All maritime museums to visit in Norway

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 51 maritime museums in Norway. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Norway

  1. Viking Ship Museum1

    Viking Ship Museum

     Oslo
    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.
  2. Polar Museum2

    Polar Museum

     Tromsø
    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.
  3. Fram Museum3

    Fram Museum

     Oslo
    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.
  4. Kon-Tiki Museum4

    Kon-Tiki Museum

     Oslo
    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.
  5. Bergen Maritime Museum5

    Bergen Maritime Museum

     Bergen
    The museum focuses on the history of shipbuilding and seafare in Norway from the Viking period until today.
  6. Norwegian Maritime Museum6

    Norwegian Maritime Museum

     Oslo
    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.
  7. Stavanger Museum7

    Stavanger Museum

     Stavanger
    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.
  8. Lofoten Museum8

    Lofoten Museum

     Kabelvåg
    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.
  9. Tirpitz Museum (Norway)9

    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.
  10. Norwegian Fisheries Museum10

    Norwegian Fisheries Museum

     Bergen
    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.
  11. Stavanger Maritime Museum11

    Stavanger Maritime Museum

     Stavanger
    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.
  12. Navy Museum12

    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.
  13. Sandefjord Museum13

    Sandefjord Museum

     Sandefjord
    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.
  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. The Polstjerna15

    The Polstjerna

     Tromsø
    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.
  16. Trondheim Maritime Museum16

    Trondheim Maritime Museum

     Trondheim
    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.
  17. Follo museum17

    Follo museum

     Drøbak
    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.
  18. Mjøssamlingene18

    Mjøssamlingene

     Langset
    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.
  19. Tønsberg Coast Culture Centre19

    Tønsberg Coast Culture Centre

     Tønsberg
    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.
  20. Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter20

    Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter

     Norheimsund
    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.
  21. The Slottsfjells Museum21

    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.
  22. Sunnmøre Museum22

    Sunnmøre Museum

     Ålesund
    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.
  23. Coastal Museum in Sogn og Fjordane23

    Coastal Museum in Sogn og Fjordane

     Florø
    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.
  24. Sørhaugøy fyr24

    Sørhaugøy fyr

     Haugesund
    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.
  25. Karmsund Civic Museum25

    Karmsund Civic Museum

     Haugesund
    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.
  26. Jektefartsmuseet26

    Jektefartsmuseet

     Bodø
    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.
  27. Mellemværftet27

    Mellemværftet

     Kristiansund
    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.
  28. Southern Actor28

    Southern Actor

     Sandefjord
    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.
  29. Museum Nord, Narvik29

    Museum Nord, Narvik

     Narvik
    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.
  30. Lillesand Town- and Maritime Museum30

    Lillesand Town- and Maritime Museum

     Lillesand
    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.
  31. 31

    The Coastal Museum in Øygarden

     Oni
    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.
  32. SDS Hansteen32

    SDS Hansteen

     Trondheim
    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.
  33. Merdøgaard museum33

    Merdøgaard museum

     Revesand
    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.
  34. Bredalsholmen dokk og fartøyvernsenter34

    Bredalsholmen dokk og fartøyvernsenter

     Kristiansand
    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.
  35. Engøyholmen Kystkultursenter35

    Engøyholmen Kystkultursenter

     Stavanger
    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.
  36. Mandal bymuseum36

    Mandal bymuseum

     Mandal
    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.
  37. The Oslofjord Museum37

    The Oslofjord Museum

     Vollen
    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.
  38. Berlevåg Harbor Museum38

    Berlevåg Harbor Museum

     Berlevåg
    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.
  39. Tungenes Lighthouse39

    Tungenes Lighthouse

     Tunge
    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.
  40. Vadsøya40

    Vadsøya

     Vadsø
    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.
  41. Fjøløy Fortress and Fjøløy Lighthouse41

    Fjøløy Fortress and Fjøløy Lighthouse

     Stavanger
    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.
  42. Sjøhuset i Bergevik42

    Sjøhuset i Bergevik

     Forsand
    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.
  43. Norwegian Fishing Village Museum43

    Norwegian Fishing Village Museum

     Å
    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.
  44. Kristianhus Båt- og Motormuseum44

    Kristianhus Båt- og Motormuseum

     Vikøyri
    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.
  45. Son Kystkultursenter45

    Son Kystkultursenter

     Son
    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.
  46. 46

    Tana museum

     Polmak
    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.
  47. Ishavsmuseet Aarvak47

    Ishavsmuseet Aarvak

     Brandal
    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.
  48. 48

    Bragdøya Kystkultursenter

     Kristiansand
    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.
  49. 49

    Risør coastal heritage centre

     Moen
    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.
  50. 50

    Geitbåtmuseet

     Engan
    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.
  51. 51

    Kystmuseet i Sør-Trøndelag

     Fillan
    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.