Sørøya

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Sørøya
Native name: Sállan
Norway - Sørøya, Finnmark.png
Location in Finnmark
Geography
Location Finnmark, Norway
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Area Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value).
Area rank 4th largest in Norway
Length 64.3 km (39.95 mi)
Width 23.3 km (14.48 mi)
Highest elevation 659 m (2,162 ft)
Highest point Komagaksla
Country
County Finnmark
Municipalities Hasvik, Hammerfest
Scene in the North West of Sørøya

Sørøya (Northern Sami: Sállan) is a Norway's fourth largest island in terms of area, and is divided between the municipalities of Hasvik and Hammerfest. It is often claimed to be 'one of the most beautiful' of the islands in Norway.[1]

The island is surrounded by the Norwegian Sea on the north and the Sørøysundet to the south. Across the Sørøysundet are three large islands: Stjernøya, Seiland and Kvaløya. The island of Sørøya has no bridge or tunnel access, only a regular ferry route from Hasvik to Øksfjord on the mainland. Hasvik Airport is located on the southern tip of the island.

History

On 15 February 1945 525 Norwegian civilians were evacuated from Sørøya by four Royal Navy destroyers and brought to safety in Scotland via Murmansk in the Soviet Union. The rescue operation was code named Operation Open Door. [Later] in February and March fighting between Norwegian volunteers and German soldiers resulted in six dead Norwegians and fourteen captured, while between 30 and 100 German soldiers were killed.[2]

In World War Two, a guerrilla group operated on the island.[2]

Population

In 2012 the population numbered 1092.

References

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  2. 2.0 2.1 Norske tenåringssoldater kjempet mot tyskerne [Norwegian teenage soldiers fought against the Germans]; nrk.no


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