For centuries, the communities in Northern Norway have relied on the bounties of the sea to sustain themselves, forging industries that not only ensured their survival but also helped build a resilient economy.
A thousand years ago, Norway’s relationship with the sea began shaping its destiny. The export of high-protein fish to middle and southern Europe became a cornerstone of its economy, driven by the demand from Catholic communities, where fish was the preferred food during fasting periods. This trade sparked explosive growth along Norway’s coastline, transforming small fishing settlements into thriving commercial and industrial hubs.
Though the Reformation and rising competition from Newfoundland caused a decline in the fishing trade between 1600 and 1800, the perseverance of Norway’s coastal communities ensured that prosperity was never far off. From the 19th century onward, advancements in fishing techniques, global trade, and industrialization revived and strengthened the sector.
Among these industries, the fish oil trade stands out as a testament to human adaptability and resourcefulness. The fish oil industry reveals how populations living at such high latitudes managed to thrive against all odds. In an era long before modern conveniences, these coastal communities harnessed the natural richness of the ocean to create valuable commodities such as cod liver oil and herring oil. These products were used locally and traded globally, becoming essential for nutrition, lamp oil, and leather preservation. What fascinates me most about this story is the determination and creativity these communities displayed in transforming natural resources into tools of survival and economic strength. At a time when icy winters and barren lands offered little, their ability to innovate—to extract sustenance and prosperity from the sea—provides a profound lesson in resilience.
Cod liver oil, or tran, dates back to the time of the Vikings, who were well aware of its value. Their legendary vitality and resilience might have had more to do with cod liver oil than previously thought.
By 1645, reports emerged highlighting its medicinal properties, stating that cod liver oil could prevent and cure certain diseases. Scientific validation followed in the late 18th century, with the publication of the first article supporting its health benefits.
In the mid-19th century, Norwegian pharmacist Peter Möller observed that coastal communities who consumed cod liver oil regularly were remarkably healthy. Inspired by this discovery, he dedicated himself to perfecting a reliable production method for tran, ensuring its health benefits could be widely enjoyed.
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, "a spoonful of cod liver oil a day" became a common health tradition. At that time, however, it often had an unpleasant taste and inconsistent quality. This changed with advancements in production techniques.
The fish oil industry has played a critical role in the lives of Norwegians. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a vital source of vitamin D, fish oil has long been a natural remedy for fighting the effects of limited sunlight during the dark winter months. In a region where the sun scarcely rises in winter, this supplement has been essential in maintaining the health and vitality of coastal populations for generations.
Living in Melbu, one comes to truly appreciate the historical importance of this industry. The town is home to one of the largest fish oil factories called Neptun, now preserved as a museum that offers a glimpse into the past.
Built in 1910 by the legendary entrepreneur Christian Frederiksen, Neptun was one of the largest fish oil factories of its time. For those of us who were young in the 1930s, Neptun was a source of great pride. It was like a symbol of industrial triumph here in the north.
Photo: Kjell Ove Storvik / Museum Nord
The factory was a true adventure with its machinery, boilers, dryers, elevators, and specialized screws that transported raw materials in a strange, unceasing manner from one process to the next—until the meal was packed into sacks and the oil was poured into barrels. These were then stored in a large warehouse, loaded onto carts, transported across the dock, and shipped aboard cargo vessels destined for markets around the world.
The factory operated for decades, with its output fluctuating depending on global demand and the availability of raw materials like herring and capelin. The collapse of fish stocks drastically altered the fishing industry. By the 1960s, herring stocks were nearly depleted. Capelin, a small salmon-like fish, became a substitute in the 1970s, but overfishing caused capelin stocks to collapse in 1985. This dealt a fatal blow to fish meal and oil factories along the coast, including Neptun. Although capelin and herring stocks have since begun to recover, they have not returned to pre-industrial levels. Today, herring is mostly used as food rather than for industrial purposes. gates finally closed in 1986, as fish stocks had been depleted.
Photo: Kjell Ove Storvik / Museum Nord
During its operation, Neptun produced both herring oil and herring meal, which were valuable commodities. Herring oil was used to produce margarine and engineering oil, and during the war, it was a critical component in the production of nitroglycerine, making it highly sought after by Germany. Herring meal, meanwhile, was used as pig feed, though farmers had to stop feeding pigs with it 14 days before slaughter to avoid fishy-tasting pork.
With the Wehrmacht expending enormous amounts of munitions in its fight against the numerically superior Red Army, the fish oil facilities in Norway were a high-value target.
Photo: Kjell Ove Storvik / Museum Nord
In March 1941, British commandos and Norwegian soldiers launched Operation Claymore, raiding the largely undefended Lofoten Islands. They destroyed fish oil facilities, sank ships, and captured more than 200 German soldiers as well as valuable naval codes.
Today, the Neptun factory is preserved as the Norwegian Fishing Industry Museum, part of Museum Nord. It stands as a testament to Norway’s industrial fishing heritage, presenting the history of fish meal and oil production along the coast. This legacy is not as picturesque as the fishermen’s cabins or old trading posts but highlights the valuable jobs that the industry provided throughout the 20th century.
One of the factory's raw material tanks has been transformed into a unique concert venue.
Photo: Kjell Ove Storvik / Museum Nord
Inside the tank, everything is pitch black, save for an array of carefully arranged spotlights that illuminate the dome’s intricate load-bearing structure. With its extraordinary acoustics, it hosts concerts, particularly during the Summer Melbu Festival in early July.
This location was featured in a music video by the famous Norwegian band Madrugada, as part of their Vesterålen Project, a creative endeavor born from their connection to these remote regions. Here, they found the inspiration for their moving and soulful rock music.