Skiparstò - Kinsarvik

It is generally assumed that the Norwegian king Haakon who was brought up by king Athalstan of England introduced the leidang about 995 AD.

King Haakon divided coastal Norway into districts called "skipreide". Each district had to provide for one or more Viking ships. The ship at Kinsarvik had twenty-five thwarts, broad enough to accommodate four to to six men on each. In addition there were a steerman, a cook, and armed sailors, approximately one hundred and sixty men. According to tradition the ship at Kinsarvik was called "Hardangergeita" (" The Hardanger goat").

At present, the stone walled sites of the boathouse are the only remains, possibly for two Viking ships. The site was restored in 1953, and the excavation revealed some iron nails and a slated floor in the south-eastern corner. This might indicate a workshop inside the boat-house.

The importance of the leidang diminished during the fifteenth century, but formally the arrangement persisted until 1628, when King Christian IV organized the defence system according to European standards.

Viewing the fjord from Skiparstò, the majestic mountain of Oksen dominates in the northwest. On the summit of Oksen there was a signal fire which was set ablaze in case of threatening attacks. There were numerous such beacons along the Norwegian coast and the fjords. When beacons were lit from one lands end to the other it took about a week to give notice to preparing for war.