Your guide to Munch's Norway

Edvard Munch was a world-famous painter and printmaker from Norway. He was active for more than 60 years and was one of Modernism’s most important artists.

His best-known work is The Scream, painted in 1893, which is one of the most iconic paintings in modern art. Other famous pieces include The Girls on the Bridge and Madonna.

Munch's works are inspired by both the people in his life and the landscapes where he lived and worked. Explore the places Munch called home and where he found inspiration for his most famous works.

1. Oslo: where it all began

Munch's legacy is very much alive in Oslo. Rising 13 stories above Oslo's new waterfront district of Bjørvika, the striking MUNCH museum offers world famous art as well as great views. Opened in 2021, the architectural gem houses the world's largest collection of Munch's work, including the famous The Scream and Madonna. Picture yourself sipping coffee in one of its restaurants while gazing out over the Oslofjord, the same location that inspired Munch throughout his life.

A short walk from MUNCH, in the popular Aker Brygge area on Oslo's waterfront, you'll also find The National Museum. It's the largest museum in the Nordic region and houses one of the most significant collections of Edvard Munch's masterpieces, including The Scream.

Take a short walk to Ekeberg, close to the Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, where you can stand at the exact spot that inspired The Scream, complete with the same panoramic view of the fjord that haunted and inspired Munch.

Discover a hidden gem by visiting Munch's studio at Ekely during the summer months, a lesser-known treasure where the artist spent his final years.

2. Ramme: the artist's retreat

Just 40 minutes south-east of Oslo lies the cultural destination Ramme in Hvitsten, Munch's peaceful countryside escape. Munch bought a property here in 1910. His villa, built in French chateau style, has since been restored to its original glory.

Walk the cultural trail through landscapes that inspired countless works, discover the enchanting garden Havlystparken, and treat yourself to lunch at the historic Ramme Farm. For the full experience, spend a night at the fjordside hotel Ramme Fjordhotell — the same views that once captured Munch's imagination might just capture yours.

3. Moss: art meets nature

Between 1913 and 1916, Munch lived and worked at Grimsrød Farm on Jeløya, a beautiful island in the municipality of Moss in Østfold, south-east of the Oslofjord. The island combines natural beauty and artistic heritage, and is a paradise for art buffs.

At the historic Refsnes Gods hotel, you can dine surrounded by original Munch lithographs at Restaurant Munch. You should definitely spend the night here too. The hotel has been awarded the St. Olav's Rose – a certification given to high-quality destinations that play a role in conserving Norwegian cultural heritage.

Walking along Jeløya's scenic trails and open landscapes offers the chance to immerse yourself in an environment that inspired Munch. Make sure to visit the renowned galleries Galleri Røed and Galleri F15, the latter housed in a historic manor house with stunning views of the Oslofjord.

4. Fredrikstad: Munch's Mothers

Munch also had strong ties to Fredrikstad, the largest city in the Østfold region. Two important women in Munch’s life were born here – his mother and his aunt.

In the city you can find the monument Munch's Mothers by artist Birthe Marie Løveid, depicting Edvard Munch as a small boy together with his mother and Aunt Karen.

Art enthusiasts should also swing by Bastion 5 or Østfold Art Center (ØKS), a centre for contemporary visual and applied arts run by artists.

5. Åsgårdstrand: Munch's home

Cross the fjord over to Horten and Åsgårdstrand in Vestfold, on the western shore of the Oslofjord. With its quaint surroundings, it's easy to see why Edvard Munch chose to live in Åsgårdstrand. Today, Munch's perfectly preserved house serves as a museum, open to the public. Walking through rooms where everything remains exactly as he left it creates an intimate connection to the artist. This is where Munch painted The Dance of Life — and the same light that inspired him still filters through the windows to this day.

Another key Munch work set in Åsgårdstrand is The Girls on the Bridge, an image you might recognise (and recreate) in real life as you wander through the town's picturesque streets.

6. Kragerø: the art town

About an hour and a half south of Åsgårdstrand lies the lively coastal town of Kragerø, and its cluster of islands. In the summer, Kragerø is a popular holiday destination for Norwegians. The rest of the year, Kragerø is a calm, charming oasis.

Kragerø's unique light has inspired many artists, Edvard Munch amongst them. Walk in Munch's footsteps through the narrow, cosy streets that gave him inspiration for many of his most famous works!

In addition to a Munch exhibition, the Berg-Kragerø Museum lets you explore more art, take a deep dive into Kragerø's coastal culture, and learn more about its historic natural ice export industry.

A striking sculpture pays tribute to Edvard Munch’s time in Kragerø at the scenic viewpoint on Skrubben. It was in this very spot that Munch found inspiration for his masterpiece The Sun.

7. Løten: Munch's birthplace

Although Edvard Munch grew up in Kristiania, today known as Oslo, he was born on 12 December 1863 in the village of Løten, nestled in the rolling countryside of Eastern Norway.

Today, Løten honours its connection to the artist with a dedicated Munch Centre, located beside the Klevfos Industrial Museum. The centre focuses on Munch’s childhood and his lasting bond with the area, featuring exhibitions of his early drawings and personal letters written during visits home.

Løten contains many traces of Munch's artistic legacy. Explore the Munch playground, see the baptismal font where he was christened, visit the Munch Centre, and see buildings painted in signature Munch colours. Don’t miss the photo spot at Engelaug Østre farm, the artist's birthplace, and the vibrant Munch-inspired street art.

8. Vågå

Munch's father's side of the family lived in Vågå for generations. Vågå is a municipality in Innlandet county, located in the traditional district of the Gudbrandsdalen valley, surrounded by stunning mountains and nature. Munch's letters and sketches reveal that he maintained a close connection to the place throughout his life through several visits.

The Munch Trail begins at Bessheim, where Edvard Munch walked to Vågå in July 1895. Follow in his footsteps from the mountains to the village, discovering his life, art, and the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage along the way. The 54 km trail to Vågåmo is also great for cycling. Highlights include Vågå Church and the Munch Walk in Vågåmo, featuring the audio play Great-grandmother’s Portrait.

Stay in a charming fjellstue, mountain lodge, and visit Vågå Hotel, where Munch’s love for fine meals is honoured through recipes from his great-grandmother’s cookbook.

Vågå is also the gateway to the Jotunheimen mountains, Norway's most popular national park. According to Norse mythology, Jotunheimen was once the place where the jotner – trolls – lived.

Source: Nasjonalparkriket