In 1432, Pietro Querini ended up in one of the islands in Røst in Lofoten, after a shipwreck. Querini was the first to give us the description of “Bygdefaret” from an outsider’s perspective.
Right by the sea with the view of the majestic mountains as a backdrop, nestled in the spectacular landscape of Bodøsjøen Outdoor Museum in Bodø, you’ll find the Jekt Trade Museum. Today, trucks transports goods between different regions, but before, it was the jekts that played this vital role. The trade they facilitated was the lifeblood of communities. Cod liver oil, dried fish, clipfish, timber and firewood were transported along the coast, supplying cities like Bergen, Trondheim and Kristiansund. The jekts brought back essential supplies and goods such as grain, along with hemp, fishing equipment and other necessities. The jekts also carried home new cultural influences, habits and goods from distant lands.
The communities took it upon themselves to organize everything, this type of organization is known as Bygdefaret. The communities built the sturdy boats, prepared provisions for the voyage, produced stockfish to sell, and travelled all the way from northern Norway to Bergen. It was a true display of collaboration, resourcefulness, and survival in the harsh northern landscape.