Hvitsten is a former town in Akershus county, Norway, located between Drøbak and Son.[1]

Hvitsten is located in Norway
Hvitsten
Hvitsten
Hvitsten, Norway

It is the smallest town that has ever existed in Norway: In 1951 it had 76 inhabitants, and an area of just 0.07 km2. Due its size it could not be established as a municipality of its own, and it had to be a part of the rural municipality of Vestby. Hvitsten lost its status as a town January 1, 1964. The place is probably most known for the TV-show «Neste Sommer», which was filmed in this Area.

The name

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The town was named after the old farm Hvitsten (Norse Hvítisteinn), since it was built on its ground. The first element is hvítr 'white', the last element is steinn m 'stone, rock'.

Notable people

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Edvard Munch bought the property Nedre Ramme in 1910 and created some well-known works there[2] before it was taken over by the invading Germans during World War II.[3]

Fred. Olsen & Co. are also connected to Hvitsten where they have the family place Lysedal. The Hvitsten chapel (built in 1903) was a gift from Fred Olsen's mother, Bolette Olsen. Today, son Petter Olsen's Ramme Gaard estate is located in the area.

References

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  1. ^ "Hvisten". Akershus. Scenic Norway. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
  2. ^ "Hvitsten". Vestby. Gonorway. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
  3. ^ Prideaux, Sue (2005). Edvard Munch, Page 318. Yale University Press. ISBN 0300124015. Retrieved 2009-07-24.

59°36′N 10°39′E / 59.600°N 10.650°E / 59.600; 10.650