The best museums Norway

This open-air museum is 4 km from the town centre and can be reached on foot or by bus. It comprises some 60 buildings, including the remains of King Sverre's castle. There is a wildlife park, a standing wooden church, farm buildings, an old shoemaker's workshop and old houses that were once in the centre. In the museum, an 18th-century inn keeps the traditions alive with a restaurant that continues to serve authentic cuisine in a 1739 home.

One can follow step by step the destruction of Narvik, the Allied landings, life under German occupation until the end of the Second World War. The museum has recently moved, modernised and is now located in the centre of Narvik, at Kongens Gate, in the same hall as the Library and Tourist Office. The museum is very well detailed and provides a better understanding of the history of the town. There are regular temporary exhibitions...

With its 140 old log houses with peat roofs, it is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Bjørnstad Farm has 27 buildings. In total the museum has 4,000 objects and 185 houses. Guided tours are given every two hours to learn about the different rural cultures and life on the farm and on the mountain pastures. You can see spinning, weaving and carving on wood. Local specialities are served in the open-air café.

IDDIS is a new museum, which will be opened in November 2021. It is located in the old town and combines the Cannery Museum and the Printing Museum. The name IDDIS is a nod to the Stavanger dialect: a label is called etikett in Norwegian, but iddikett in the local dialect, which later became iddis. A great idea to bring together these two museums that share a common history related to images, graphics and printing. Super café + nice shop.

The archaeological museum presents objects from the Iron Age, the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. Built on and around the ruins of the medieval cathedral and the seat of the archbishop's palace (12th century), it is accompanied by a medicinal plant garden and a small open-air museum comprising some fifty ancient houses. The visit of the latter is free. Possibility of guided tours in English on different themes: medieval, musical, herbalist...

Unusually, the building was built as a museum. At the time it was simply a museum of the fishing industry, but in 1947 it became a cultural museum. The museum traces the town's cultural history, from the Vikings to the Sami to the daily lives of the Lofoten Islands' peasant-fishing families. In front of the entrance is a Stone Age menhir. A 20-minute film in the small black room traces the history of Bodø before the outbreak of war.

The Nobel Center boasts an exceptional location on Aker Brygge, facing the fjord on City Hall Square. The façade of this handsome building features the portrait of the current year's laureate(s). It presents the history of the Nobel Prize, its creator, Alfred Nobel, as well as current events and the winners of the title since 1901!

Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist, industrialist and arms manufacturer, who held over 350 scientific patents during his lifetime, including that for dynamite, the invention that made his name. On his death, he left a colossal inheritance to finance the creation of an institution responsible for awarding prizes each year to people who had rendered great services to humanity, enabling considerable improvement or progress in the field of knowledge and culture in five different disciplines: peace or diplomacy, literature, chemistry, physiology or medicine and physics. The Nobel Prize for Economics was later introduced. The first award ceremony took place in 1901.

The Nobel Peace Prize was appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, at Alfred Nobel's request, unlike the other prizes, which were selected by the Swedish Academic Institution. In 1901, Sweden and Norway were under the same crown. When the two crowns separated in 1905, Norway inherited the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually on December 10 in Oslo (the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death).

The Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo houses a number of exhibitions on a variety of themes. The Historical Museum houses Norway's largest collection of objects from prehistory and the Middle Ages. There's also the permanent VÍKINGR exhibition, a collection from the Viking era, featuring ceremonial swords, gold jewelry and a rare Viking helmet. A fine preview of the Viking Ship Museum extension due to open in 2025-2026.

This charming little museum explains the harsh living conditions in these regions where one man in four dies at sea. How, by the way, have we been living at the 71st parallel for 10,000 years? That's what this museum explains. Eiderdown mining on the island of Store Tamsøy ceased after the war, as all the houses in Northern Norway were razed to the ground by the Nazis. From an already fragile economic equilibrium, the situation of the islanders never recovered.

