Editing Lærdal (section)

==Economy==
Lærdal has long traditions in farming, with the lower region of the valley being great for vegetable crops. Because of its dry climate it was one of the first places in Norway to begin the use of artificial [[irrigation]]. Despite having an inland climate, the water in the fjord keeps the winters from getting too cold.

The local [[Western Norway Regional Health Authority]] hospital provides medical care for Lærdal itself and seven of the surrounding municipalities. The hospital, together with Opplysningen 1881 (directory assistance company), Østfold Energiproduksjon A/S and [[Norsk Hydro]] Aluminium Production Facilities in [[Årdal]], are the major employers in Lærdal. The local government and health authority is trying to close this hospital due to cost cutting, which may have negative effects on the area.