Nature & natural history museums in Scandinavia

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 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.

This well-known ZOO specialises in Nordic animals - encounter lynxes, wolves, bears or wolverines in their natural habitats.

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.

Grönåsens Älgpark is a zoo situated in the Swedish town of Kosta. The park, operated by Grönåsens Älgpark AB, is primarily dedicated to the moose, an animal that is typical for Sweden. This park provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and observe these majestic creatures in a natural and forested environment.

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.

Watch beautiful falcons in flight, and learn something about the history of falconry. A good idea for a trip outside of Copenhagen.

Artipelag is a unique art museum situated on the archipelago in Stockholm, Sweden. The museum was inaugurated in June 2012 and since then, it has been a significant cultural destination for both locals and tourists. Its location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic expression, making it a fascinating place to visit.

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.

Givskud Zoo is a unique combination of a zoo and safari park located in Givskud, just 20 kilometres northwest of Vejle in Denmark. This location allows visitors to experience a diverse range of wildlife in a spacious and natural environment.

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.

The Copenhagen Zoo (København Zoo) is a zoo in Frederiksberg, whic is part of Copenhagen. The zoo comprises 11 hectares and is one of Europe's oldest zoos. The zoo has around 4,200 animals, related to around 264 animal species. The Copenhagen Zoo has various themed main areas, including: the Nordics

The Fur Museum, located in Nederby on the island of Fur in the Limfjord, is a natural history museum that houses and displays an extensive collection of early Eocene fossils. These fossils are from the Fur Formation, a layer of earth commonly referred to as moleret, and the underlying Stolleklint Clay on Fur. This collection provides a unique insight into the geological history of the region.

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 oceanarium adopts a responsible approach: it strives to provide enough space so the animals can exhibit their natural behaviour.

The Maribo Open-Air Museum is situated on the western outskirts of Maribo, on the Danish island of Lolland. It is conveniently located near the northern banks of Søndersø Lake, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy both history and nature. The museum's location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history of the region while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

The Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde is a museum located on Djurgården in Stockholm. The name is derived from the historical name of the island of Djurgården. Prince Eugen of Sweden discovered the place and later bought the land and had architect Ferdinand Boberg build a new house there. The house later

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.

Daugbjerg Kalkgruber, situated 6 kilometers south of Stoholm and 16 kilometers west of Viborg, holds the distinction of being Denmark's oldest limestone mine. This historical significance adds a unique charm to the place, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate history and geology.

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.

The Moseløkken Quarry Museum is a technical museum situated on Hammerknuden on Bornholm. The museum's primary focus is on the stone industry of the island. It provides an in-depth look into the history and techniques of stone quarrying, making it an interesting destination for those interested in geology, history, or industrial processes.

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.

A small ZOO that lets selected animals live loose among the visitors. Features animals from Africa and Madagaskar.

Aquarium with displays of local marine fauna and flora. Its main attraction is a tank where you can touch various animals.

Ystad Zoo, also known as Ystad Djurpark, is a popular destination for animal lovers. It is conveniently located near the city of Ystad, just northwest of the quaint village of Skårby. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.

Junsele djurpark, a Swedish zoo, is situated in the district of Junsele, within the municipality of Sollefteå, Sweden. This location is known for its rich biodiversity and offers a unique experience for visitors who are interested in wildlife.

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.

Skærup Zoo, previously known as Skærup Mini Zoo, is a zoological park situated in Skærup, South Jutland, a little southeast of Vejle. This location is ideal for tourists who are interested in exploring the diverse wildlife that Denmark has to offer.

One of the current exhibitions at the museum is LOLA, which presents the findings of Museum Lolland-Falster's excavations conducted before the establishment of the fixed connection over the Femern Belt. This exhibition focuses on the Stone Age and features numerous well-preserved artifacts discovered during the excavations, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's distant past.

