Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Scandinavia:
1Fågelsjö Gammelgård
FågelsjöFågelsjö 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. 2The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
OsloThe 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. 3Gamle Bergen Museum - Bymuseet i Bergen
BergenThe 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. 4Fredriksdal - Museer och trädgårdar
HelsingborgFollowing the strong Nordic tradition, this open-air museum is a real gem. Historical Skåne in miniature. 5Ribe Viking Centre
DamhusVisiting this living history settlement is a great way how to learn about Vikings and actually experience the way they lived. 6Hedmark Museum
HamarThe 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. 7Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
TrondheimToday, 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. 8Den Gamle By
AarhusDen 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 9Old Linköping
LinköpingThe open-air museum consists of almost hundred buildings dating back to the end of 19th century - an intriguing experience. 10Ölands Museum Himmelsberga
HimmelsbergaThe Öland Museum Himmelsberga for Art and Cultural History is a museum located in the quaint town of Himmelsberga on the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Öland. This museum is a significant cultural and historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the past of this unique region. 11The Horda Museum - Bergen City Museum
BergenThe Hordamuseet, a department of the Bergen City Museum, is situated in the Fana district of Bergen. It comprises a museum building and an open-air department that houses thirty buildings. This location offers a unique insight into the historical architecture and lifestyle of the region. 12Ryfylkemuseet
SandRyfylkemuseet, located in Sand, serves as the regional museum for the municipalities in Ryfylke in Rogaland county. These municipalities include Forsand, Strand, Hjelmeland, Suldal, Sauda, Finnøy, Rennesøy, and Kvitsøy. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering insights into the history and culture of these municipalities. 13Maribo Open-Air Museum
MariboThe 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. 14Foteviken Museum
HöllvikenThe Foteviken Museum, located on the Höllviken peninsula in southern Skåne, Sweden, is an archaeological open-air museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the Viking Age through a reconstructed settlement and living history reenactments. 15Eiktunet
GjøvikEiktunet is an open-air museum located in Gjøvik, a city in the Innlandet county of Norway. The museum was established in 1954 and offers a unique insight into rural cultural history. It's an ideal destination for those interested in learning about Norway's past and the way of life in rural areas during different periods. 16Limagarden
ÅlgårdLimagarden is a rural museum situated in the Gjesdal municipality of Rogaland, just outside the town of Ålgård. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying the serene rural setting. 17Bunge Museum
FårösundThe Bunge Museum, situated to the west of Fårösund on the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Gotland, is a cultural-historical museum that primarily exhibits the rural life of the past. However, it also houses a collection of prehistoric objects, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient history. 18Norwegian fjellsenter
LomThe 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. 19Follo museum
DrøbakThe 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. 20Vest-Telemark Museum Eidsborg
EidsborgThe Vest-Telemark Museum is responsible for twelve different museum facilities in Vest-Telemark. This shows the museum's extensive reach and influence in the region. In 2012, it was recognized as the museum of the year, highlighting its quality and importance.- 21
Fyresdal bygdemuseum
FyresdalThe Fyresdal Bygdemuseum is situated in the heart of Fyresdal municipality. Although it falls under the jurisdiction of the Vest-Telemark Museum, it is managed by a local board. This gives the museum a unique blend of regional and local influences, making it a fascinating place to explore. 22Rallarmuseum
FinseThe Rallarmuseet, located in Finse, Ulvik municipality, Norway, is a railway museum that provides a detailed history of the construction of the Bergen Line. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past and understand the intricacies involved in the construction of one of Norway's most significant railway lines. 23Anno The Glomdal Museum
ElverumThe Glomdalsmuseet in Elverum is a cultural history museum dedicated to the regions of Solør and Østerdalen. It is recognized as one of the largest open-air museums in Norway, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural history of these regions in an immersive outdoor setting. 24Sunnmøre Museum
ÅlesundThe 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. 25The Sami Collections
KarasjokDe Samiske Samlinger, located in Karasjok, is the primary museum dedicated to Sami art, culture, and history. It provides a comprehensive insight into the rich heritage of the Sami people, showcasing a wide range of artifacts and artworks that reflect their unique traditions and way of life. 26Husantunet
AlvdalHusantunet, situated in Alvdal, is recognized as one of the country's best-preserved antiquarian farmsteads. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. 27Viking Village
RisbyVikingelandsbyen, located in the northern part of Albertslund Municipality at Risby, is a historical workshop and open-air museum. Established in 1992, the village offers a unique glimpse into the Viking era. Visitors can explore the three small pit houses and a farmhouse that are part of the village. 28Lake Bodø open-air museum
BodøThe Bodøsjøen Open Air Museum is situated in the city of Bodø, in the northern Norwegian province of Nordland. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of this region, while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. 29Kjerringøy trading post
KjerringøyThe Kjerringøy trading post, located in Kjerringøy, Nordland, Norway, is an open-air museum that forms part of the Nordland Museum of cultural history. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich cultural history of the region. The museum is set in the beautiful natural surroundings of Kjerringøy, providing a unique combination of cultural and natural experiences. 30Valdres Folkemuseum
FagernesThe Valdres Folkemuseum is a folk museum situated at Storøya, just outside Fagernes in Nord-Aurdal, Innlandet county, Norway. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Norwegian history and culture in a beautiful natural setting. 31Nordmøre museum
KristiansundThe Nordmørsmusea AS is a cultural history museum located in the Nordmøre district of Møre og Romsdal County in Norway. It provides a comprehensive insight into the regional history and culture of the area. 32Sleggveien
RørosSleggveien is a historic street nestled in the mining town of Røros. It is strategically located between Hitterelva and Slegghaugan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This location provides an opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history of the mining town while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. 33Nordfjord Folk Museum
SandaneThe Nordfjord Folk Museum, located in the Jølet area of Sandane in the municipality of Gloppen, is a regional museum for Nordfjord, Norway. It is a division of the Museums of Sogn og Fjordane, offering a deep dive into the region's history and culture.- 34
Guovdageainnu gilišillju-Kautokeino Bygdetun
KautokeinoThe Kautokeino bygdetun (Guovdageainnu gilišillju) in Kautokeino is a museum dedicated to Sami art, culture, and history. It is part of the RiddoDuottarMuseat, a network of museums that focus on the Sami people and their culture. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exhibits showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of the Sami people. 35Borgarsyssel Museum
SarpsborgThe Borgarsyssel Museum is located in the municipality of Sarpsborg, in Viken county. It serves as the county museum for Østfold and the city museum for Sarpsborg. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a deep dive into the local history and culture. 36Frøstrup Minilandsby
FrøstrupScale 1:10 miniature village that reflects how it looked like at the beginning of the 20th century. 37Telemark museum
SkienThe Telemark Museum is a consolidated institution that includes several museums within the Telemark area. One of its notable components is the Henrik Ibsen Museum located in Skien. This offers tourists a wide range of cultural and historical experiences, all under one umbrella. 38Sunnhordland Museum
LeirvikIn 1938, the Sunnhordland Museum moved to its own building in Vidsteenparken in Leirvik. Over time, a courtyard of historical houses from all over Sunnhordland has been established in the park, providing a unique insight into the region's architectural history. 39Stiklestad National Cultural Centre
StiklestadThe Stiklestad National Cultural Centre (SNK) is a museum situated in Stiklestad, Verdal in Nord-Trøndelag. It serves as a national hub institution, tasked with the special responsibility of disseminating knowledge about Olav the Holy, the Battle of Stiklestad, and the part of Norwegian history that is linked to the events that took place at the site. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of Norway, particularly focusing on the life and times of Olav the Holy and the significant Battle of Stiklestad. 40Iron Age Farm
StavangerThe Iron Age Farm Ullandhaug, known as Jernaldergården på Ullandhaug in Norwegian, is a historical farm complex located in Stavanger, Rogaland in Norway. The farm features longhouses that date back to the Nordic Iron Age, approximately between 350 and 550 AD. This historical site provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience the living conditions of the Nordic people during the Iron Age. 41Folkenborg Museum
MysenThe Folkenborg Museum is an open-air museum situated in Folkenborg, Eidsberg near Mysen. It showcases a traditional Norwegian farmstead and a croft, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rural life of the past. During the summer months, the museum also houses farm animals, adding to the authenticity of the experience. 42Voss folkemuseum
VossavangenThe Voss Folkemuseum is a district museum situated near Vossevangen in the Voss municipality of Vestland. The museum was established in 1917 with the primary aim of preserving the old courtyard of the Mølster farm. It was opened to the public as an open-air museum in 1928, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the historical and cultural heritage of the region. 43Hålandstunet
HålandsosenHålandstunet is a division of the Ryfylkemuseet, located just a short detour from highway 13 in Erfjord. This historic large farm has been restored and consists of the main house, Målarstova, and Håmannsbua. The history of Håland as a museum farm began in 1960 when Rogaland Folkemuseum received Målastova and Røykstova with Håmanns-bua as a gift from Hadle Haaland. 44Litunet museumsgård
ListølenLitunet is a part of the Ryfylkemuseet and is situated in the Suldal municipality. It is perched high on the southern side of Hylsfjorden, approximately 285 meters above sea level. This location offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and a chance to experience the tranquility of the Norwegian countryside. 45Heddal Open Air Museum
HeddalThe Heddal Open Air Museum, also known as Heddal bygdetun, is situated in the quaint village of Heddal in Notodden, Vestfold og Telemark county, Norway. This open-air museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Norwegian history and culture in a picturesque setting. 46Ytste Skotet
VisetYtste Skotet is a historical farm that has been preserved in its entirety, located in the Fjord Municipality of Møre og Romsdal county in Norway. This farm is a part of the Sunnmøre Museum Foundation and is situated on the steep shores of the Storfjorden in the Sunnmøre district of the county. The farm offers a glimpse into the pre-industrial operations that were common in the region, making it a significant site for those interested in history and culture. 47Jonegarden på Hustveit
HustveitThe Ryfylkemuseet owns the houses on Jonegarden, one of the two farmsteads on Hustveit. These houses have been preserved as they were in the late 19th century, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a slice of Norwegian history. 48Østre Angelstad
TvedestrandØstre Angelstad is a historical farm located in the Holt area of Tvedestrand municipality in eastern Agder. The buildings on the farm are part of the Aust-Agder museum and archive, making it a significant site for those interested in local history and architecture. 49Lista Museum
VanseThe Lista Museum, formerly known as Listamuseet, is a multi-departmental museum located in various locations within the Farsund municipality in Agder county. It is part of the larger Vest-Agder Museum network, offering a diverse range of exhibits and historical insights. 50Mjøsas ark
KappMjøsmuseet AS is a regional museum located on the west side of Mjøsa, in Gjøvik and Toten. The museum was established in 2006, making it a relatively recent addition to the cultural landscape of the region. It offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the area, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in learning more about the local heritage. 51Lågendalsmuseet
KongsbergLågdalsmuseet is a district museum that serves the municipalities of Øvre Eiker, Kongsberg, Flesberg, Rollag, and Nore and Uvdal. It is conveniently located within walking distance from the city center of Kongsberg, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. 52Hadeland Folkemuseum
GranHadeland Folkemuseum, founded in 1913, serves as a regional museum for Hadeland, an area that includes Gran, Lunner, and Jevnaker. The museum is located in the town of Tingelstad in Gran, making it easily accessible for visitors. 53Lands Museum
DokkaLands 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. 54Setesdalsmuseet
RysstadSetesdalsmuseet is a museum situated in the Valle municipality in Agder county. It covers historical sites throughout Setesdal, comprising 17 facilities and 67 antiquarian buildings. In addition to these, there are two newer buildings that house the administration and exhibition spaces. This extensive collection of historical and modern structures provides a comprehensive insight into the region's past and present. 55Brudavoll Farm
