Free 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.

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

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.

Koldinghus, located in the city of Kolding on the Jutland peninsula, is the last of the ancient royal castles in Denmark. The castle was founded in the 13th century and has been expanded over the centuries. It has served various functions throughout history, including a fortress, a royal residence, a ruin, and a war negotiation scene. Today, it operates as a museum.

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 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.

Come here for a fun learning experience with the whole family. The museum includes hundreds of automobiles, a number of airplanes, etc.

Kaleko Mølle holds the distinction of being Denmark's oldest preserved watermill used for grinding grain. This historical landmark, located a few kilometers east of Faaborg in Kaleko, offers a unique glimpse into the country's past. The mill's origins possibly date back to the time of Valdemar Atterdag, but it was most likely in use as a mill operation in the 1400s. The oldest existing building dates from around 1600.

Bror Hjorths Hus is a museum situated in Uppsala, Sweden. It is unique in that it is housed in the former studio of the renowned sculptor and painter Bror Hjorth, who lived between 1894 and 1968. This gives visitors a unique insight into the artist's life and work.

In the early 19th century, the house was home to the Danish poet Emil Aarestrup and his family. It was here that Aarestrup penned many of his poems, which were later published and for which he gained fame. Visitors to the house can gain a sense of the environment that inspired Aarestrup's work and contributed to his literary legacy.

The David Collection (Davids Samling) is an art museum in Copenhagen that is housed in a neoclassical building opposite the Rosenborg castle gardens. The museum of the David Collection holds and displays art and crafts from 18th-century Europe, from the Danish Golden Age, modern Danish art, and one

Sweden's oldest industrial area that is working until today and retains its historical atmosphere. Visit to see the craftsmen at work.

The open-air museum consists of almost hundred buildings dating back to the end of 19th century - an intriguing experience.

The Esbjerg Water Tower, located in southwest Jutland, Denmark, is a significant landmark in the city. It was completed in 1897 and was designed by Christian Hjerrild Clausen, who drew inspiration from Nuremberg's Nassauer Haus. The tower's design and historical significance make it a noteworthy site for visitors.

Bildmuseet, located in Umeå, northern Sweden, is a contemporary art museum that was established in 1981 by Umeå University. It is a significant cultural institution in the region and offers a unique insight into the world of contemporary art.

The library at Carolina Rediviva hosts a variety of notable manuscripts. These include pages from the Diarium Vadstenense, the Carta marina, scores of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the first edition of Isaac Newton's Principia, and the Nordinska handskriftssamlingen. These collections make it a significant destination for those interested in history and culture.

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 Gustavsberg factory was renowned for its progressive social structure. The conditions for the workers were better than elsewhere, which was a significant factor in its rapid growth. The workers only joined a union in 1919, reflecting the factory's commitment to providing a conducive working environment.

Vira Bruk, located in the village of Österåker in Sweden, is an historic iron works site. This location offers a unique glimpse into the country's industrial past, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history of iron production in Sweden.

This museum shows off the local historical and cultural heritage in a novel, intriguing way. Definitely worth visiting.

Villa Stenersen is managed by the National Gallery of Norway and is open to the public every Sunday during the summer months. This provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the villa and appreciate its architectural design and historical significance.

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

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.

The Lejre Museum, situated in Gammel Lejre on Midtsjælland, is a cultural-historical museum that forms part of the Roskilde Museum. This museum offers a comprehensive insight into the history of the Lejre Municipality, from ancient times to the present day.

Havets Hus, or the 'House of the Sea', is a public aquarium situated in the city of Lysekil, on the Bohuslän coast of Sweden. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore marine life in a controlled environment, right on the edge of the North Sea.

Ringe Museum is a local museum situated in the town of Ringe, which is located in the central part of Funen. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region. The museum offers a unique insight into the local history and culture of the area.

Ebelingmuseet, located in Torshälla, Sweden, is an art museum that was inaugurated in 1997. The museum features a permanent exhibition dedicated to the works of Allan Ebeling, a Swedish-American ceramist and multi-artist who lived between 1897 and 1975. This exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into Ebeling's artistic journey and his contributions to the world of ceramics and art.

The Västergötlands Museum offers three basic exhibitions, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's history. In addition to these permanent displays, the museum regularly hosts temporary special exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore new and diverse aspects of the region's culture and history.

The Urskog–Høland Line, affectionately known as Tertitten, is a narrow gauge railway located between Sørumsand and Skulerud in Norway. This railway line is a significant part of Norway's history and offers a unique experience for visitors. The original line was 57 kilometers long and was built in three stages, with the first stage opening in 1896. Today, a part of this line is preserved as a museum at Sørumsand in Lillestrøm kommune.

The Kunsthalle Lund, also known as Lunds konsthall, is an art hall situated in the southern Swedish city of Lund. This establishment is a significant cultural hub in the region, offering a variety of art exhibitions for visitors to explore.

Holstebro Museum, located in Holstebro, is a cultural-historical museum that holds the responsibility for the cultural-historical and archaeological aspects of Holstebro, Lemvig, and Struer municipalities. This museum is one of the ten supervisory museums that assist the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces with the supervision of protected ancient monuments.

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.

Møsting's House, located in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a small Neoclassical country house. Today, it serves as an exhibition space, showcasing various forms of art and culture. Its Neoclassical architecture adds to its charm, making it a notable spot in the district.

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.

Lemvig Museum is a local museum located in the town of Lemvig, Denmark. It offers a variety of exhibits that showcase the local history and culture of the area. The museum is a great place to learn about the region's past and its influence on the present day.

Regionmuseet Kristianstad, located in southern Sweden, is a regional museum for Skåne. It is responsible for the entire county, with the exception of Malmö and Helsingborg. This museum offers a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of the region, making it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding the local heritage.

