What to do and see in Hardanger, Western Norway: The Best Specialty Museums

The exhibitions at the Hauge Centre call upon several of the human senses with installations on poetry and literature that can be looked at, listened to and touched. Dial Hauge's phone number on an old telephone and he'll read you a poem. The poetry library offers insight into poetry from all over the world - and in the poetry workshop you could be inspired to create your own poems. There are also guided tours of the exhibitions - the stories you'll hear will leave you with both knowledge and wonder. Olav H. Hauge (1908-1994) is considered one of the most significant Norwegian poets and translators of poetry. He worked as a fruit farmer and made his literary debut in 1946. Hauge was an avid reader from childhood and at his home on Rossvoll in Ulvik, he gathered great knowledge from the reading of literature from all over the world. He published several collections of translations of English, French and German poetry. His own poetry has been translated into more than 20 languages. The museum shop at the Hauge Centre offers a wide selection of literature, works on and by Olav H. Hauge, contemporary poetry and books in New Norwegian for all ages. You can also browse a great selection of exciting and affordable gift ideas. The Green Cafe is situated on the Hauge Centre's ground floor and is run by chef Paul Richards. The place offers a good menu of hot and cold dishes using local products. The Green Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating right by the beautiful Ulvik fjord, a perfect spot for doing a bit of reading, thinking or talking. The cat hunt is an exciting activity for the kids. Hauge's cat has got several hiding places throughout the exhibition. By following its footsteps, the kids can suddenly find the cat in unexpected places while at the same time getting to know both Hauge and the cat a bit better. At the end of the hunt, a nice little surprise gift awaits you at the reception.

The composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) occasionally lived at Lofthus and composed many of his most renowned works here. His composer's cabin is situated in the garden of Hotel Ullensvang. Open to public.

A living Museum of boatbuilding. The museum is open every day during the summer. You can watch the craftsmen at work and hear about the boatbuilding and craftsmanship. Try your own skills in the Activity Route. You can attend exhibitions and films telling different parts of Norways maritime history.In the traditional ropemaker's workshop rope is made for boats from all over the country. Here you'll also find a nice exhibition on traditional ropemaking. There is a pleasant harbour-view cafe where we serve excellent coffee, tea and home made food. Hardanger Maritime Museum is a national centre of expertise which is committed to boat preservation, is an outdoor-pursuits centre, a craft training centre and a guardian of old craft traditions. Opening times off-season by arrangement.

Experience a scenery with dramatic contrasts high mountains and waterfalls. Road-building traditions from the 16th. century up to the present. 21 info-tables have been put up at the most distinctive stops in the valley. Mabo Museum, guided tours, limited opening hrs.

Granvin Bygdatun - Museum and the Havaas collection. The village square, bygdetunet, is situated in the centre, same driveway as the Post Office. In Granvin Bygdatun there are 6 buildings surrounding a courtyard. The oldest one is Holvenstova, a main house from the 18th century. Granvin Bygdemuseum with more than 1000 objects from the local community is situated on the ground floor. In the basement of the cotter's farm Lofloten there is an exhibition of the collection from the world famous botanist Johan Havaas. In Bygdetunet you can also find the memorial of the master fiddler Anders Kjerland. Season: June 15 - August 15. The museum can be opened out of season by appointment.

Borgstova at Vikoy vicarage is also known as the Tidemand-room because the famous artist Adolph Tidemand stayed there on several occasions. This was where he found inspiration for many of his renowned works, such as Haugianerne. The smoking room interior dates back to the mid 1800s, and the neighbouring eldhus cookhouse was where the local speciality krotakaker were made. The guide at Borgstova can also give you a tour of the School Museum. The museum is located close to Vikoy church and Borgstova, and the School House, which was in use until 1954, dates back to 1886. The interior is from 1930 and comprises school equipment and books. Tours of the museums outside opening hours are by appointment only. Please contact the Cultural Office, tel 56 55 30 00 or e-mail [email protected].

Old house in Swiss style. Home of the author Hans E. Kinck. His father, Theodor, was a doctor and skilled photographer. Later the sculptor and wood-carver Johannes Tvedt and the painter Frida Rusti lived in the house. Works and articles from these persons are exhibited in the house. Open by appointment with the tourist office.