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Grand openings: see what the future brings

In 2026, you can visit the spectacular whale and skrei experience centres in Northern Norway, and go on an unforgettable journey aboard the Norient Express. But these are only three of many new attractions that are set to open in the coming years. Here are some of the highlights!

Get ready for red carpets, evening dress, and champagne! With many destinations long in the making throughout the country poised to open their doors to the public, you can hardly pick a more exciting time to visit Norway. Click here to see events in 2024 and enjoy a sneak peek of the most exciting new spots below:

1. The Whale in Vesterålen

Architect: Dorte Mandrup

Buckle up for a whale of a time! The stunning structure of the Whale on the island of Andøya in Vesterålen – considered one of the world’s best places to spot migrating whales – is a coastal viewpoint and a museum and experience centre. The Whale’s stone-covered rooftop will serve as a whale-spotting platform, while the inside will house sprawling exhibition spaces featuring with whale-related artefacts, a café, and a museum shop.

Opens: 2026/27

2. SKREI

Architect: LPO Architects

Speaking of the ocean – SKREI is a center for experiences and knowledge about fishing in Lofoten and the fish that built Norway!  

SKREIwill be home to four main attractions: the newly built Otolitten, the Lofoten Museum, the Espolin Gallery, and the Lofoten Aquarium. The four parts will be connected in a visually beautiful and accessible manner that conveys their respective stories in the best way possible.

The centre is located in Storvågan, Kabelvåg – in the heart of Lofoten. This is where the commercial trade in skrei – Arctic cod –began.

Opens: 2026

3. The Vest-Agder Museum

The Vest-Agder Museum works with the collection, preservation, documentation, research and dissemination of the cultural history of Vest-Agder.

The museum consists of 11 visitor destinations: Flekkefjord Museum, Lista museum, Sjølingstad Uldvarefabrik, Mandal Museum, Setesdalsbanen, Gimle Gård, Kristiansand Museum and Open-air Museum, D/S Hestmanden, Odderøya Museum Harbour, Tingvatn, and the Kristiansand Cannon Museum.

In 2024, the Vest-Agder Museum was granted NOK 139 million to construct a new museum building on Odderøya in Kristiansand. It will be open to the general public and will be designed with accessibility in mind. The museum will offer exciting exhibitions and virtual reality experiences!

Expected to open: 2028

4. The Norient Express

Catch a ride with Norway's Orient Express – the Norient Express!

Although still in the planning phase, if everything goes to plan, the Norient Express will launch the first of its comfortable new trains in the autumn of 2026, running between some of Norway's most popular tourist destinations on railway lines that are considered some of the world's most beautiful. 

Expected to open: Autumn 2026

Want more inspiration on what to see and do in Norway? Get insider tips for an exciting city break, book a tailor-made journey with Up Norway, and find your favourite unique accommodation.

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