Maritime museums in Norway

Please note that the Viking Ship Museum will be temporarily closed for renovations from September 2021 until 2025/2026. This is an important piece of information for tourists planning to visit the museum during this period.

The Polar Museum, known as Polarmuseet in Norwegian, is located in the northern Norwegian city of Tromsø. It is a place where visitors can explore exhibitions about Norwegian polar expeditions and hunting traditions in the polar regions. These exhibitions provide a deep insight into the history and culture of Norway's relationship with the polar regions.

The Fram Museum, located in Oslo, Norway, is a museum dedicated to the history of Norwegian polar exploration. It is situated on the peninsula of Bygdøy, an area that is also home to several other museums. The museum was inaugurated on May 20, 1936, and it pays tribute to Norwegian polar exploration and three notable Norwegian polar explorers – Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen.

The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo is a privately owned and operated institution that houses a collection of vessels and artifacts. These items were used or brought back from the numerous expeditions conducted by the renowned explorer Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002). The museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the world of maritime exploration and understand the historical significance of these expeditions.

The museum focuses on the history of shipbuilding and seafare in Norway from the Viking period until today.

The Norwegian Maritime Museum is situated in a prime location at Bygdøynesveien on the Bygdøy peninsula. This location is on the western side of Oslo, the capital city of Norway. The museum's location is easily accessible and offers a scenic view of the surrounding area.

Stavanger Museum, established in 1877, is a museum of natural and cultural history located in the city of Stavanger, Norway. It offers a rich collection of exhibits that reflect the natural and cultural history of the region.

The Lofoten Museum, also known as Lofotmuseet, is situated in the town of Kabelvåg, within the Vågan municipality. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience in the heart of Lofoten.

The Tirpitz Museum is a war museum situated in Kåfjord, a location just outside the city of Alta in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. This museum is dedicated to the history and artifacts of the battleship Tirpitz, which played a significant role during World War II. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past and understand the historical significance of this battleship.

The Norges Fiskerimuseum (Norwegian Fisheries Museum) in Bergen is dedicated to the history of Norwegian fishing and fish processing industry. The museum showcases various aspects of the industry, including fishing nets, boats, and fishing gear. It provides a comprehensive insight into the evolution of the industry, from traditional fishing methods to modern fish farming.

The Stavanger Maritime Museum is situated in the Norwegian city of Stavanger, specifically at Strandkaien 22 on the west side of the Vågen harbor. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the maritime history of the region while enjoying the scenic harbor views.

The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum, also known as Marinemuseet, is a maritime museum that provides a comprehensive documentation of the history of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The museum is situated in the former naval base of Karljohansvern in Horten, located in the Oslo fjord, in the southern part of Norway. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich naval history of Norway in a setting that has been a part of that history itself.

Sandefjordmuseene, also known as Hvalfangstmuseet, is a unique museum located in Sandefjord, Norway. It is the only museum in Europe that is dedicated to the whaling industry. This specialization makes it a unique destination for those interested in learning about whales and the history of whaling.

The North Sea Traffic Museum is situated in the scenic locale of Telavåg, nestled within the Øygarden municipality on the island of Sotra in Vestland county. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the museum while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

The MS Polstjerna, a Norwegian seal hunting ship that was put into service in 1949, is now a museum ship. It belongs to the University Museum of Tromsø, also known as Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum. This historical vessel offers a unique insight into Norway's maritime past and the seal hunting industry.

Trondhjems Sjøfartsmuseum, a maritime museum, is situated in Trondheim, Norway. The museum was established in 1920 and has been a significant part of the city's cultural heritage since then. It offers a deep dive into the maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in seafaring history.

The Follo Museum is divided into three departments. The original Follo Museum is located at Seiersten near Drøbak. The second department is Roald Amundsen's home, Uranienborg, which is now a museum located at Svartskog. The third department is the Son Coastal Culture Center, situated in the center of Son. Each department offers a unique insight into the region's history and culture.

Mjøssamlingene, also known as Mjøsa's maritime museum, is situated under the western end of the Minnesund railway bridge in Eidsvoll. This location is not only historically significant but also offers a unique perspective on the region's maritime history.

