Nature & natural history museums in Norway

The Bergen Aquarium, situated in Nordnes, Bergen, has a rich history dating back to its opening on August 27, 1960. At the time of its inauguration, it was the largest aquarium of its kind in Northern Europe. This historical significance adds to the charm and appeal of the aquarium for visitors.

The Anno Museum, located in the former county of Hedmark in southeastern Norway, is a regional group of cultural and natural history museums. Spread across 23 different locations, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits and collections that reflect the rich history and natural beauty of the region.

Polaria, situated in Tromsø, northern Norway, holds the distinction of being the world's most northerly aquarium. This unique location offers visitors a chance to explore marine life in a setting unlike any other. The aquarium is easily accessible and provides an exciting opportunity to learn about the Arctic's unique ecosystem.

Oslo Reptile Park is a unique destination in Norway, being the only reptile park in the country. This privately owned animal park offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of reptile species up close.

Bjørneparken, previously known as Vassfaret Bjørnepark, is a wildlife park that houses Norwegian predators, wild deer, and farm animals. The park is a great place for visitors to get a close look at Norway's native wildlife in a safe and controlled environment.

The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, also known as the Polar Bear Club, is a unique attraction located in the town of Hammerfest in Troms og Finnmark, Norway. This small exhibition is dedicated to the town's mascot and heraldic crest, the polar bear. It's a fascinating place to learn about the history and culture of this remote town.

The Breheimsenteret, also known as the Breheim Center, serves as a museum and one of the three visitor centers for the Jostedalsbreen National Park. It provides a wealth of information about the park and its surroundings, making it a valuable resource for tourists looking to explore the area.

Established in the summer of 1997, Risør Akvarium is the only saltwater aquarium in Sørlandet. This unique feature makes it a distinctive destination for tourists interested in marine life.

The University Museum of Bergen is home to a wide range of anthropological and archaeological collections. These collections include significant Norwegian archaeological remains from the Viking period. These exhibits provide a deep insight into the history and culture of Norway, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and archaeology.

The Atlantic Sea-Park, located in Ålesund, Norway, is a significant aquarium that was established in 1951. The current facility, which was officially inaugurated on 15 June 1998, is one of Scandinavia's largest saltwater aquariums and a leading tourist attraction in the region.

The Tromsø University Museum welcomes over 110,000 visitors each year. It offers a variety of exhibits, with eight permanent displays and two to three temporary exhibitions held throughout the year. These exhibitions provide a comprehensive overview of the region's history, culture, and natural environment.

Muséhagen, situated at Muséplass 3, is a botanical garden that forms part of the University Museum of Bergen's natural history department. Established between 1897 and 1899, the garden spans 14 acres and houses approximately 3,000 different species collected over the years. Most of these species were gathered as seeds from wild plants in Norway and around the world, but the garden also features cultivated forms of particularly beautiful or economically important plants.

The NTNU University Museum, also known as the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, is a significant institution located in Trondheim, Norway. It is part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse natural environment of the region.

The Geological Museum in Oslo, also known as the Geologisk og paleontologisk museum, is a significant part of the Natural History Museum of the University of Oslo. Established in 1917, the museum has a rich history and is a testament to the scientific and cultural heritage of the city. It was founded on the initiative of Geology Professor Waldemar Christofer Brøgger and opened to the public in 1920 with numerous exhibits.

Namsskogan Familiepark is a unique combination of a zoo and an amusement park located in Namsskogan, Norway. This park offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The Svalbard Museum, located in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen, is a place where visitors can delve into the 400-year history of the Spitsbergen archipelago. The museum provides an understanding of the conditions that have allowed human life and activities to thrive on these islands. It's a great place to learn about the region's past and how it has shaped the present.

The Botanical Museum of Oslo, also known as Botanisk museum or Lids hus, is a botanical museum situated in Oslo. It was established in 1863, drawing its foundation from the herbarium of Professor Blytt, a renowned botanist who lived between 1789 and 1862. This museum is a testament to the rich botanical history of Norway and offers a unique insight into the country's diverse plant life.

