# Fusa

Fusa (Urban East Norwegian:) is a former municipality in the old Hordaland county, Norway. It existed from 1856 until its dissolution in 2020. It was located east of the city of Bergen in the Midhordland region. The administrative centre of the municipality was the village of Eikelandsosen. Other villages in the municipality include Fusa, Holdhus, Holmefjord, Vinnes, Strandvik, and Sundvord. The Frank Mohn company's Fusa marine division is headquartered here, with almost 500 employees. On 1 January 2020, the municipality became part of the new Bjørnafjorden Municipality in Vestland county.
Prior to its dissolution in 2020, the 378-square-kilometre (146 sq mi) municipality was the 247th largest by area out of the 422 municipalities in Norway. Fusa was the 234th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 3,895. The municipality's population density is 11 inhabitants per square kilometre (28/sq mi) and its population has increased by 3.9% over the last decade.

## General information

The district of Fusa was separated from the municipality of Os in 1856 to become a separate municipality. Initially, Fusa had 3,173 residents. On 1 January 1903, the municipality of Fusa was divided into three separate municipalities: Hålandsdal in the east (population: 647), Strandvik in the south (population: 1,876), and a much smaller Fusa in the west (population: 1,072).
During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee. On 1 January 1964, there were two changes to Fusa municipality. The Bogstrand area of Fusa, located on the west side of the Fusafjorden (population: 28) was transferred to the municipality of Os. Also on that date, the municipalities of Hålandsdal (population: 528) and Strandvik (population: 2,053) were merged with Fusa (population: 1,466) to form a much larger municipality of Fusa.
On 1 January 2020, the neighboring municipalities of Os and Fusa were merged to form the new Bjørnafjorden Municipality.

### Name

The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the old Fusa farm (Old Norse: Fúsar) since the first Fusa Church was built there. The meaning of the name is uncertain. The name could be the plural form of the word fúss which means "eager" or "longing". Another possibility is that it comes from the verb fusa or its alternate spelling fuse which both mean "to rush" (as in rushing water). Historically, the name of the municipality was spelled Fuse. On 3 November 1917, a royal resolution changed the spelling of the name of the municipality to Fusa.

### Coat of arms

The coat of arms was granted on 27 September 1991 and it was in use until 1 January 2020 when the municipality was dissolved. The official blazon is "Argent, three gurges azure in pall" (Norwegian: På kvit grunn tre blå spiralar stilte i trepass). This means the arms have a field (background) has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The charge is a set of three spirals, two over one. The design was chosen to symbolise the strong currents in the Fusafjorden and Bjørnafjorden. The spirals also symbolise the many giant's kettles (Norwegian: jettegryte) in the municipality, which were created by the water in the rocks. The arms were designed by Arvid Sveen. The municipal flag has the same design as the coat of arms.

### Churches

The Church of Norway had one parish (sokn) within the municipality of Fusa. It is part of the Hardanger og Voss prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Bjørgvin.
Churches in Fusa :
| Parish (sokn) | Church name | Location of the church | Year built |
| Fusa | Fusa Church | Fusa | 1961 |
| Fusa | Holdhus Church | Holdhus | 1726 |
| Fusa | Hålandsdal Church | Eide in Hålandsdal | 1890 |
| Fusa | Strandvik Church | Strandvik | 1857 |
| Fusa | Sundvor Church | Sundvord | 1927 |

## Geography

Fusa was located at the inner end of the Bjørnafjorden and its small arm, the Fusafjorden. The municipality of Os was located across the fjord to the west, Samnanger Municipality was to the north, Kvam Municipality was to the east, and Kvinnherad Municipality was to the south. Lakes in Fusa included Gjønavatnet, Skogseidvatnet, and Henangervatnet.