Astrid Lindgrens Näs is a cultural center located in Vimmerby, Kalmar län, Småland, Sweden. It comprises several buildings that are closely related to the life and authorship of Astrid Lindgren, the renowned Swedish author. This place offers a unique insight into the author's life and her works.

Øregård Museum, situated in Hellerup on the northern outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, is an art museum owned by Gentofte Municipality. The museum houses a topographic collection of pictures depicting Copenhagen and the area north of the city. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year.

Ringkøbing Museum, the oldest of 13 departments under Ringkøbing-Skjern Museum, was formed as a result of a merger between Ringkøbing Museum and Skjern-Egvad Museum in 2007. This historical context adds to the rich heritage of the museum, making it a significant part of the local cultural landscape.

The Esbjerg Printing Museum, located in the city of Esbjerg in Denmark, was established in 1979. This museum is a testament to the history of the art of printing, tracing its evolution from the beginning of the 20th century until it was replaced by more rapid technologies.

Sörmlands Museum, located in the Swedish province of Sörmland, has been preserving and conveying the material and immaterial cultural history of the region since 1913. As the county museum, it plays a significant role in maintaining the cultural heritage of the area. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits that reflect the rich history and culture of Sörmland.

The Oslo School Museum is situated in the old principal's residence within the schoolyard of Møllergata school. This location adds a unique historical charm to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists who are keen on exploring the educational history of Oslo.

The Stockholm City Museum (Stadsmuseet i Stockholm) is a museum in Stockholm in Sweden that illustrates the history of the Swedish capital from different perspectives. The museum is housed in the former Södra stadshuset on the island of Södermalm. Built between 1664 and 1680, the building has been l

Kunsthal Aarhus is a contemporary art centre in Aarhus in Denmark. The art centre's mission is to inspire and promote a general knowledge of the fine arts. The musuem does this by developing and presenting international contemporary art in its contemporary art centre.

The Danish Revue Museum is a museum in Copenhagen that is housed in a Neoclassical country house built for August Jacob Christian Riise in 1860. The museum is dedicated to the history of humorous entertainment in Denmark, as well as the Danish Revue tradition. The collection contains pieces from the

The Museum of Ancient Art in Aarhus is a history museum that is dedicated to the ancient art and cultural history of the mediterranean countries. The museum focuses particularly on Ancient Greece, Etruscan civilization and Ancient Rome. The museum holds a collection of over 4,000 objects related to

The Kulturbotanisk Have, located in the eastern part of Odense, is a botanical garden that boasts a collection of 9,000 different plant species. This makes it the largest living plant collection in Denmark. The garden is a great place for nature lovers and those interested in botany to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species.

Royal Swedish Academy of Arts (The Konstakademien) promotes the development of art in Sweden. The Art Academy holds a large collection of works of art from the past 270 years, mainly of its own members, as well as a famous collection of antique plaster and a comprehensive archive.

The Viborg Kunsthal is a prominent art hall located in Viborg, Denmark. Since its establishment in 1994, it has been hosting changing exhibitions featuring works from renowned Danish and international artists. This makes it a dynamic and ever-evolving destination for art enthusiasts.

The National Sports Museum (Riksidrottsmuseet) ) is a sports museum in Stockholm that is located in Stockholm's Östermalm district, housed in the same complex as several other museums. The National Sports Museum covers two floors especially with exhibits related to the Swedish sports history. In add

The Forum För Levande Historia is a state administrative institution in Sweden. The institution's mission is to promote democracy, human rights and tolerance. The Forum hosts exhibitions, debates and seminars, organizes traveling exhibitions and annually awards the Per Anger Prize to commemorate Per

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.

The 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.

The Lindesnes Bygdemuseum, located in Vigeland, was established on November 24, 1990. Originally situated in the city center, the museum was relocated to Kulturtorvet in 2009. This move allowed the museum to be co-located with the Galleri Gustav Vigeland and the Lindesnes library, creating a cultural hub for visitors to explore.

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.

Sjølingstad Uldvarefabrik is a historical wool factory that dates back to 1894. It is situated in the Lindesnes municipality, approximately eight kilometers west of Mandal. This location offers a unique insight into the industrial history of the region and provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Lindesnes area.

The Jönköping County Museum, known in Swedish as Jönköpings läns museum, is a significant cultural institution in the city of Jönköping, located in the province of Småland, Sweden. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of art and regional culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Sundsvalls Museum primarily focuses on the history of the region, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the local culture and heritage. In addition to historical exhibits, the museum also showcases work from young Swedish artists, offering a glimpse into the contemporary art scene in Sweden.

Museum Østjylland Grenaa is a cultural history museum located in Grenaa. It provides a comprehensive overview of the area's cultural history, spanning from the Stone Age to the present day. This broad timeline allows visitors to gain a deep understanding of the region's past and how it has shaped the present.

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.

E Bindstouw is a quaint local museum situated in the town of Lysgård, to the south of Viborg. It is managed by the Viborg Museum and is open to the public only during the months of July and August. This information is crucial for tourists planning their visit to ensure they schedule it within the museum's operating months.

Toftum Skole, situated on the Danish North Sea island of Rømø, is recognized as one of the smallest school buildings in Denmark. This unique attribute adds to its charm and historical significance, making it an interesting site for tourists who appreciate architecture and history.

The Enigma – Museum of Post, Tele and Communication is an interactive museum in Copenhagen that is dedicated to communication. The collection includes old phones, first mobile phones or even letters dating back to the 17th century.

Stenaldercenter Ertebølle is a museum and experience center that delves into the Ertebølle culture. This center provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the lifestyle and conditions of the people who lived in Ertebølle around 6,000-7,000 years ago. The museum's exhibits include a variety of archaeological finds, such as tools made from flint or bone.