Ulabrand – Monument

A monument of Ulabrand is raised at the point where local lodesmen had their observation post.

Ulabrand is regarded as Norway's best known lodesman ever. He worked at Ula from approximately 1850 until he lost his life during an autumn storm in 1881.

At the end of the 19th century the lodesmen themselves had to hail boats and ships that were in need of guidance. Wages were given to the man who came first to rescue – after the first come, first served principle. The lodesman then led the ship safely until it arrived in port.
Consequently, lodesmen had observation posts where they easily could spot ships on their way in the Oslo fiord because of the magnificent view.

There was fierce competition on arriving first to help at the ship's side. The lodesmen often risked their own lives, and Ulabrand was probably the roughest and toughest of the lot. The lodesmen brought many ships and lots of sailors to safety during Skagerrak storms.

Ulabrand himself became a symbol of strong seamanship, but he was first and foremost an important symbol of all the hard work the lodesmen went through to make shipping more secure.