Norwegian Cultural History Museums
Step back in time and discover fascinating Norwegian history.
Norwegian
Cultural Gems
Step back in time and experience authentic cultural history.
Immerse yourself in Norwegian heritage in some
of the country's most charming and unique places.
1. The Old Town, Fredrikstad
Is this Norway's cosiest neighbourhood? Wander around the green embankments and cobblestoned alleyways in The Old Town of Fredrikstad, called Gamlebyen, in the Østfold region. The star-shaped fortress city takes you back in time.
Visit cute cafés and unique shops, or join a walking tour with knowledgeable guides. Stop by The Old Town Model Train Centre and find some treasures at the popular Saturday markets!
2. Setesdal
Setesdal feels like a real-life open-air museum, with cultural gems as far as the eye can see. The valley is a 200-kilometre-long adventure, where old traditions are kept alive.
The traditional folk music and dance from the region can even be found on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage!
At Rygnestadtunet and The Setesdal Museum, you can learn more about the region. Go on a roundtrip on the steamboat D/S Bjoren on the Byglandsfjord.
The valley also offers three via ferratas for climbing enthusiasts, plenty of hiking and bike riding options, and rafting on the Otra river.
3. Røros
Travel back in time to the cosy town of Røros, a UNESCO site, where small log houses line the streets, bearing witness to its glory days as a mining town.
Visit the welcoming courtyards that are full of artists, craftsmen, cute shops and cafés with plenty of local specialties to try. Watch the marvelous play "Elden", that's on every year at Slagghaugen, and join a guided tour of the old mines.
4. Bakklandet, Trondheim
The Bakklandet neighbourhood in Trondheim is historical yet modern. Explore cobblestoned streets and colourful houses in a working-class area from the 18th century, which is now home to numerous cafés, restaurants with locally sourced ingredients, wine bars, galleries, and boutiques.
Enter the area by crossing the Old Town Bridge, first built in 1681 and later reconstructed in 1861. Bakklandet is also home to Trampe, the world's first bicycle lift, which takes you up the hill that leads to a historic fortress.
5. Nusfjord and Henningsvær, Lofoten
The ocher and red-painted fishing village, Nusfjord in Lofoten, is one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages. Spend the night in one of its traditional fishermen's cabins.
The entrance fee gives you admission to several exhibitions and the Salteriet Gallery. Visit the vintage and quirky shop Nusfjord Landhandel, or treat yourself to a delicious meal based on Arctic ingredients at Restaurant Karoline.
The fishing village of Henningsvær in Lofoten is a cultural hot spot. The community here is so unique that it has been defined as cultural heritage by Norwegian authorities since 2022. Explore galleries including the Kaviar Factory, Galleri Lofoten and Engelskmannsbrygga.
The narrow streets are full of life with cute shops, cosy cafés, and inviting restaurants, such as the cultural hub of Trevarefabrikken.
6. Nyksund, Vesterålen
Nyksund in Vesterålen, just north of Lofoten, was once a thriving and vibrant fishing village, but became a virtual ghost town in the 1970s when became too small for the modern fishing industry. But all was not lost.
A group of Germans came to visit in the 1980s. They loved the place so much that they decided to restore it and salvage its history.
Around 15 people live in Nyksund today and it's a place for creatives and visitors alike. Despite its small size, you can go to concerts, visit art galleries, and eat local delicacies.
7. Sogndalstrand
Follow the idyllic North Sea Road to the little coastal gem of Sogndalstrand in Rogaland. When sailing ships ruled the seas, people would come here to rest and trade goods.
Explore the quaint wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries just three miles south of Egersund, where you can also find several small galleries and shops.
Eleven of the houses belong to the carefully restored Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell. You'll also find the narrow and spectacular Jøssingfjord nearby, featuring exciting mining and war history and a brand-new museum.
A small homestead from the 19th century, Helleren, is tucked away under a huge cliff nearby.
8. Risør
Just over an hour from Kristiansand in Southern Norway, you'll find Risør, with its lively harbour and characteristic white wooden houses. It's considered Norway's best-preserved wooden town and is one of many that dot the Southern Coast.
Explore Risør's past and present on a tour with a local watchman in a red uniform that dates back more than 100 years.
Eat quality seafood in a restaurant on the waterfront, visit galleries and niche shops, and stay overnight in a boat. Risør hosts several festivals, including the Chamber Music Festival and the Wooden Boat Festival in the Marina.
The oldest wooden car ferry in Norway, M/F Øisang, sails between Risør and Lille Danmark beach on Risøya island.
9. Ålesund
National Geographic named Ålesund one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. It's famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, which became a key feature when the city was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904.
Learn more about the city's history and architecture at The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE.
For amazing views of the city climb the 418 steps from Byparken Town Park up to the Mount Aksla viewpoint, or get a different perspective of the city centre by kayaking through the Brosundet canal.
Aside from the architecture, there are also plenty of local shops, cafés and restaurants in the city centre, and there's even a restaurant on the top of Aksla.
10. Bryggen
Bryggen in Bergen has a proud place on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is one of Norway's main attractions. This is where the very first buildings in Bergen were built, many of which remain in narrow lanes of crooked wooden houses.
Parts of the medieval wharf, Bryggen, as we know it today, were rebuilt after the great fire in 1702 on the foundations from the 12th century.
This wharf was very important during the German Hanseatic League's trading empire from 1350-1750.
There's much more than first meets the eye. Enter the lanes behind the main facade to explore small passages, cafés, galleries and shops selling traditional crafts.
11. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Discover everyday life in Norway from the 1500s until today at one of the world's largest open-air museums. Travel through time and explore 160 historic buildings and numerous farm animals set in beautiful nature.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo lets you step inside a variety of different parts of Norway, from farms in the countryside to towns and cities.
Genuine historic clothing, furniture, Sami handicrafts, and more are on display, and there are several activities and events held at the museum throughout the year.
12. Maihaugen Museum
Norway's largest open-air museum, Maihaugen in Lillehammer, offers plenty of activities and fun experiences for all ages. Visit 200 historic houses from the 13th century until today, and learn how Norwegian mountain cabins have evolved over time.
The museum truly comes to life during the summer with farm animals, actors in period costumes, guided tours, craftsmen, and lots of fun activities for the kids. You can even visit H.M. Queen Sonja's childhood home from the 1930s.
Stop by the Norwegian Olympic Museum at Maihaugen's visitor centre to learn about the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.