5 Reasons to Visit Norsk Folkemuseum This Summer

The Gol Stave Church, built around 1200, is one of only 28 surviving stave churches in Norway. Walking inside is a rare encounter with medieval craftsmanship — intricate woodwork, dim light, and eight centuries of history. For many visitors, it is the single most memorable moment of their stay in Oslo.

• The Stave Church

Every day this summer, costumed hosts welcome you into their historic homes, bake traditional flatbread over open fires, demonstrate age-old crafts, and share the stories of the people who once lived here. Folk musicians and dancers perform throughout the day. This is living history — and it makes all the difference.

• What's On

160 historic buildings gathered in one place — farmsteads from the coast and inland, townhouses from Oslo's old streets, workers' apartments, and Sámi dwellings. From the Middle Ages to modern times. Rural and urban, from north to south. It is the breadth of Norwegian cultural history, all within walking distance.

• The Open Air Museum

Inside, the museum's permanent exhibitions cover Norwegian folk dress, folk art, Sámi culture, and the world of the Norwegian bourgeoisie. This summer, a new exhibition on Norwegian enamel art adds a colourful chapter to the story. Whether you spend 20 minutes or two hours indoors, there is always something to discover.

• Exhibitions

Norsk Folkemuseum sits on the Bygdøy peninsula, surrounded by lush greenery and open space. The museum grounds are car-free, making it a calm and unhurried escape even on a busy summer day. Settle in at one of our cafés, or find a sunny bench in the open-air museum and let the afternoon unfold.