With an annual footfall of approximately 35,000 visitors, Drøbak Aquarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The aquarium is designed to be child-friendly, making it an ideal place for family outings.

The Sognefjord Aquarium is home to a diverse range of aquatic species, with 100 different types of fish and sea creatures on display. These species, all found in the Sognefjord, are housed in various sized aquariums, both indoors and outdoors, providing a comprehensive view of the region's marine life.

The exhibitions of the Cultural History Museum are spread across four main buildings in the city center of Oslo. These include the Historical Museum located at Frederiks gate 2 and Frederiks gate 3, the Laboratory at Frederiks Gate 3 and St. Olavs Gate 29, and the Viking Ship Museum situated on the Bygdøy peninsula. Each of these locations offers a unique insight into different aspects of Norway's cultural history, providing a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.

The Norsk Fjellmuseum, or Norwegian Mountain Museum, is a significant part of the Norwegian Mountain Center located in the heart of Lom. It serves as an authorized national park center for three of Norway's renowned national parks: Jotunheimen, Breheimen, and Reinheimen. This makes it a central hub for information and understanding about these natural treasures, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the parks' unique features, flora, and fauna.

Jostedalsbreen nasjonalparksenter, located in the village of Oppstryn in Vestland county, Norway, serves as a visitor's center for those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the region. It is situated east of the villages of Loen and Olden, on the shore of the lake Oppstrynsvatn. The center is one of three visitor's centers in Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Stjørdal museum Værnes is a cultural history museum situated in the old parsonage of Værnes in Stjørdal, Nord-Trøndelag. This location offers a unique insight into the region's rich history and culture, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in exploring the past.

The Anno Norsk skogmuseum, located in Elverum, is a nature and cultural history museum with a national mandate for outdoor industries. These include hunting, trapping, sports fishing, inland fishing, forestry, and the forest industry. The museum also has a broad focus on nature management and outdoor life. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in these areas, offering a comprehensive insight into Norway's rich natural and cultural history.

Haldenvassdragets Kanalmuseum is a museum that provides insights into the cultural and natural history associated with the Halden watercourse. It is situated in Ørje, a part of the Marker municipality in Østfold county. This location is rich in both cultural and natural heritage, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and nature.

Lofotakvariet, a saltwater aquarium, is situated in Storvågan near Kabelvåg in the Vågan municipality of Nordland. Since its opening in 1989, it has been a popular destination, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually.

The museum and its accompanying botanical garden are situated at Gimle Farm. The museum is housed in the farm's outbuilding, while the surrounding park serves as the botanical garden. The main building at Gimle Farm is also a museum, forming part of the Vest-Agder Museum.

Gimle Farm is a historic Norwegian country estate located in Kristiansand. The estate was constructed over a decade from 1797 to 1807. It remained in the possession of the same family until 1982. In 1985, the estate was incorporated into the Vest-Agder County Museum, which is now known as the Kristiansand Museum.

Evje og Hornnes geomuseum Fennefoss is a museum located in Fennefoss, Agder county. It was established in 1975 by local enthusiasts, including Sigmund Monen and Alf Georg Kjetså. The museum initially started as a local museum, but over time, the geological collections that were gradually acquired became increasingly important.

Lands Museum serves as the cultural and natural history hub for the Nordre and Søndre Land municipalities in Innlandet county, Norway. It provides a comprehensive insight into the region's rich cultural and natural history, making it a significant destination for those interested in understanding the local heritage.

Elvarheim Museum is situated in the municipality of Åmli, in the county of Aust-Agder. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.

Fossheim Steinsenter is not just a museum, but also a shop and a workshop. It is situated in the municipality of Lom, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the area. Here, visitors can learn about the geological history of Norway, purchase unique souvenirs, and even see how these items are made.

The Midt-Troms Museum is open throughout the year, making it a great destination for tourists regardless of the season. It offers permanent exhibitions that provide a deep dive into the region's natural history. Additionally, the museum also hosts various walking and theme exhibitions that change periodically, offering something new for repeat visitors.