Brucebo is an artists' estate located in Själsö, Väskinde on Gotland, Sweden. It was created by the artist couple William Blair Bruce and his wife Carolina Benedicks-Bruce. The estate is a testament to their artistic legacy and is now a nature reserve and an art museum managed by the Brucebo Foundation.

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 Boldrup Museum is an agricultural museum situated slightly south of Nørager and to the north of Hobro. This location provides a serene and authentic rural setting that complements the museum's theme and exhibits.

Perfect destination for a day out: unspoilt nature of the wildlife park is accompanied by comprehensible visitor centre.

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.

The Natural History Museum Aarhus is a museum in Denmark that is situated in the Aarhus University campus. The museum holds collections of various mammals, birds, skeletons, mollusks, springtails, corral and animal tracks. Only small parts of the entire collection are on display in the Natural Histo

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.

The Copenhagen Zoological Museum (Zoologisk Museum) is a museum in Copenhagen that is part of the Natural History Museum in the city. The Zoological Museum is among the world's oldest natural history museums, as its collection was started by Ole Worm over 350 years ago. In its permanent exhibition '

The Göteborg Natural History Museum is Gothenburg's oldest museum with almost 200 years of history that holds collections of animals from all over the world. The museum includes the world’s only mounted blue whale and an African elephant, birds and fish from. Furthermore there are exhibitions on Ear

The Aquaria Vattenmuseum (the Aquaria Water Museum) is a show aquarium and natural history museum in Stockholm, located on the west side of the island of Djurgården. In the various aquariums, the aquatic life of the Baltic Sea, the tropical rainforest, the mangrove forests, the coral reef, the tropi

The Maritime Museum & Aquarium in Gothenburg is a museum about life under, above and at the water surface. Visitors to the museum can learn about Nordic and tropical waters and their fascinating sea life. The exhibition '400 years of Swedish shipping', includes objects from the Swedish American Line

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.

The Museum of Biology (Biologiska Museet) is a musuem in Stockholm that holds and displays a collection of stuffed European and mostly Scandinavian birds and mammals in their natural habitat in dioramas. A total of 299 different species are on display, many of which are still in their original state

The fossils on display came from the Faxe Limestone Quarry. The museum also presents the life of quarry workers.

Museum Mors, formerly known as Morslands Historiske Museum, is a state-recognized cultural and geological museum. It is located on the island of Mors in Limfjorden. The museum is divided into four departments, each offering a unique perspective on the region's history and geology.

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.

Nordens Ark, located on the expansive 383-hectare Åby Manor in Bohuslän, Sweden, is a unique zoo that was opened to the public in 1989. The zoo is operated by the Nordens Ark Foundation, a dedicated organization that ensures the smooth running and maintenance of the park. The location of the zoo on the west coast of Sweden makes it easily accessible for visitors from both Sweden and Norway.

One of the highlights of Sagnlandet Lejre is its working workshops, where visitors can witness the creation of crafts from historical and prehistoric times. These workshops include a weaving workshop, a pottery, and a forge. Here, tools, costumes, and household utensils are made for use in the center's reconstructed environments. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see how items from the past were made and used.

Thy National Park, one of the four national parks in Denmark, holds the distinction of being the first national park on Danish mainland territory. Established on June 29, 2007, the park spans an impressive area of 244 km², offering a vast expanse of natural beauty for visitors to explore.

Rudersdal Museer, located in Rudersdal Municipality, is a state-recognized local history museum. It is composed of three departments: Mothsgården, which was formerly known as Søllerød Museum, the Historical Archive, and the Vedbæk Finds at Gammel Holtegaard. Each of these departments offers a unique insight into the local history and culture of the area.

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.

The Barnens Zoo (Children's Zoo) is a zoo in Goethburg in Sweden. The zoo is home to different species native to Sweden, including Gotland sheep, Jämtland goats, Gotland rabbits and Orust hens. Next to the Children's Zoo is a pony riding area where children can ride a Gotland pony.