This former pharmacy, and home of the pharmacist, is now a museum dedicated to Art Nouveau, of which Ålesund is certainly one of the best showcases. A time machine (an elevator...) plunges the visitors in the heart of the fire of 1904. On the^first floor, the pharmacist's apartment hosts temporary exhibitions. The café is pleasant, the pastries are nicely presented and the museum shop has very nice wooden counters!

A concept that's part museum, part study center and part theme park, opened in 1998. The architecture is appealing, in the shape of a block of ice, and the attractions - mainly adorable seals - are well designed to bring visitors closer to the wildlife of extreme cold. Seal feeding at 3 p.m. in summer and at 12.30 p.m. from September¹. A great place for the whole family to discover the underwater fauna and flora of the waters of the Far North. You can sponsor the seals to improve their daily lives...

The Romsdal Museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history of the Romsdal area. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits that trace the local history. Visitors can explore different periods of the region's history, such as the Viking Age, the Medieval Age, and modern times. The museum also features outdoor exhibits where visitors can see wooden houses, farms, and barns that represent the region's past architecture and way of life.

In this museum, which complements the other major museums on the island, there are some beautiful figureheads, numerous models of sailing ships, a beautiful view of the fjord and the Najaden restaurant on the first floor. A perfect activity to do with the family, with a space dedicated to children and many fun and instructive proposals. It is located on the Bygdøy peninsula, next to the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums. Very nice fjord café and nice shop.

In this studio, which the city of Oslo built for the artist, one can see the techniques that Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) used to realize his crazy dream. Among the molds and other objects in the extensive collection is a plaster cast of a statue of the Viking Egil Skallagrimsson challenging his king with a nidstang (impaled horse's head). The work, a bronze statue, is located in Mandal, the artist's hometown on the southern coast of Norway.

The university museum in Tromsø actually consists of three museums and a botanical garden: the main building of Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum, Polarmuseet, MS Polstjerna and Tromsø arktisk-alpine botaniske hage. All these museums highlight different aspects of the culture and nature of northern Norway, including Lapp culture, archaeology, geology, etc.. The garden can be visited from spring and during the summer.

The museum focuses on the local history of the town and its many transformations following the extraction of steel in the Kiruna mine and its transport by train to Narvik. Discover how this railway was built and its impact on the population over a period of more than 100 years. To this day, this railway line and the extraction of iron at the Kiruna mine are a major economic engine in the region. The museum is located in the former administrative buildings of NSB, the Norwegian railway company, dating from 1902.

The old foundries at Baerums Verk were established in 1610 by order of the Danish King Christian IV, when Norway was a mere Danish province. Restored in 1987, the inn (where the restaurant is located) is today under the protection of the Historic Monuments, as well as the museum including the large ovens, the workshops, the workers' houses and the bakery. An interesting visit which may be worth the detour if you are in the area.

This museum, unique in Europe, presents all the animals living in the Arctic. One can admire specimens of whales from Antarctica and the Arctic, including a life-size model of a very impressive blue whale. It also shows the techniques used for whaling, from the rudimentary weapons of the Sami to the formidable guns of modern times. In addition, the museum has several boats, including the Southern Actor, a whaler from the 1950s, and a copy of the drakkar "Gaia", which still sails every day.

Exhibiting interesting contemporary art paintings. The museum is housed in the former Naval University, a brick building constructed between 1918 and 1921 by architects Bjerke & Eliassen, in collaboration with sculptor Wilhelm Rasmussen. Year-round activities for young and old. Guided tours for babies, for example! A small souvenir store offers fun things to take home. Great postcards!

This museum houses various exhibitions on archaeology, traditional fishing, whaling and includes an open air museum composed of 13 buildings. Activities proposed for children all year long (see on their website), temporary exhibitions sometimes, guided tours including in English, in short, a museum that knows how to propose nice things for the happiness of the visitors! Also a small café (open only in summer) that offers small snacks. A souvenir shop that sells jewellery, books and costumes.

