Røldal Stave Church** (c. 1250) and the **Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry**.  
- **Conservation**: Part of **Hardangervidda** and **Folgefonna National Parks**.  

## Body  
### History  
Odda Municipality was established on July 1, 1913, and dissolved in 2019 as part of a nationwide municipal reform. It underwent boundary changes, notably incorporating **Røldal Municipality** in 1964.  

### Geography  
The municipality spanned 1,615.89 km², featuring:  
- **Lakes**: **Ringedalsvatnet**, **Langavatnet**, **Sandvinvatnet**.  
- **Mountains**: **Knoda**, **Kistenuten**.  
- **Waterfalls**: **Tyssestrengene**, **Låtefossen**, **Tjørnadalsfossen**.  
- **Glaciers**: **Folgefonna**, **Buarbreen**.  

### Demographics  
- **Population**: 6,930 (2016), with 1.95 km² of urban agglomeration.  
- **Households**: 3,219 total (2018), including 1,426 single-family homes.  

### Economy & Industry  
The **Tyssedal Hydroelectric Power Station** (1906) drove industrialization, and the **Nitrophosphate process** supported fertilizer production. Tourism thrived due to attractions like **Trolltunga**.  

### Governance  
- **Municipality Number**: 1228.  
- **Mayors**: **John Opdal** (2011–2015) and **Roald Aga Haug** (2015–2019).  
- **Language**: Both **Bokmål** and **Nynorsk** were officially used.  

### Culture & Landmarks  
- **Churches**: **Odda Church** (1870), **Røldal Stave Church** (c. 1250).  
- **Museums**: **Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry** (1989).  
- **Transport**: **European Route E134** and **Norwegian National Road 13** connected key settlements.  

### Dissolution  
On January 1, 2020, Odda merged with **Ullensvang Municipality** as part of Norway’s municipal consolidation, forming the current **Ullensvang Municipality** in **Vestland** county.  

### Legacy  
Odda’s natural and industrial heritage remains central to Norway’s identity, with **Folgefonna National Park** and the **Tyssedal Power Station** serving as lasting testaments to its significance.

## References

1. Source
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz
4. [Befolkning, 1. januar 2016](https://ssb.no/befolkning/statistikker/folkemengde/aar-per-1-januar/2016-02-19?fane=tabell&sort=nummer&tabell=256001)
5. Housing conditions for Norway 2018
6. [Source](http://www.sprakradet.no/sprakhjelp/Skriverad/navn-pa-steder-og-personer/Innbyggjarnamn/)
7. GeoNames
8. [Arealstatistikk for Norge. Norwegian Mapping Authority. 2018](https://www.kartverket.no/kunnskap/Fakta-om-Norge/Arealstatistikk/Arealstatistikk-Norge/)
9. Quora
10. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
11. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)