Kalsen - the village store museum

The Village Shop Museum (Landhandelmuseet) in Venneshamn: A Reunion with the Past

In the heart of Venneshamn stands the Village Shop Museum, a vibrant memorial to the firm Ernst Karlsen (1888–2008) and the historic building Nerstu. Asbjørn Karlsen (great-grandson of Ernst Karlsen) has not only restored the building where the shop flourished for ninety years, but he has also recreated an almost authentic general store from the time when trade was conducted over the counter.

In Venneshamn, visitors can experience an old-fashioned village shop; stepping back in time to when the shopkeeper not only sold goods but also created a meeting point for the local community. It’s an experience that will revive many memories, a reunion with a bygone era. You can also enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat in a uniquely nostalgic atmosphere.

Scenic Views of the Fjord Landscape
The surrounding views of this natural harbour by Skarnsundet, once central to the sailing trade of the 19th century and later to the scheduled steamer traffic up the Trondheimsfjord from the late 1800s to the late 1900s, are an integral part of the experience. The landscape provides a beautiful backdrop to the history brought to life at the Village Shop Museum.

A Summer Museum
The Village Shop Museum delivers memories over the counter in authentic surroundings. During the summer, the museum is open on certain Sundays, offering coffee, juice, Karlsen biscuits, and cakes. The museum also hosts concerts with a pub and local food, serving fresh bread and matured cheese during the Trøndelag Food Festival – giving you a taste of authentic Trøndelag food culture in a distinctive atmosphere.

The Village Shop Museum is more than just a place to remember the past; it’s a place where the past lives on in authentic surroundings, where history comes alive, and new memories are created.

Follow the museum’s Facebook page for updated opening hours. A sign is also placed by the main road when the museum is open.