Top 100 best museums in Scandinavia

Akershus Fortress, also known as Akershus slott og festning in classical Norwegian, is a significant historical site located in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. It is situated by the Oslo fjord, offering picturesque views of the water body. The fortress is also conveniently located next to the city hall, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city center.

Fågelsjö Gammelgård, also known as Bortom Åa or the Old Farm of Fågelsjö, is a significant historical site located in Fågelsjö. This village is one of the oldest in a region that was colonized by the Finns in the 17th century. The site offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the region, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and culture.

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 Borgund Stave Church is a historical monument located in Borgund, within the Lærdal municipality of Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Norway's rich history.

The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) is a maritime museum in Stockholm that is located on the island of Djurgården that houses the only fully intact seventeenth-century ship, the Vasa, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. The main hall of the Vasa Museum contains the ship itself, as well as exhibits rel

Christiansborg Palace, situated on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, is a unique blend of a palace and a government building. This dual function makes it a significant landmark in Denmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's political and royal history.

Skansen is the world's first ethnographic open-air museum as well as one of the most extensive ones. It was founded in 1891 and its primary aim was to show how people in different parts of rural Sweden lived before the emergence of an industrialized society. Visitors to the Skansen Open-Air Museuma

The Lofoten Stockfish Museum is situated in the picturesque village of Å, within the municipality of Moskenes. This location is part of the stunning Lofoten islands, in the county of Nordland, Norway. The museum provides an opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of this region.

Givskud Zoo, located in Givskud, 20 kilometres north west of Vejle in Denmark, is a unique combination of a zoo and a safari park. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close with a variety of animals in a safe and controlled environment.

The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, serves as a platform for the Nobel Peace Prize and the ideals it embodies. This center is not just a museum, but a place where culture and politics intersect to encourage involvement, discussion, and reflection on topics such as war, peace, and conflict resolution.

The Oslo City Museum, located in the heart of Norway's capital, is a department of the larger Oslo Museum. Since 2006, it has been an integral part of the city's cultural and historical landscape, offering visitors a deep dive into the rich history of Oslo.

The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, located in Oslo, Norway, is a privately owned contemporary art gallery. It was established and opened to the public in 1993, making it a relatively recent addition to the city's cultural scene. The museum is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art, and it has become a significant cultural institution 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 Historisk museum, located in Oslo, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1904. This museum is a testament to the rich history and culture of Norway, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the country's heritage.

Oscarshall palace, a summer palace in neo-Gothic style, is situated on Bygdøy by Frognerkilen in Oslo. This location offers a unique blend of historical architecture and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate both. The palace was designed by Danish architect Johan Henrik Nebelong for King Oscar I and was completed in 1852.

The Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance castle located in Copenhagen that was built in 1606 and was used as the seat of Danish kings for about a hundred years. The castle was opened to the public in 1838 and it houses a museum which displays the Royal Collections, artifacts spanning a breadth of royal

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 Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, also known as Norsk Folkemuseum, is located in Bygdøy, Oslo, Norway. It is a cultural history museum that houses extensive collections of artifacts from all social groups and regions of the country. This provides a comprehensive insight into the diverse cultures and histories of Norway.

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, previously known as the Museum for Modern Art, is a Danish museum for modern art located in Humlebæk in Fredensborg Municipality in North Zealand. The museum was inaugurated on August 14, 1958, and has since become a significant cultural landmark in Denmark. It offers a unique blend of art, architecture, and landscape, attracting approximately 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of Denmark's most visited museums.

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum in Copenhagen that holds and displays a collection built around the collection of the Danish beer magnate Carl Jacobsen, with especially antique sculpture from the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean, including Egypt, Rome and Greece. Apart from the

Small yet charming house - this is where the famous writer spent his childhood from the age of two to fourteen. Now it holds a tiny exhibition on his connection to Odense. You can see how humble the birthplace of this well-known author was. It is good to visit both this place and the Hans Christian

Charming church village with hundreds of falu röd (typical red) wooden houses built around a church to accommodate pilgrims. The village was used to accommodate people visiting the church and allowed them to stay overnight and prepare for the long journey back. Miraculously, it was saved from fire

Bring your kids and let them learn about science the fun way. An entertaining place with several exhibitions, both temporary and permanent. Find out many interesting facts about human body, physics and the world around us. If you feel confident enough, you can try to solve one of the riddles in th

Gamlehaugen is a castle located in Norway, approximately seven kilometers south of Bergen in the district of Fjøsanger. It serves as the official residence of the Norwegian royal family during their stays in Bergen. The castle is situated on a hill at the northern end of Nordåsvannet, a branch of the Grimstadfjorden.

St Mary's Church, also known as Mariakyrkja or Mariakirken, is a significant religious site located in the heart of Bergen, Norway. Situated in the Bryggen area, this parish church is part of the Church of Norway and is easily accessible due to its central location. It is one of the churches for the Bergen Cathedral parish, which is part of the Bergen domprosti (arch-deanery) in the Diocese of Bjørgvin.

