History
Os was established as a formannskapsdistrikt, the predecessor of today's municipalities, on 1 January 1838. Fusa was separated from Os in 1856. Samnanger was separated from Os on 1 January 1907. The municipality is named after the farm of Os, where the first church was built. The name is identical with the Old Norse word "óss" which means "mouth of a river"; referring to the Oselva River.
The coat of arms is quite modern, having been adopted in 1949 after a local competition. The lower part of it shows an Oselvar, a boat design traditionally associated with the village.
The famous violinist Ole Bull built his summerhouse in Os, on an island named Lysøen. The special building was inspired by his travels, especially his travels to the Middle East. Lysøen was originally owned by Lyse Abbey, the ruins of which still stand and are frequently visited.
Read more about this topic: Os, Hordaland
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