The Tønsberg Kystkultursenter is a coastal culture center situated by the Canal in Tønsberg, Vestfold. It was established in 1911 and serves as a hub for coastal culture. The center is responsible for the restoration and operation of boats and buildings on the site, which are rented out for events and groups.

Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter, located in Norheimsund, is a foundation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vessels. They specialize in the conservation, new construction, and restoration of clinker-built small boats. This center is a unique place where visitors can witness the preservation of maritime heritage and the craftsmanship involved in boat building.

The Slottsfjell Museum is a cultural institution located in the heart of Tønsberg, in the Vestfold and Telemark county of Norway. It is nestled in a rural setting at the base of the Slottsfjell, a prominent landmark in the city. The museum's location offers visitors a unique blend of cultural history and natural beauty.

The Sunnmøre Museum, situated in Borgundgavlen in Ålesund on Sunnmøre, is a folk museum that houses an extensive collection of historical houses and boats. This collection provides a unique insight into the region's past, offering visitors a chance to explore the architectural and maritime history of Sunnmøre.

The exhibitions at the Coastal Museum in Sogn og Fjordane provide a glimpse into the life on the coast of the region from the mid-18th century to the present day. The displays cover various aspects of coastal life, including fishing, seafaring, coastal crafts, and the life of the fisherman farmer. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the region's history and culture in an engaging and informative way.

The Sørhaugøy fyr is a coastal lighthouse situated on the small island of Sørhaugøy, which is part of the Vibrandsøy archipelago. This archipelago is located off the municipality of Haugesund, in Rogaland County, Norway. The lighthouse is managed by the Norwegian Coastal Administration, known as Kystverket in Norwegian.

The Karmsund Civic Museum, located in Haugesund, provides a comprehensive overview of the recent cultural history of Nord-Rogaland. This museum is an excellent place for tourists interested in understanding the local culture and history of the region.

The Jektefartsmuseet is a museum located in the city of Bodø. It was officially opened to the public in June 2019. This relatively new museum offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region.

Mellemværftet is a historical shipyard located in the municipality of Kristiansund, in the Møre og Romsdal region of Norway. This shipyard, which dates back to the era of sailing ships, is an industrial cultural monument. It is currently owned and operated by the Nordmøre Museum, making it a significant part of the region's cultural heritage.

The Southern Actor is a unique piece of maritime history, having been converted from a whaling ship into a museum ship. It is based in Sandefjord, Norway, and is part of the Hvalfangstmuseet, or Whaling Museum. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history and the broader history of whaling.

Museum Nord, Narvik is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Narvik, in the Nordland region of Norway. It is recognized as an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage, a network that links important industrial heritage sites across Europe. This recognition underscores the museum's importance in preserving and showcasing the industrial history of the region.

The Lillesand Town- and Maritime Museum is a cultural history museum situated in the town of Lillesand, in Agder county, Norway. It offers a deep dive into the rich cultural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those who wish to learn more about the local history and culture.

The Coastal Museum in Øygarden is a cultural-historical museum that showcases the coastal culture of Vestland. It is situated in the municipality of Øygarden, making it a significant cultural landmark in the region.

DS Hansteen is a historical sail-steamship that was constructed in 1866 at Nylands mechanical workshop. The ship was built for Norway's geographical survey, also known as NGO, and was named in honor of the then head of NGO, Professor Christopher Hansteen. This ship represents a significant part of Norway's maritime history and is a testament to the country's rich seafaring tradition.

The Merdøgaard museum is situated on the island of Merdø, just off the coast of Arendal. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island and the sea. It's an ideal destination for those interested in history, culture, and nature.

The Bredalsholmen Dock and Preservation Centre is located on the islet of Bredalsholmen. It is a national centre for the maintenance and repair of old vessels and museum ships. Visitors can learn about the history and preservation of maritime vessels, and see the restoration process of historic ships firsthand.

Engøyholmen Kystkultursenter is a foundation that was established in 1990. It is part of the Fortidsminneforeningen in Rogaland and is a member of the Forbundet KYSTEN. The foundation manages Engøyholmen, preserving its historical and cultural significance.

