- Hardangerlag

Hardanger is located in the county of Vestland, Norway, and consists of the municipalities of Ullensvang, Eidfjord, Ulvik and Kvam. The beautiful Hardangerfjord runs 179 km inland from the Atlantic coast near Bergen. The region is known as Norway’s orchard due to its fruit farms that are beautiful in the spring when the apple trees blossom. Other well-known tourist attractions include the Hardangervidda (largest mountain plateau in Europe), Folgefonna glacier, Steinsdalsfossen (waterfall) and Trolltunga. The first organized emigration from Norway to America began with the sloop Restauration that left Stavanger on July 4, 1825 with 52 on board. The ship was originally built in 1801 in Hardanger. The Hardanger Lag (organization) was founded August 15, 1911 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with 241 charter members. The purpose of the lag was to maintain a connection between those who emigrated to America from the Hardanger area; to preserve memories of Hardanger; and work for Norwegian language study. The lag became known for holding a mock Hardanger wedding followed by a banquet at its annual meetings (stevne). In 1979, the Hardanger Lag joined Nordhordlandslag, Sognalag and Vosselag in creating Vestlandslag. History of the lag and other information can be found here and on its Facebook page.