I am a living creature.
– Like other living beings, I don't remember exactly when, but I too was created at some point. Some believe I originate from the last great ice age, which was at its coldest before 20,000 years ago.
From Rippevagga to the coast in Rødøy, where it is located today and is called Svartisen.
The cultural program "I am a living creature"
"I am a living creature" is a cultural program organized by Meløy municipality. Through the use of art and culture, we look at humanity's relationship with Svartisen, our reaction to its rapid change, and explore the grief that could arise if it were to disappear. Throughout the summer, Meløy municipality has provided activities at Engabreen.
The role of the Nordlandsmuseet
Nordlandsmuseet's role in the cultural program has been to shed light on the history of Svartisen on the dissemination page Vandringen i Meløy.
The walk is a cultural and nature walk that takes you on a journey of history, culture and nature through digital communication. In Meløy, the walk was initiated by the Meløy Village Committee, and is a collaboration between the Cultural Office and the Nordlandsmuseet.
At meloy.vandringen.no you can learn more about Svartisen's origins and history through 10 posts that you can both read and listen to. Hear about how Svartisen got its name, the local community around it, life under the glacier, climate issues and much more.
Post 1: I am a living creature
Learn about the origins of Svartisen – Norway's second largest glacier! Did you know that according to legend, it was St. Olav who shaped the glacier in a battle against a Sami chieftain?
Post 2: The name of Svartisen – But.. it's not black!
Hear about the story behind the name, and the stunning blue, white and turquoise colors of the ice. How could the name be so misleading?
Post 3: Fonndal farm
Just below where the Fonndalsbreen glacier once stretched, we find Fonndalen farm – a characteristic Nordland farm from around 1880 with almost intact residential buildings.
Post 3 Fonndal farm Photo: Anfinn Myrvang
Post 7 The old tourist cabin Photo: Knut Dahl
Post 9 Tåkeheimen Photo: Jon K. Nilsen
Post 4: Life under the glacier
Hear about generations who have adapted to life in the shadow of the enormous glacier, and how they have lived and worked in harmony with nature.
Post 5: Tourist history
Svartisen has attracted adventurers and tourists for centuries. From the first explorers to today's nature seekers. Hear about how tourism has developed, and why this glacier still fascinates visitors from all over the world!
Post 6: Breestua
Learn about the history of the historic Breestua. A building that sits on a magnificent panoramic view of the glacier, and can be experienced from June until the end of August.
Post 7: The old tourist cabin
Hear about how tourism eventually became something that aroused great interest from the local population. Excursions were arranged, souvenirs were made and areas were prepared for visitors. Among other things, a separate tourist cabin was built.
Post 8: Svartisen National Park
Learn about Svartisen National Park, and how large parts of Saltfjellet were protected as a national park after a fifty-year-long struggle between nature conservation interests and energy interests.
Post 9: Tåkeheimen
Hear about why Tåkeheimen was named Norway's most inaccessible cabin in 2014.
Post 10: Rendalsvik
Today, Rendalsvik is desolate and abandoned. Hear about the time when this was a vibrant community that could rival Glomfjord.