The Mandal museum is situated in Andorsengården, which is known as Mandal's most prominent merchant's yard. This historic building was constructed by Mathias Christian Knutzen jr. during the period of 1801–1805. The museum's location adds a unique historical context to the exhibits, making it a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the history of Mandal.

The Oslofjord Museum, situated in Vollen in Asker municipality, is a coastal culture museum. It provides a unique insight into the coastal culture of the Inner Oslofjord, focusing on outdoor life and the use of leisure boats. The museum is a great place to learn about the maritime history and culture of the region.

The Berlevåg Harbor Museum is situated in the town of Berlevåg, in the Finnmark region of Norway. It forms part of the Museums for Coastal Culture and Reconstruction in Finnmark and the Coastal Administration Museums. The museum is housed in the old premises of the State Harbor Authority, which were rebuilt after the burning down of Berlevåg in the autumn of 1944 during the German retreat.

Tungenes Lighthouse, known as Tungenes fyr in Norwegian, is a historical coastal lighthouse situated in the municipality of Randaberg, in Rogaland County, Norway. This former lighthouse is a significant part of Norway's maritime history and offers a unique insight into the country's coastal heritage.

Vadsøya is a small island located in the county of Troms og Finnmark, on the coast of the Barents Sea. It is part of the municipality of Vadsø and is connected to the mainland by a bridge that branches off the European route 75 in the center of the town of Vadsø. The island is a significant part of the local history and culture, offering a unique insight into the region's past.

The Fjøløy Lighthouse is a coastal beacon situated in the municipality of Rennesøy, within the Rogaland County of Norway. The lighthouse is under the management of the Norwegian Coastal Administration. This location offers a unique insight into Norway's maritime history and the essential role lighthouses played in navigation and safety at sea.

The Sjøhuset i Bergevik is a museum located in the municipality of Forsand. It is part of the Ryfylkemuseum's area of operation, making it a significant part of the region's cultural heritage. Visitors to the museum can learn about the history of the area and its people, and gain insights into the traditional industries that shaped the local economy and way of life.

The Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, also known as Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum, is located in the village of Å, within the municipality of Moskenes in the Lofoten region of northern Norway. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Norwegian fishing.

Kristianhus Båt- og Motormuseum is situated in Vikøyri, which is the center of Vik municipality. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum offers a unique insight into the maritime and motor history of Norway.

One of the primary objectives of Son Kystkultursenter is to amass a representative collection of southeast Norwegian wooden boats. This collection provides a unique insight into the maritime history and culture of the region, making it a point of interest for tourists.

The Tana museum, situated in Polmak in the Tana municipality, is a cultural institution that emphasizes the River Sami culture in the Tana Valley. The museum was established in 1985 when the municipality purchased the Polmak guesthouse to operate the museum. The River Sami culture, as defined by the museum, is a culture that originates from a distinctive livelihood closely tied to fishing, wilderness, and agriculture.

The Arctic Sea Museum Aarvak, also known as Ishavsmuseet Aarvak, is situated in the town of Brandal on the West Norwegian island of Hareidlandet. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The Bragdøya Kystlag is a local branch of the Federation KYSTEN and has undertaken the restoration of old sea warehouses at the pier on Bragdøya. This island is nestled between Odderøya and Andøya. The restored sea warehouses offer a glimpse into the region's maritime past, making it a fascinating spot for tourists interested in maritime history and architecture.

The Risør Coastal Heritage Centre has a significant role in preserving the maritime history of the Risør municipality. Its main objective is to collect, disseminate, and preserve the municipality's boat and shipbuilding history. The focus is particularly on the boatyards in Moen, which have a rich history of their own. This makes the centre a fascinating place for tourists interested in maritime history and shipbuilding.

Geitbåtmuseet is situated in the scenic location of Halsa, more specifically in Valsøyfjord on Engan. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for tourists.

The Kystmuseet i Sør-Trøndelag is a museum located in Fillan on the island of Hitra. It is part of the Museums in Sør-Trøndelag, a network of museums that cover various aspects of the region's history and culture.