The Kvens were Finnish emigrants to Ruija, "the Land of the Sea", settling there as farmers, miners and fishermen. The entire Varanger region still bears the imprint of their culture. Through the various elements of their habitat, the Ruija Museum shows the vestiges of this multicultural region, such as the Tuomainen farm, a typical Kvens farm from 1840; the Esbensen estate; the Kjeldsen fishing hamlet near a bird-nesting rock; and the Vadsøya park with its arctic flora and fauna.

Sheltered in a large glass building is the MS Finnmarkent, the former home of the region's coastal shipping company. At the initiative of a former captain, Sten Magne Engen, this historic ship dating from 1956 has been converted into a museum, enabling visitors to discover the company's history through documents and archive images, as well as tours of completely restored rooms (engine room, bridge, saloon).

The historic centre of Trondenes is a museum of regional history covering a vast period, from the Stone Age to the present day. An important part of the exhibitions are devoted to the Vikings and the Middle Ages. The museum is very interactive. It is situated in an absolutely beautiful setting by the water, 3 kilometres from the centre of Harstad. The place is ideal for a break after the visit; there is a restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop.

Established in 2004 in a former transformer station, the DOGA Museum is entirely dedicated to design and architecture. Debates, conferences, workshops, the program is vast. Each room is designed in a different style, where the modern Scandinavian touch can be recognized. Located on the river bank, next to the church, the building houses a café and a restaurant (Funky Fresh Food, organic & vegan!), perfect for taking the time to appreciate the banks of the Akerselva.

A museum that deals with the history of the city, but also temporary art exhibitions according to the seasons. Free Internet connection throughout the museum. Fun activities are offered, such as making a miniature reproduction of the city out of cardamom and icing sugar shortbread in winter (for the snow!). It's also an opportunity for a nice walk through the old town and to take shelter in case of rain!

This beautiful white building houses many rare objects and crafts: furniture, church relics, folk art and baroque silverware. The museum's café is located here, where you can enjoy good pastries, salads, hot soup or a sandwich with shrimp. You can spend a good time sitting comfortably inside or on the terrace in the summer. This building follows the museum's opening hours. Free internet connection.

This museum of children's art offers a kaleidoscope of artistic works seen through the prism of children's eyes. The works come from all over the world (180 countries are represented!) and provide an opportunity to explore the sensibilities, perspectives and opinions of these seldom-seen beings. Internships and workshops are also available for children. Temporary and permanent exhibitions. A wonderful discovery.

For film lovers, it's THE Norwegian film museum, and also a cultural center for the country's cinematography. there are 5 screenings a week, all of which can be viewed on the website, plus a children's room. This is where you can buy DVDs of films not available in France. Themed festivals are organized on a regular basis, and you can find out more on their website or by phoning them directly.

Not in Stryn exactly. A very small museum which is however worth the detour (especially if you pass by there in fact!) mainly for the 13 minutes film on the glaciers which is proposed. Very informative, clear and with very well done models. It is also available in 8 languages, including French. Nice view on the lake next to the museum and the snowy peaks. A welcome cultural stop. A café offers tea and coffee, muffins, etc. Wifi. Souvenir shop.

In November 2008, the North Pole Expedition Museum opened its doors. It highlights the heroic efforts made by the men, pioneers of aviation, to reach the North Pole. A museum rich in documentation (films, photos, voice recordings and aviation equipment). You will also find a small souvenir shop with many items related to the Far North. A café welcomes you with hot drinks, so try the chai latte!

A small museum explaining the history of the Russian town, its geological appeal and, more generally, the discovery of Svalbard. Please note that the visit is in Russian only! Although the museum is located on Norwegian territory, it belongs to Russia, which built it in 1963. In fact, the place was sold to the Soviet Union by the Dutch in 1932, which is why it is still run by Russia today. The museum was founded to trace the history of the Pomors, the original Russian settlers who lived here and explored the area.

