Hamar
Since 1896, the Norwegian Railway Museum has worked to preserve the history of the railway's importance in Norway and its influence on the development of society. The museum, founded by railway employees, is located in Hamar – a city that is closely linked to Norwegian railway history. Hamar was also an important centre for the start-up of the State Railways, with the opening of the Grundset Line in 1862, which went to Grundset in Elverum.
From a simple start on the second floor of Hamar station, the museum was moved in 1930 to Disen, on the outskirts of the city, and developed into a unique open-air museum. This outdoor concept remains a distinctive feature that sets the museum apart from other railway museums globally. In 1956, the Norwegian Railway Museum moved to its current location at Martodden by scenic Mjøsa.
As a permanent institution, with no commercial purposes, the museum's mission is to serve society and its development, while remaining open to all. The museum collects, researches and disseminates historical artefacts, as well as exhibits material evidence about man's connection to the railway, to joy, education and inspiration.
Owned and financed by the Norwegian Railway Directorate, the museum changed its name in 1996 from the NSB Railway Museum to the Norwegian Railway Museum, in connection with the reorganization of NSB and the Norwegian National Rail Administration. The name, which reflects its history from the period 1896 to 1946, also reflects the museum's long tradition and connection to the history of the railway. From 1996 to 2016, it was part of the Norwegian National Rail Administration.
Source: Hafjell Hotel & Apartments AS