Hvaler Coastal Museum

The Hvaler coastal museum is cozy and beautiful at Nordgården Dypedal on Spjærøy. Along the coast, you could rarely survive on the sea or the soil alone. The combination of agriculture and fishing, pilotage, shipping and other industries linked to the sea was a dominant feature of the coastal culture. At the end of the 19th century, the stone industry provided a new basis for commercial activities. Nordgården is a typical combination farm for Hvaler. Until the end of the 19th century, both agriculture, shipping and fishing were carried out, later a stonecutter business was established here.

The museum conveys the story of the island population's conditions and everyday life in the 18th and 20th centuries. The exhibition "Welcome on board!" is also shown here. This is an exhibition about sailors from Hvaler told by the sailors themselves. Several of them sail to this day and contribute to Hvaler still being a vibrant maritime community. In the exhibition, strong experiences from both the 1st and 2nd World Wars, but also from the Gulf War in the 1980s, are shared. 

At the Coastal Museum you can enjoy life at a leisurely pace. Here you can relax under the fruit trees with an apple cake and a cup of coffee. Or maybe you want to take the trip down to Skjeldsbosundet just below Nordgården. Here you will find the exhibition "Hewn in granite" at a protected quarry with associated work barracks. 

In the café, coffee, ice cream, cakes and muffins are served, which can be enjoyed under the fruit trees, while the children run freely in the scenic garden. The museum is a magical place for children where they can frolic in play and exciting discoveries.

Welcome to a unique piece of coastal culture!

Out of season open by appointment. Separate prices for groups, contact the museum.