The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Western Norway, Norway

Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) is one of Norway’s most renowned and beloved artists. He distinguished himself as a painter and printer and is above all known for his wild and lush landscapes and depictions of traditional life in Vestlandet (west Norway). Astrup helped shape the way we view Vestlandet and, in fact, the whole country. Astruptunet, was Nikolai Astrup’s home for 15 years. The artist purchased the old smallholding in September 1912. The farmstead, which was situated along a steep slope, was in a very poor condition. Astrup nonetheless decided to make this place a future home for himself and his growing family. Astrup created a magical home, and by the 1920s he began to feel contented with “what these hands made”. During the 1920s the new home at Sandalstrand also became a central motif in his art. The museum at Astruptunet opened in 1986. In the gallery you may see Nikolai Astrup's original prints, woodcut blocks, paintings and textiles.

Enchanting residence of the composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, who lived there every summer from 1885 to 1907. The museum also comprises the chamber music hall, Troldsalen, where daily concerts are held during the summer season. Museum building with shop, exhibition and cafeteria.

In the 1800s Bergen was Europe’s biggest wooden city, a distinctive city environment with closely spaced wooden buildings, busy streets, markets and alleys. At old Bergen open air Museum you can experience some of this atmosphere, with houses from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. What did it look like? What did people talk about? In beautiful natural surroundings you can meet both masters and servants from the past. Museumshop. 40 min walk, 15 min by bicycle, 7 min by bus.

Moelstertunet is a picturesque farmstead, with sixteen buildings surrounding an open farmyard. All of the buildings are still standing right where they were when the last family moved out in 1927. Walking through the farmstead will give you a unique insight in building traditions and living conditions in older times. The oldest building on the farmstead, an open-hearth log house, dates from the early 1500s. In the nearby exhibition hall a comprehensive exhibition will tell you more about how people lived and worked in Voss in older times. The museum also displays temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Voss folkemuseum has a huge collection of artifacts, folk art, tools and other objects. There is also a big archive, a small library, and one of the biggest museum collection of photos in Hordaland. From Moelster you have a wonderful view of Vossevangen and the Vangsvatnet lake. At the entrance you will also find a small cafe With a great view and a Museum shop. May 18th - August 31st: open daily 10-17 September 1st - May 16th: Mondays-Fridays 10-15 Sundays 12-15

The powermuseum is a vibrant museum which sheds light on the origin of industrial Norway. Odda and Tyssedal went from being an important tourist resort to being an area of pioneering hypropower and industrial expansion. Hydropower and industry were crucial to the shaping of Norway in the 20th Century. For generations, the power cathedral by the fjord transformed roaring waterfalls into lighting and heating. Today the beautiful hydropower plant is an industrial heritagesite, as well as a vibrant museum which offers a wide spectre of activities: films and exhibitions, guided tours, concerts and plays, museum shop and cafeteria, workers houses, science center, hikes to caves and tunnels. Welcome to Tyssedal - a different and dramatic Hardanger!

On the hills surrounded by powerful mountains, and with a spectacular view of the fjord, you will find Otternes Farm. The farm consisting of 27 buildings, each with its own function, was probably cleared for cultivation before the Black Death. In addition the old cultural landscape with hills, wells, stairs and stone structure is intact. Experience old handcraft techniques and food made in traditional style. Open: 1000-1700 daily. Guided tours at: 10.00 + 12.00 +14.00 + 16.00.

The Norwegian Glacier Museum is an award-winning hands-on museum, situated in Fjærland next to the Sognefjord. The museum is the leading centre in Norway of knowledge with regard to glaciers and climate. Do not miss the unique and staggering panoramic film about Jostedalsbreen – the largest glacier on mainland Europe - and its National Park. In an entertaining and exciting manner, you will get answers to questions like ‘Why is glacier ice blue?’, ‘Why is the fjord green?’ and ‘How were the fjords formed?’. You can even perform your own experiments with 1000 year old ice from the nearby glacier Supphellebreen. Another 'must do' is the exhibition about climate changes! The museum is also a visitor centre for Jostedalsbreen National Park, and was designed by Professor of architecture, Sverre Fehn, who received the 1997 Pritzker award. The museum opened in 1991.

The best-preserved villa in the country, dating from the 1880s and with authentic interior. Built for a ship owner family who lived there until 1965. Collection of paintings including works by Kitty Kielland and August Jacobsen.

Dokken Open Air Museum (Hasseloy) is located About 5 min. from the centre. An authentic section of Old Haugesund, it features thematic exhibitions on living and working conditions during the herring industry period of the 1800s. There is also a photo exhibition and an exhibition of working boats from the region. Open on request all summer. Daily guided tours from mid-June to mid-August (except Sat.):