The Cod, gadus morhua migrate from the Barents Sea to spawn along the coast of Lofoten and have to pass Vesterålen on its way. These fisheries are also known under the name Lofotfisket. Several different fisheries are important, but the most significant are the winter-fisheries between Christmas and Easter. The fisheries have been and still are the most important economic activity in Hovden. Before potatoes came to Northern Norway (before the early 19th century) grains were grown in Hovden, we do not know of the type, but oats and barley have been grown in northern Norway since before the year 1000. Conditions for farming large cattle are poor as the soil does not produce enough grass for larger cattle. But then as a supplement to the main income source: fishing. The main agricultural activity has been sheep and goat farming. Including families the total number of people could not have exceeded 60.Īgriculture in Hovden has always been limited. From the census in 1666, nine men were registered as head of families in Hovden. Given the long settlement history, to maintain a large population is not possible in Hovden. Most of the coastline has a lot of rocks and skerries, so a good harbor was of vital significance to these communities. Hovden is one of these, and have to its advantage good harboring conditions and "clean" seas outside. Between the northern port of Andenes and the southwestern village of Bø there are several communities along the coastline with the common denominator of the closeness to the fishing banks off the Vesterålen archipelago. Hovden is a part of a line of old fishing communities in Vesterålen.
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