Things to do in Sogn og Fjordane, Western Norway: The Best History Museums

The open air museum shows day-to-day life of farmer and tenant families in Sunnfjord in the middle of the 1800’s. The houses showcase a variety of building techniques and traditions from the 16th through the 19th century. We offer guiding, changing exhibits, events, and educational programs for children. The place has beautiful and quiet surroundings with a herb garden and cultural paths.

At Millstone Park in Hyllestad you can travel back in time to the Middle Ages – and meet the Vikings, who were skilled craftsmen and motivated traders. The quarries were absolutely essential for the local people: No millstone, no food! During summer season (20.6. - 20.8.) we offer guided tours and activities like grinding grain, baking bread, making soapstone jewellery. We serve coffee and pancakes. Outside season you can visit the Park on your own.

The Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism tells the story of the growth of Norwegian tourism, in which the beautiful scenery of the Norwegian landscape played a major part. This is reflected in the construction of the museum, which is cut into the bedrock of Balestrand, a town that was a major destination in the early days of tourism to Norway. In the late 1800s, European and international elites, like Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, came from far and wide to visit Balestrand. The museum commemorates the local history in a national perspective. The museum consists of three antiquarian buildings and a spectacular new building opened in 2016.

At Nordfjord Folkmuseum you will learn about the local history of the region. The open-air museum features old buildings and stories about life in Nordfjord from the 1600s onwards. Several of the houses are furnished. On the outskirts of Sandane, you will find Holvikejekta, an old marine vessel built in 1881.

The Maløy Raid center is an international war history information and visitor centre, that presents an important part of the Second World War.The story is documented by videos, sound recordings, documents, odors, objects and models. Information in Norwegian, English and German. The center is divided into several themes: The Maløy Raid -Captain Martin Linge - The Company Linge - The Shetland Bus.

At the center for local history there is an office with information about emigration. Exhibitions with local themes from culture and history. There is a photo-archive, and geneology services. Sivlesamlinga shows some of the belongings of the poet Per Sivle who was born in Flam in 1857. Extended opening hours during the summer season

By Kaupanger ferry dock, you’ll find Sogn Fjord Museum. The fjord was, and still is, an integral part of the way of life in Sogn. Experience and learn about this unique way of life at this maritime museum in Amla. The museum also features a small café and kiosk. Enjoy a fresh cup of organic coffee or an ice cream cone, next to Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord!