All war museums to visit in Scandinavia

Explore the history and impact of conflicts at 55 war museums in Scandinavia. These museums offer insights into military history, strategies, and the human experiences of war.

Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Scandinavia:

  1. Akershus Fortress1

    Akershus Fortress

     Oslo
    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.
  2. Nobel Peace Center2

    Nobel Peace Center

     Oslo
    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.
  3. Armed Forces Museum3

    Armed Forces Museum

     Oslo
    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.
  4. Villa Grande4

    Villa Grande

     Oslo
    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.
  5. The Norwegian Aviation Museum5

    The Norwegian Aviation Museum

     Bodø
    The Norwegian Aviation Museum, inaugurated by King Harald V on May 15, 1994, holds the distinction of being the national museum of aviation for Norway. It is also the largest aviation museum in the Nordic countries, spanning an impressive 10,000 square metres.
  6. Norway's Resistance Museum6

    Norway's Resistance Museum

     Oslo
    The Norwegian Resistance Museum, also known as the Home Front Museum, is situated in the historic Akershus Fortress in Oslo, Norway. This location not only provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's collection but also adds to the overall experience of understanding Norway's history during World War II. The fortress itself is a significant historical site, and the museum's location within it allows visitors to combine their visit with a tour of the fortress.
  7. Tirpitz Museum (Norway)7

    Tirpitz Museum (Norway)

     Alta
    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.
  8. Kristiansand Cannon Museum8

    Kristiansand Cannon Museum

     Kristiansand
    The Kristiansand Cannon Museum is situated in Møvik, a location that is just 8 kilometers west of the town centre of Kristiansand in Norway. This makes it easily accessible for tourists who are visiting the town and are interested in exploring the historical and military aspects of the region.
  9. Grini detention camp9

    Grini detention camp

     Østerås
    Grini, originally built in 1939, was a Nazi concentration camp located in Bærum, a suburb southwest of Oslo, Norway. Initially intended as a women's prison, it was repurposed on May 2, 1940, to serve as a camp primarily for Norwegian political prisoners. This historical site provides a glimpse into the grim realities of World War II and the Nazi occupation of Norway.
  10. Navy Museum10

    Navy Museum

     Horten
    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.
  11. Bergen Technical Museum11

    Bergen Technical Museum

     Bergen
    The Bergen Technical Museum is a technical museum situated in the preserved old tram depot, Trikkestallen, at Thormhøhlensgate 23 in Møhlenpris, Bergen. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum.
  12. The Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and North Troms12

    The Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and North Troms

     Hammerfest
    The Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and North Troms is a significant historical site located in the town of Hammerfest, Norway. The museum is dedicated to commemorating the destruction and subsequent reconstruction of the town following World War II. It offers a wide range of displays, including photographs and items from the town during that period. The exhibits depict the events and the town's reconstruction, providing a vivid picture of the town's history.
  13. The Armoury13

    The Armoury

     Trondheim
    The Armoury, also known as the Army Museum, is situated in the Archbishop's Palace in Trondheim, Norway. This location itself is steeped in history, providing a fitting backdrop for the museum's extensive collection of military artifacts.
  14. The North Sea Traffic Museum14

    The North Sea Traffic Museum

     Telavåg
    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.
  15. Oslo Jewish Museum15

    Oslo Jewish Museum

     Oslo
    The Jewish Museum in Oslo was officially opened in 2008, featuring its first exhibition titled “Freedom won not only once”. This exhibition focused on Jewish artists in Norway and the Jews who actively participated in the fight against National Socialism during World War II. It provides a unique insight into the role and contributions of the Jewish community during this significant period in history.
  16. Royal Armoury16

    Royal Armoury

     Stockholm
    Livrustkammaren, the Royal Armoury, is the oldest museum in all of Sweden and is located in the center of Stockholm. The museum is located in the basement of the Stockholm Palace where all kinds of objects about the military history of Sweden and about the royal family are exhibited. The museum was
  17. Cold War Museum Stevnsfort17

    Cold War Museum Stevnsfort

     Rødvig
    Stevnsfortet, nestled between Rødvig and Højerup, is a unique Cold War relic carved into the Stevns Klint. The fort was strategically positioned to control the southern entrance to Øresund, a critical waterway in the region. This historical significance adds a layer of intrigue for visitors, offering a glimpse into the strategic considerations of the Cold War era.
  18. Swedish Army Museum18

    Swedish Army Museum

     Stockholm
    The Swedish Army Museum (Armémuseum) is a museum of military history in Stockholm. The museum is dedicated to Sweden's military history, Sweden's current military neutrality policy and the Swedish Army. The building where the museum is located was built in the 17th century as an arsenal for the prod
  19. Bergenhus Fortress19

    Bergenhus Fortress

     Bergen
    Bergenhus Fortress, located in Bergen, is one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fortresses. The fortress has a rich history, with its oldest parts dating back to the 12th century and the newest additions made during World War II. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into Norway's past, from the medieval period to the 20th century.
  20. Center for Studies of the Holocaust and Religious Minorities20

    Center for Studies of the Holocaust and Religious Minorities

     Oslo
    The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies, also known as the HL Center or the Holocaust Center, is a significant institution located in Bygdøy, Oslo. Established in 2001 by the University of Oslo and the Norwegian government, the center was initiated by the Jewish community in Oslo. It serves as a foundation for research and knowledge dissemination about the Holocaust, discrimination, genocide, and human rights.
  21. Lofoten War Memorial Museum21

    Lofoten War Memorial Museum

     Svolvær
    The Lofoten War Memorial Museum is a significant World War II museum situated in the picturesque town of Svolvær, Norway. It offers a deep dive into the history of the Second World War, particularly focusing on the events that transpired in the Lofoten area and Northern Norway during the German occupation.
  22. Narvik War Museum22

    Narvik War Museum

     Narvik
    The Narvik War Museum, previously known as the Nordland Red Cross War Memorial Museum, is situated in the municipality of Narvik in Nordland. This museum is a significant historical site that provides a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Narvik and Northern Norway during World War II.
  23. Aeroseum23

    Aeroseum

     Gothenburg
    Aeroseum is a museum in Gothenburg that holds collections of historic aviation machines from the Cold War, as well as modern aircraft, helicopters, and other verhicles and machines. The hangar lies 30 meters below the ground and was originally built for Göta Flygflottilj (F9 – No. 9 Wing), at the Sä
  24. The Slottsfjells Museum24

    The Slottsfjells Museum

     Tønsberg
    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.
  25. Femöre battery25

    Femöre battery

     Oxelösunds kommun
    The Femöre Fort, located on the Femöre peninsula southeast of Oxelösund in Sweden, is a unique coastal artillery battery that has been carved into the rock. This historical military installation offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's past defense strategies and is a significant part of Sweden's military history.
  26. Danish War Museum26

    Danish War Museum

     Copenhagen
    The Danish War Museum (Royal Danish Arsenal Museum) is a military history museum of historical weapons in Copenhagen that is housed in an arsenal building that was built in 1604 by Christian IV and is still one of the biggest of its kind in the world. With more than 100.000 weapons in the collection
  27. Bagnsbergatn gård27

    Bagnsbergatn gård

     Bagn
    Bagnsbergatn gård is not just a historical site, but also a national war memorial. In memory of the battles that took place here during World War II, the farm has been declared a national war memorial. Visitors can see boards that depict the battle actions and memorial plaques that have been erected at the spots where Norwegians and Germans fell during the skirmishes.
  28. Oscarsborg Fortress Museum28

    Oscarsborg Fortress Museum

     Drøbak
    Oscarsborg Fortress, located in the Oslofjord, played a significant role in securing the access to the Norwegian capital, Oslo, from the open sea. This strategic location made it a crucial point of defense in the past, and today, it offers visitors a unique insight into the history and military strategy of the region.
  29. Espeland fangeleir29

    Espeland fangeleir

     Bergen
    Espeland fangeleir, located in Moldalia on Espeland in Arna in Bergen municipality, is a preserved war prisoner camp. It holds a significant historical value as it is the only complete German-built prisoner facility left of over 600 prisoner camps in Norway during the occupation period. This makes it a unique site for understanding the conditions and experiences of prisoners during the war.
  30. Sør-Varanger museum30

    Sør-Varanger museum

     Kirkenes
    The Sør-Varanger museum has a special focus on the region's complex border history. It provides a detailed portrayal of the historical events and cultural exchanges that have shaped the region, from the Norwegian-Russian shared area that the municipality was a part of before the border drawing in 1826 to today's multicultural society.
  31. ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Centre31

    ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Centre

     Kristiansand
    Arkivet holds a significant place in history as it served as the headquarters of the Gestapo in southern Norway from 1942 to 1945. It is the only existing, authentic Gestapo headquarters in Norway, making it a unique site for those interested in World War II history.
  32. Danish Jewish Museum32

    Danish Jewish Museum

     Copenhagen
    The Danish Jewish Museum (Dansk Jødisk Museum) is a museum in Copenhagen that documents the approximately 400-year history of the Jews in Denmark. One focus of the museum is the rescue of Danish Jews during Nazi occupation in October 1943. The museum is located in Slotsholmen, in a former building o
  33. Kristiansten Fortress33

    Kristiansten Fortress

     Trondheim
    Kristiansten Fortress, a historical landmark, is situated on a hill to the east of Trondheim, in the county of Trøndelag, Norway. This strategic location was chosen to protect the city from potential attacks from the east. The fortress offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
  34. Occupation Museum Aarhus34

    Occupation Museum Aarhus

     Aarhus
    The Occupation Museum Aarhus (Besaettelsesmuseet) is a history museum that is housed in the former city hall and police station of the city. The museum is dedicated to the history of Aarhus during the occupation by Germany during World War II. The former city hall served as the Gestapo headquarters
  35. Stiklestad National Cultural Centre35

    Stiklestad National Cultural Centre

     Stiklestad
    The 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.
  36. The Archbishop's Palace Museum36

    The Archbishop's Palace Museum

     Trondheim
    The Archbishop's Palace, known as Erkebispegården in Norwegian, is a significant historical site located in Trondheim, Norway. It served as the residence of the Archbishop of Nidaros and the administrative center of the Norwegian archdiocese until 1537. This makes it a place of great historical significance and interest for tourists.
  37. Kongsvinger Fortress37

    Kongsvinger Fortress

     Kongsvinger
    Kongsvinger Fortress is a historical site located in the city and municipality of Kongsvinger, in the county of Hedmark, Norway. It is a significant landmark that offers a glimpse into the country's past. The fortress is situated on a hill, providing a strategic vantage point that was crucial in its military history.
  38. Hjemmefrontmuseet Rakkestad38

    Hjemmefrontmuseet Rakkestad

     Rakkestad
    Hjemmefrontmuseet Rakkestad is a military history museum situated in the town of Rakkestad, in the former Østfold county of Norway. The museum is dedicated to the 'Home Front', a term used to describe both organized and unorganized resistance in Norway against the German occupation during the Second World War from 1940 to 1945.
  39. Nyboders Mindestuer39

    Nyboders Mindestuer

     Copenhagen
    The Nyboder is a historic area with yellow coloured houses, cobbled streets and disused air raid shelters that was originally a barracks to house sailors and their families. It contains large notices around the site explaining the history of the area.
  40. Optand Teknikland40

    Optand Teknikland

     Optand
    Teknikland is a museum dedicated to military history and technology. It is situated at the Östersund-Optand airfield, which is located to the southwest of Östersund. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, as it is surrounded by the rich history and culture of the area.
  41. The Radio Museum41

    The Radio Museum

     Gothenburg
    The Radio Museum is a museum in Gothenburg that is divided into various sections that cover broadcasting, television, ships radio, costal radio, military radio, car radio, mobile telephones, measuring equipment and components. Specifically, the Radio Museum features radio equipment in the broadcasti
  42. Lommedalsbanen42

    Lommedalsbanen

     Lommedalen
    Lommedalsbanen is a museum railway located in Lommedalen, near Bærum in Norway. The railway is one kilometer long and operates on a narrow gauge of 600 mm. This unique feature makes it an interesting destination for railway enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  43. Falstad Centre43

    Falstad Centre

     Ekne
    The Falstad Centre and Falstad Museum, located in Ekne, Norway, is a significant site of historical and educational importance. Established in August 2000, it serves as a national centre dedicated to the education and documentation of the history of imprisonment during the Second World War, as well as humanitarian international law and human rights. This institution provides a deep insight into the historical events of the time, making it a valuable destination for those interested in history and human rights.
  44. Austrått Fort44

    Austrått Fort

     Brekstad
    Austrått Fort, located in Ørland, Norway, is a former coastal artillery site. It was built in 1942 by the German Wehrmacht during World War II to safeguard the Trondheimsfjord during the German occupation of Norway. Although it is no longer in use, it stands as a historical testament to the events of the war.
  45. Lista Museum45

    Lista Museum

     Vanse
    The 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.
  46. Blood Road Museum46

    Blood Road Museum

     Rognan
    The Blood Road Museum is situated in Saltdal, a part of Nordland county in Norway. It is conveniently located just 2 kilometers north of the center of Rognan, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  47. 22 July Information Centre47

    22 July Information Centre

     Oslo
    The 22 July Centre, located in Norway, serves as a learning centre that focuses on preserving and sharing the memory and knowledge about the terror attacks that occurred in Oslo and on Utøya on 22 July 2011. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the events and their impact, making it a significant place for those interested in history and current affairs.
  48. Austrått Manor48

    Austrått Manor

     Austrått
    Austråttborgen, also known as Austrått, is a renowned manor house from the Middle Ages, situated in the municipality of Ørland at the mouth of the Trondheim fjord. This historic site was the seat of powerful chieftain families during the medieval period, making it a significant landmark in Trøndelag.
  49. Arquebus War History Museum49

    Arquebus War History Museum

     Førre
    The Arquebus War History Museum, located in the Tysvær municipality, houses a collection of objects from the occupation of Norway during World War II, spanning the years 1940 to 1945. This provides a unique insight into the country's history during this tumultuous period.
  50. Troms Forsvarsmuseum50

    Troms Forsvarsmuseum

     Setermoen
    The Troms Forsvarsmuseum, located in Setermoen in Bardu in Troms, is a museum dedicated to military and vehicle history. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Norway's military and its vehicles.
  51. Gudbrandsdal Krigsminnesamling51

    Gudbrandsdal Krigsminnesamling

     Kvam
    The Gudbrandsdal Krigsminnesamling is a museum that provides a comprehensive overview of the events that took place in Gudbrandsdalen during the Second World War and the Battle of Kringen in 1612 during the Great Northern War. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of these significant events and understand their impact on the region.
  52. Nordberg Fort52

    Nordberg Fort

     Nordberg
    Nordberg Fort, situated on Lista in Farsund municipality, is a former coastal artillery combat facility that was part of the Navy. This historical site offers a unique insight into the military history of the region, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore a significant part of Norway's past.
  53. Fossesholm herregård53

    Fossesholm herregård

     Vestfossen
    In 1763, Fossesholm was purchased by Jørgen von Cappelen. Under his ownership, the manor underwent significant changes. It was richly decorated and rebuilt in the rococo style, which is how it appears today. The Swedish painter Eric Gustav Tunmarck decorated many of the interior walls with motifs from the farm's surroundings during the renovation.
  54. Skanderborg Bunkerne54

    Skanderborg Bunkerne

     Skanderborg
    Museum Skanderborg is a complex of 5 museums and 6 archives, all managed from a central location on Adelgade in Skanderborg. This provides a wide range of historical and cultural experiences for visitors, all within a short distance of each other.
  55. 55

    Rogaland War Historical Museum

     Sola
    The Rogaland War Historical Museum, also known as RKM, is a local and military history museum situated in the former Soma military camp in the municipality of Sola, Rogaland. This location provides a unique historical context for the museum's exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in military history.