Kristofer Sjursson Hjeltnes

Who was Kristofer Sjursson Hjeltnes?

Kristofer Sjursson Hjeltnes was a Norwegian farmer and businessperson.

Born in Ulvik, Hjeltnes would become a pioneer in Norwegian farming at the time. He is credited with introducing the potato to Norway, in 1759. He also grew tobacco, caraway og clove, and worked to spread fruit culvitation in Hardanger. He founded one of the first plant nurseries in the district, and established storehouses for grain. Besides farming, he was also involved in reindeer herding, and ran a sawmill and a timber merchant company.

He married Marta Sjursdatter Vestrheim in 1751. They had several children.