## Population

| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1856 | 3,173 | — |
| 1865 | 3,174 | +0.00% |
| 1875 | 3,284 | +0.34% |
| 1891 | 3,475 | +0.35% |
| 1900 | 3,784 | +0.95% |
| 1910 | 1,232 | −10.61% |
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1920 | 1,291 | +0.47% |
| 1930 | 1,290 | −0.01% |
| 1946 | 1,449 | +0.73% |
| 1951 | 1,514 | +0.88% |
| 1960 | 1,516 | +0.01% |
| 1970 | 3,916 | +9.95% |
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1980 | 3,765 | −0.39% |
| 1990 | 3,727 | −0.10% |
| 2000 | 3,684 | −0.12% |
| 2010 | 3,823 | +0.37% |
| 2019 | 3,861 | +0.11% |
Note: The municipal borders were changed in 1903 and 1964, causing a significant change in the population. Source: Statistics Norway and Norwegian Historical Data Centre :

## Government

While it existed, this municipality was responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, unemployment, social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads. During its existence, this municipality was governed by a municipal council of directly elected representatives. The mayor was indirectly elected by a vote of the municipal council. The municipality was under the jurisdiction of the Bergen District Court and the Gulating Court of Appeal.

### Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Fusa was made up of 21 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The party breakdown of the final municipal council was as follows:
Fusa kommunestyre 2016–2019 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 6 |
| | Progress Party (Framstegspartiet) | 3 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 2 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 6 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 21 |
Fusa kommunestyre 2012–2015 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 3 |
| | Progress Party (Framstegspartiet) | 4 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 6 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 21 |
Fusa kommunestyre 2008–2011 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 4 |
| | Progress Party (Framstegspartiet) | 6 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 8 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 25 |
Fusa kommunestyre 2004–2007 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 3 |
| | Progress Party (Framstegspartiet) | 2 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 6 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| | Cross-Party Common List (Tverrpolitisk Samlingsliste) | 4 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 25 |
Fusa kommunestyre 2000–2003 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 4 |
| | Progress Party (Framstegspartiet) | 2 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 7 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| | Cross-Party Common List (Tverrpolitisk Samlingsliste) | 4 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1996–1999 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 5 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 8 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| | Common list (Samlingslista) | 5 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1992–1995 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 4 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 8 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 4 |
| | Common list (Samlingslista) | 5 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1988–1991 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 7 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 6 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 5 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 7 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 4 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1984–1987 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 5 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 4 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 4 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 3 |
| | Local list for Strandvik/Vinnes, Skjørsand, and Fusa (Bygdeliste for Strandvik/Vinnes, Skjørsand og Fusa) | 6 |
| | Common list (Samlingslista) | 1 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1980–1983 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 4 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 5 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 5 |
| | Liberal People's Party (Liberale Folkepartiet) | 1 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 5 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 4 |
| | Local list for Strandvik, Vinnes, Skjørsand, and Fusa (Bygdelista for Strandvik, Vinnes, Skjørsand og Fusa) | 5 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1976–1979 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 7 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 5 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 9 |
| | Joint list of the Liberal Party (Venstre) and New People's Party (Nye Folkepartiet) | 5 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1972–1975 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 6 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 9 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 6 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1968–1971 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 6 |
| | Conservative Party (Høgre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 7 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 9 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 5 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa kommunestyre 1964–1967 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 3 |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 26 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 29 |
Fusa heradsstyre 1960–1963 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 15 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 15 |
Fusa heradsstyre 1956–1959 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 15 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 15 |
Fusa heradsstyre 1952–1955 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 2 |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 10 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 12 |
Fusa heradsstyre 1948–1951 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 12 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 12 |
Fusa heradsstyre 1945–1947 :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 2 |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 10 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 12 |
Fusa heradsstyre 1938–1941* :
| Party name (in Nynorsk) | Party name (in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet) | 2 |
| | Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 10 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 12 |
| Note: Due to the German occupation of Norway during World War II, no elections were held for new municipal councils until after the war ended in 1945. |||

### Mayors

The mayors (Nynorsk: ordførar) of Fusa (incomplete list):
* 2003–2015: Hans S. Vindenes (Sp)
* 2015–2019: Atle Kvåle(Ap)
In 2007, Fusa participated in a trial where the mayor was directly elected. The sitting mayor, Hans S. Vindenes, won the election with 51.8% of the votes.