In Hamsund, you can see the small peat-roofed farmhouse where the future great writer spent his childhood. In the family photo album, you can follow Knut Hamsun's life from cradle to grave. All his works are on display, along with numerous personal objects. The barn also houses an exhibition of images taken from the films inspired by his books. A must-see is the Hamsun Museum, a superb modern-architecture building in the midst of nature and rich in content. There's also a small café.

This museum complex brings together three sites: a manor house (Herregarden), built in 1673 for the viceroy of Denmark who had taken up residence in Larvik, it is a typically Norwegian wooden construction; the marine museum (Sjøfartsmuseum), which tells, among other things, about the construction of a polar ship and the maritime history of the area. There are also temporary exhibitions and activities. A section on geology and the ore industry is located in Verkensgarden, on the road to Stavern. A nice visit to make with the family if you pass by Larvik.

This is the road museum set up by the public body that manages roads in Norway, the NPRA. To know everything about bridges, vehicles that have crossed Norway, or the digging of tunnels. 3 buildings plus an open air museum for a total of about 5 000^{m2 of} visit! You can see for example machines which were really used for the construction of roads, the extraction of rocks. The museums are close to each other, you can go there by foot. Pets are allowed in the open air museum.

This small local museum provides information on the culture of a fishing civilization, its evolution and the special construction techniques used to build the breakwaters of the Svartoksmoloen harbor jetty. Numerous attempts to secure the harbour had all ended in failure, until a French solution involving the use of concrete tetrapods finally proved reliable. To be combined with the other museums on the coast.

The museum is housed in the former stockfish warehouse of the whaling station Brotkorbbruket. Through several exhibits, the museum presents Gamvik and its surroundings from every angle. From prehistory to the history of the coastal fishing villages, through the Second World War. A visit that is good for the family and that allows you to learn a lot about the history of local fishing and in general. A rich and well documented museum.

At the entrance to the town, this modern museum has a permanent exhibition on the history of World War II and the mining company A/S Sydvaranger. The staging is impressive and very clear. There are many documents. The part dedicated to Lappish history is fascinating to understand this different history, ignoring borders. The network of museums in Norwegian Lapland provides a better understanding of the northern communities.

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.

The small wooden castle that houses the museum was built in the purest dragon style at the end of the 19th century by a wealthy timber merchant. It has been open to the public since 1986, where you can see paintings of trolls, huldra and other elves that populate Norwegian fairy tales. In the afternoon, tea is served in the castle's ancient rooms. It is a superb visit that will appeal to young and old alike. Events are organised throughout the year.

This glass factory, which dates back to 1762, is located at the beginning of the Randsfjord. 150 workers still work there according to ancestral methods and the current production is sold there. The museum exhibits an important collection of old glass. In the main building there are also temporary exhibitions. The barn houses the Kokkestua restaurant and a shop selling homemade sweets. You can have a picnic on the terrace in front of the restaurant. There are games for children.

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.

Opened in 1992, this new building in the shape of a grand piano, made of natural stone, metal and blonde wood, houses a large collection of Norwegian paintings from the period 1830-1930. There are important works from the Romantic period, represented by landscapes by Johan Christian Dahl, peasant interiors by Adolph Tidemand, and bucolic scenes by Hans Gude. Don't miss the few Munches, as well as Christian Skredsvig'sIdyll , the national pride.

A dive into the history of the Olympic Games, with many objects offered by the athletes. It's a quick tour, but it's still interesting and not to be missed! There are also temporary exhibitions and activities for children (see the program on the web or by phone). You can find nice things in the museum shop, like the little mirrors with the logo of the 94 Olympics! And if you are hungry, go to the café!

This house once belonged to Sigrid Undset, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1928. She moved to Lillehammer in 1919. Among the estate's various buildings are two old houses from the large farm in the Gudbrandsdal valley, from which the author drew inspiration for her great medieval saga Kristin Lavransdatter (Editions Stock, 1986). One of the houses houses a collection of paintings by Sigrid Undset's husband, A. C. Svarstad.

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.

The museum tells the story of electricity from 1901 to the present.