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 Gamle Bergen Museum is an open-air museum situated in the Sandviken district of Bergen. The museum was constructed around the old pleasure garden known as Elsesro. This location offers a unique historical setting for visitors to explore.

Fotografiska is the Swedish Museum of Photography located in the district Södermalm in the Swedish capital Stockholm. This centre for contemporary photography is located directly on the water in the building of the former large customs house (Stora Tullhuset), which was built in 1906-1910 according

Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a unique blend of nature, history, and art. Located in the southeast of Oslo, Norway, this national heritage park offers a unique experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is nestled in a wooded area, providing a serene backdrop for the various sculptures that adorn its landscape.

A very interesting exhibition about life so far north, in and around Nordkapp. You'll find a souvenir shop and a restaurant here as well.

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.

Following the strong Nordic tradition, this open-air museum is a real gem. Historical Skåne in miniature.

Visiting this living history settlement is a great way how to learn about Vikings and actually experience the way they lived.

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.

The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, also referred to as KODE 1, is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Bergen, Norway. The museum was established in the year 1887, making it a long-standing part of the city's cultural landscape. It houses a diverse collection of decorative arts, with a particular emphasis on works from the past 500 years.

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.

The The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is the largest museum of cultural history in the whole country. This museum, located in Copenhagen will guide you through several thousand years of both Danish and foreign culture. Highlights of the collections include Golden Horns of Gallehus, Gun

ABBA The Museum is a Swedish museum dedicated to the pop group ABBA in the Djurgården district of Stockholm in Sweden. The museum displays its collection of exhibits, which includes the artists' clothing, golden records and other original memorabilia. Furthermore, ABBA The Museum, which opened in Ma

Ájtte, the Swedish Mountain and Sami Museum, is a cultural and natural history museum located in Jokkmokk, Lapland, Sweden. It specializes in the culture and nature of the mountainous area of Northern Sweden and serves as the main museum and archive for the Sami culture of Sweden. The museum was inaugurated in June 1989 and is owned and managed by a foundation established in 1983 by the Swedish Government, the Norrbotten Region, the Jokkmokk Municipality, and the two national Sami organizations Svenska Samernas Riksförbund (National Union of Swedish Sami people) and Same Ätnam (Sami land).

The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, located on Bryggen in Bergen, Norway, offers a unique insight into the life of Bergen drivers of the German Hanse. This museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region, and to understand the significant role that the German Hanse played in shaping the city's past.

The Forsvarsmuseet, also known as FMU, is a museum dedicated to defense history. It is situated in building 62 at the historic Akershus Castle in Oslo, Norway. This location not only provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's exhibits but also adds to the overall experience of understanding Norway's military history.

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

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.

The ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum is an art museum in Aarhus. The museum comprises a total of 20,700 square metres on ten floors, which makes it one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. The ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum features four galleries, the ARoS Focus gallery, a floor with installations. In ea

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum, situated in the city of Stavanger, was inaugurated in the year 1999. The museum spans an area of about 5,000 square meters, providing ample space for its exhibits and installations.

During the tumultuous times of World War II, Villa Grande served as the residence of Vidkun Quisling, a prominent figure of the era. Known as Gimle at the time, the villa was the center of Quisling's activities. This historical context adds a layer of intrigue and significance to the villa, making it a point of interest for those interested in World War II history.

Housed in a former match factory, the museum shows the history of match-making and exhibits an amazing variety of boxes, posters and much more.

Today, the ruins of Sverresborg serve as an open-air museum for the Trøndelag region, which includes Sør-Trøndelag and Nord-Trøndelag. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the region's history and culture in an immersive and interactive way.

The Norwegian Mining Museum, also known as Norsk Bergverksmuseum, is the national museum dedicated to mining in Norway. It is situated in the former Smeltehytte, a building dating back to 1844, located at Hyttegata 3 in Kongsberg. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the history and significance of mining in the country.

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.

Ruins of Viking circular forts dating back to the 9th century. One house was reconstructed outside the fortress.

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.

Den Gamle By is an open-air town museum in Aarhus that is focused on illustrating Danish town culture. The museum consists of 75 historical buildings collected from 20 settlements from all over Denmark. The town with its buildings as a whole is the main attraction but most buildings can also be visi

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.

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.

One of the most striking features of the station is a 70-meter high concrete tower. This tower was previously equipped with advanced collection equipment, making it a significant part of the station's operations.

Troldhaugen, located in Bergen, Norway, is the former residence of the renowned Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and his wife Nina Grieg. This historic site offers visitors a unique insight into the life and work of one of Norway's most celebrated composers.

The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, located in Oslo, serves as the national museum for industry, science, technology, and medicine. It provides a comprehensive insight into the country's industrial history and advancements in various scientific fields.

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 Tromsø Art Association, known as Tromsø Kunstforening in Norwegian, has a rich history dating back to 1877. It has been in continuous operation since 1924, making it one of the oldest cultural institutions in Tromsø. This long-standing presence in the city's cultural scene has allowed it to become a significant reference point for art in Northern Norway.

County museum displaying traditional as well as upbeat contemporary art related to the Värmland.