Bergen Maritime Museum - Museum Vest

Join us for a fascinating museum tour to learn about Norway's relationship with the sea over thousands of years, richly illustrated by beautiful models, full - size boats, archaeological finds and interesting artefacts.

The history of seafaring in a maritime city  
Have you ever wondered why Norway is known as a seafaring nation? Bergen Maritime Museum has the answer. We tell the story of Norwegian seafaring over thousands of years, about Norwegian seafarers who transported goods across the world and about Bergen – the maritime city that has always had its gaze fixed outwards, towards the rest of the world.  

Stories from the sea over the course of 2,000 years
Wander around the museum and admire the large collection of utility articles, model ships, paintings of sailing ships and marine archaeological finds. The individual objects all have  exciting stories to tell and are also pieces in a larger narrative about international trade, technology, sailors’ lives, war and migration. Bergen Maritime Museum tells the story of all this and lots more.  

Exploration and recreation
The museum building is an architectural gem of stone and glass, in a central location in a peaceful and virtually car-free neighbourhood on the university campus. Within walking distance of the city centre, the museum offers a break from busy city life. The area around the museum is perfect for exploration and recreation, with other museums, parks and cafés nearby.  

Film and guided tours
We recommend watching the spectacular film ‘The Viking Burial’ about a ship burial from the Viking Age that was found in Western Norway. The film is produced by the local company Arkikon (duration 22 minutes, Norwegian speech, English subtitles). 

Daily guided tours during the high season.  

Activities for children
Those who draw, see more! We have drawing paper and pencils. Or maybe you would like to look for ‘ship rats’? Or figureheads? For those who enjoy making things, we run a creative workshop every day during the high season (Sat. & Sun. rest of the year) and this summer you can build your own rubber band boat (20 June-20 August). We have a fun trail in the local environment that encourages visitors to explore the museum’s surroundings. 

Museum shop and refreshments.

How to get here (on foot):
From the city centre (approx. 15 min.): Walk up the steps to St. John’s Church. Turn left before the church and walk approx. 50 metres on the pavement along the road. Then turn right onto a gravel footpath. Walk another 100 metres until you come to the distinctive stone facade of the museum.

Nearest bus stop: Møhlenpris. 

CONFERENCES, MEETINGS AND DINNERS:

The Bergen Maritime Museum provides a maritime setting for dinners and celebrations. On the "ship deck", guests can enjoy a superb view of Puddefjorden and the modern part of the port of Bergen. The museum has its own auditorium for presentations, speeches and ceremonies. It is also possible to book guided tours of the exhibitions.

Amenities:

Banqueting - available after opening hours at. 16:00:
Exhibition (ground floor) - Maximum 112 guests - banquet seating.
“Ship deck” (1st floor) - Maximum 64 guests - banquet seating.
Receptions (whole museum) – Maximum 130 guests with banquet seating and maximum 250 guests at receptions.

Meetings & Conferences - available all day:
Auditorium (ground floor) - Maximum 80 guests - setup cinema (video projector, screen, sound equipment and internet). Wireless internet, projector, screen and sound equipment.

Guided tours of the exhibitions:
We offer guided tours in Norwegian and English, maximum 30 guests per guide.