ØrstaThe Brudavoll Farm is a museum situated in the municipality of Ørsta, in the Sunnmøre region of Western Norway. It is approximately 5 kilometers away from the center of Ørsta. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the region and are interested in learning about its history and culture. 56Herøy Open Air Museum
SilvalenThe Herøy Open Air Museum is situated at the Herøy Parsonage on the island of Sør-Herøy in Nordland county, Norway. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural history of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of the island. 57Norwegian Road Museum
FåbergThe Norwegian Road Museum, or Norsk vegmuseum, is one of the largest technical industrial museums in Norway. It boasts about 4000 square meters of indoor exhibitions, a large museum park, and a unique feature - a more than 200-meter-long mountain tunnel. This tunnel is believed to be the only one in the world that was blasted for museum purposes. 58Agatunet
AgaAgatunet is an open-air museum located in Ullensvang municipality in Vestland county. It is home to 67 protected buildings, making it a significant historical site. The museum is situated north of Odda and south of Utne on the west side of Sørfjorden in inner Hardanger. It provides a unique insight into the architecture and lifestyle of the past, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. 59Western Norway Emigration Center
SlettaThe Western Norway Emigration Center is an open-air museum situated in the village of Sletta on the island of Radøy in Vestland county, Norway. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of Norwegian emigration in a rural setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. 60Skedsmo bygdemuseum
SkedsmokorsetThe Skedsmo Bygdemuseum, Huseby gård is a museum situated in Skedsmokorset, within the Skedsmo municipality. It operates as a department under the Akershusmuseet. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region. 61Hallingdal Museum
NesbyenThe Hallingdal Museum, located in Nesbyen in the Hallingdal region of the Norwegian province of Viken, is an open-air museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Norwegian history and culture in a natural and authentic setting. 62Lesja bygdemuseum
LesjaLesja bygdemuseum, a local rural museum, is conveniently located near the Lesja Church. This proximity allows visitors to easily combine a visit to both the museum and the church, offering a comprehensive cultural experience. 63Land of Legends
LejreOne 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.- 64
Tana museum
PolmakThe 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. - 65
Aurskog-Høland bygdetun
HemnesThe Aurskog-Høland bygdetun, a local heritage museum, is situated in Bråte, Hemnes in Høland. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region. - 66
Skredhaugen
LofthusSkredhaugen is an open-air museum situated a couple of kilometers north of Lofthus, in the Ullensvang municipality. This location offers a serene and historical environment that is perfect for tourists who are interested in Norwegian culture and history. - 67
Beiarn bygdetun
MoldjordBeiarn Bygdetun is a museum located in the Beiarn municipality, specifically near the municipal center at Moldjord. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum offers a unique insight into the local history and culture, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in learning more about the region. - 68
Ål Bygdamuseum
ÅlThe Skiptvet Bygdemuseum, a quaint open-air museum, is nestled in the municipality of Ål, within the Norwegian province of Viken. Established in 1944, the museum initially started with a modest collection of six buildings, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. - 69
Tingvoll museum
TingvollThe museum complex comprises several buildings, each with its own unique history. These include the house from 1854, the barn, the granary, the smithy, the beach dweller's house, the mill, the sawmill, and the school building Bugges Minde. Each of these structures adds to the rich tapestry of the museum's historical narrative. - 70
Trysil Engerdal museum
TrysilThe Trysil/Engerdal Museum is a unique institution with several open-air museum locations scattered around the regions of Trysil and Engerdal in Norway. These locations offer a diverse range of exhibits and experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the area. - 71
Rindal skimuseum
RindalThe Rindal Skimuseum, previously known as the Rindal Bygdemuseum, is an open-air museum situated in the scenic town of Rindal in the Norwegian province of Trøndelag. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Norwegian history and culture in a beautiful outdoor setting. - 72
Rælingen bygdetun
FjerdingbyRælingen Bygdetun is a museum situated in the municipality of Fjerdingby, Rælingen, in close proximity to Rælingen church. It operates as a department of the larger Akershusmuseet. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.