Sutern

Ildjernet is a small island in the inner Oslofjord, belonging to Nesodden municipality in Norway. The island covers only about 0.17 km². Until 1831, it was owned by Oslo’s Mariakirken (St. Mary’s Church). Historically, the island was unsuitable for farming, but some potato cultivation took place in the 1800s when people lived there. Income also came from trade, timber shipping, and fishing, especially when mackerel were abundant. At the turn of the 20th century, there was even a leisure establishment called Elgjarnes Bad with sea baths, health baths, a stage, dance floor, and wine bar. Today, there are no permanent residents; most people associated with the island are summer-house owners. In the summer months, the Nesodden ferries stop at Ildjernet, and there are seasonal routes to places like Drøbak and Son. Several smaller islands lie around Ildjernet, including Lindholmen, Sutern, and Kavringen. A small nature reserve was established on the east side of the island in 2008 to protect shallow marine and shoreline areas. North of the island at Ildjernsflu in the fjord, one of Norway’s few lightships stood for many years before being replaced by a fixed lighthouse.