The best museums Nord-Norge

The city has several museums that trace the significant events in the history of the region. The different exhibitions are spread out over the buildings of the city. We find for example: the museum of the Russian Pomors, the memorial of Steilneset or the monument to the witches burned during the XVIIth century, the fortress of the city which dates from the beginning of the XVIIIth century, Tuomainengården a traditional kvène dwelling, and many others! For the more curious, there are many monuments to visit to learn about the rich and little-known history of the region.

Inaugurated in 1988, this museum of Northern Norwegian art is dedicated to exhibiting works related to the culture of the Far North. These include romantic landscapes by Dahl, Tidemand and Gude and, of course, seascapes by Peder Balke. It also exhibits international artists on a variety of themes, from the political to the purely artistic, from social to ideological. The museum has a café and a store dedicated to Saami art.

This museum traces the history of this place which, during the Second World War, was the main maritime base for German soldiers, where the warships Tirpitz and Scharnhorst were stationed. Exhibition dedicated to these ships, many of which are illustrated with photographs. A museum in a beautiful location, rich in exhibits. It is an almost obligatory stop for lovers of local history and for the curious who wish to know more about the significant events that took place in the region during the Second World War.

Isbjørnklubben, or literally the polar bear club, is dedicated to the preservation of history and culture at Hammerfest, including Arctic fishing, hunting and polar expeditions. You will learn how the people of the region have adapted to the changes the town has faced over the course of its history. You can also become a member of this world-famous club and receive the polar bear badge as a souvenir!

Exhibition devoted to post-war reconstruction, a time when everything had to be rebuilt after the almost total destruction of cities. We learn about the evacuation and living conditions in the region during the Second World War. This museum gives an idea of what life was like for refugees and people who had to rebuild their homes after the dramatic and forced evacuation of the population during the Second World War. Authentic rooms are displayed.

The exhibits in this small eco-museum give an insight into the way of life of the Kautokeino people, past and present. The museum includes a small same farm, with a reindeer corral. Traditional architecture is on display. An exhibition tells us about the River Saami, who live from freshwater fishing and hunting. A pleasant place to linger and discover the local culture. In summer, take advantage of the sale of typical dishes to eat in or take away. You'll also find a souvenir store.

Founded in 1972, this museum is Norway's first Saami cultural institution. Dedicated to Saami culture, it is both an open-air museum and a gallery with several collections. It includes a "river house" and a model reindeer herders' camp. It exhibits some 5,000 traditional objects of all kinds: traditional costumes, handicrafts... It's the ideal place to discover or deepen your knowledge of this people.

Located about 40 kilometers north of Bodø, this charming little mountainous peninsula is home to a fishermen's hamlet, a former trading post that has now been transformed into an open-air museum. It was the last port for seasonal fishermen before the Lofoten archipelago, at the time of Victor Hugo's Workers of the Sea. At the end of the last century, hundreds of small boats gathered here to wait for favorable winds to cross the dangerous waters of the Vestfjord. The most famous local figure was Erasmus Zahl, owner of the whole hamlet, and the first person to help Knut Hamsun (Nobel Prize for Literature in 1920) in his difficult beginnings.

The house in Sirilund is indeed the same as the one described in his novel Benoni and Rosa. Their television version as well as the film, taken from his work Pan, were shot on this island. Since then, many film shoots have taken place there (including the film Dina, starring Gérard Depardieu), the place benefiting from a magnificent light, which allows today a beautiful exhibition on the films shot on the island. With a bit of humor and a lot of willpower, the inhabitants of the island define themselves as living in the Hollywood of Norway. There is a café and souvenir store in the new stable (Nyfjøsen). A recommended visit to get a closer look at the atmosphere of deepest Norway and to take in the sights!

Located 8 km from the center of Bodø, this old farmhouse, managed by the Nordland Museum, has been completely restored. The wooden furniture and buildings are a perfect illustration of the buildings of the time. Some parts of the building are hundreds of years old. The farmhouse has been occupied on several occasions by members of the government, as well as skippers from ships calling at Bodø. A guided tour in English is available, by reservation only. We advise you to check the timetable before you go.

The museum building, shaped like a helix, covers more than 10,000 m². Two large exhibition areas are devoted to the civilian and military collections. On the program: the history of aeronautics, the discovery of many aircraft (Junkers, Ju-52, Mosquito) and flight simulators to put yourself in the shoes of pilots. An interesting and complete visit to enter the Norwegian history through aviation.

Just a few minutes from Reine is the only museum of its kind in Norway. It opened in 1992 on a personal initiative. The museum exhibits a collection of over 1,500 dolls and toys dating from 1860 to 1965. It's a museum that brings back many memories for older visitors, and often astonishes even the youngest. The second floor features an antique and souvenir store. Coffee and Norwegian-style waffles for sale.

Welcome to one of Norway's best-preserved fishing villages! The Fiskevaersmuseum tells the story of daily life in a fishing village between 1840 and 1960, and the evolution of fishing in Lofoten over the last 250 years. A number of exhibits explain, among other things, how cod liver oil is made and how delicious Norwegian pastries are made. In the village store, stock up on local products!

The small museum exhibits naturalized Arctic animals, including a huge polar bear. On the second floor are some typical northern fishing boats. The hourly slide show of Norway's landscapes and seasons is the same as the free one at the Oslo tourist office. There's also a mailbox for postcards from the Arctic Circle. Souvenir store, cafeteria serving hot dishes and a few northern specialties. The children's menu is half-price, and includes an ice cream.

Namdalsmuseet was founded in 1914 and is considered one of Norway's oldest museums. It is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the region's history, culture and nature. The museum houses a vast collection of objects and artifacts that trace the history of Namdalen. The collections include archaeological objects, traditional costumes, tools and handicrafts, photographs... This open-air museum is also a great place to take a walk and regularly organizes events.

A museum on the theme of the Vikings, with the oldest so-called "long house" in the world as its central attraction, nothing less! Inside this house, activities to help you discover the daily life of the Vikings. But it's outdoors that most of the action takes place between the farm, the blacksmith's shop, the Viking boats, among others. In the summer, a good number of workshops are offered so that you can reveal the Viking in you: archery, axe-throwing, horseback riding, sailing a Viking boat!

The Newton Flight Academy is a joint effort between FIRST Scandinavia and the Museum of Aviation to provide some basic knowledge of how to fly an aircraft. In total, 3 flight simulators, a wide choice of destinations and weather conditions and... the real feeling of flying. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts who want to learn more about the profession. Information and reservations in advance. This museum is so complete that it is world renowned!