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Plan your visit

Welcome to Norsk Folkemuseum on Bygdøy in Oslo! Here you can explore historic buildings, fascinating exhibitions, and engaging activities and events – whether you’re visiting alone, with friends, or with family. This page will help you plan your visit, find practical information, and make the most of your day at the museum.

What can you experience at Norsk Folkemuseum?

  • Open-air museum: Explore historic buildings from across Norway, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. The main attraction is the beautiful Gol Stave Church from the 13th century.

  • Exhibitions: Learn about daily life and living conditions in Norway from the 1500s to today, with fascinating objects from the museum’s extensive collections.

  • Engaging program: Experience a living museum with hosts in traditional costumes, farm animals, and activities suitable for both adults and children.

  • Seasonal events: Enjoy special events throughout the year, including the Magical Winter Break, Easter Crime Mystery, Midsummer, Children’s Autumn Festival, Halloween, and Christmas Fair.

  • Food and drink: Take a relaxing break with sandwiches, pastries, and coffee at Café Arkadia.

  • Shopping: Discover unique souvenirs and handcrafted items in the Museum Shop and from the local artisans.

Tips: Norsk Folkemuseum is great for both adults and children – whether you want to explore history, participate in activities and programs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
1 Jan. - 30 AprilTue –Sun: 11.00 – 16.00
Monday closed
1 May – 4 Oct.Mon - Sun:
10.00- 17.00
5 Oct. - 31 Dec.Tue –Sun: 11.00 – 16.00
Monday closed

* Closed 17 May and 24–25 December
** Open Monday 16 February, 30 March, 6 April and 28 December

Opening Hours: Café and shop

Opening Hours: Café and shop
1 Jan. - 30 April1 May – 4 Oct.5 Oct. - 31 Dec.
Shop and
Visitor Centre		Tue –Fri:
09.00 – 17.00
Sat/Sun:
10.00 – 17.00		Mon –Fri:
09.00 – 18.00
Sat/Sun:
10.00 – 18.00		Tue –Fri:
09.00 – 17.00
Sat/Sun:
10.00 – 17.00
Café ArkadiaTue – Sun:
10.00 – 17.00		Mon- Sun:
10.00- 18.00		Tue – Sun:
10.00 – 17.00

* Closed 17 May and 24–25 December
** Open Monday 16 February, 30 March, 6 April and 28 December

Tickets

  • Adults: 200,-
  • Children (0-17): Free
  • Students: 140,-
  • 67+ / Valid concession card: 160,-
  • OBOS-MEMBERS: 25 %

Free and Discounted Admission

Here you can see who is entitled to free and discounted admission at the Norsk Folkemuseum. Free tickets can be collected at the Visitor Centre.

Free Admission

  • Children 0–17 years

Free admission with valid ID:

  • Oslo Pass
  • Annual Pass Norsk Folkemuseum
  • Annual Pass Maihaugen, Skansen, Jamtli, Kulturen, and The Old Town in Årshus
  • ICOM
  • Press card
  • Member of the Norwegian Museums Association
  • Member of Museums Employees’ Association (MAF)
  • The Salvation Army Activity Card
  • Refugees with refugee passport
  • Companions/carers
  • Cruise ship crew

Groups with free admission:

  • Kindergartens
  • School classes (primary/secondary)
  • Students from educational institutions during class time with valid student ID/semester card
  • Municipal adult education programs

Guided tours must be arranged, booked, and paid for separately.

Discounted Admission (with valid ID)

  • Seniors / Concession

  • Tour operators (by agreement)

  • Students

  • OBOS members

  • Partners and event participants (by agreement)

Where is Norsk Folkemuseum?

Norsk Folkemuseum is located on Bygdøy in Oslo, at Museumsveien 10, about 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre.

The museum is within walking distance of several other museums on Bygdøy, including the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Fram Museum, and the Kon-Tiki Museum.

How do I get there?

You can reach the museum by bus, ferry, car, or bike.

  • Bus: Take bus 30 to Bygdøy from Oslo city centre to the stop Folkemuseet. (Check schedules at ruter.no)

  • Ferry: From Rådhusbrygge 3 to Dronningen every 20 minutes (from 14 March 2026). From Dronningen, it’s a 10-minute walk. Check schedules for exact times.

  • Car, bike, or on foot: From E18 or Bygdøy Allé, follow the signs to Norsk Folkemuseum.

  • Bike parking: Available just outside the museum for both city bikes and regular bicycles.

  • Car parking: Municipal parking is available outside the main entrance, with a fee from 08:00 to 20:00 every day. Handicap parking spaces are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Norsk Folkemuseum?

The museum is enjoyable year-round, but the experience varies with the seasons:

  • Summer (1 May – 30 September): A lively museum with activities, music and dance, farm animals, and hosts in traditional costumes.

  • Autumn: Children’s Autumn Festival, Halloween, and beautiful fall colors in the open-air museum.

  • Winter: Quieter atmosphere with daily guided tours. 

  • December: The popular Christmas Market.

  • Easter: Easter Crime Mystery and family activities.

Many visitors choose to come multiple times a year because the experiences change with the seasons and events.

How much time should I plan for my visit?

Most visitors spend 2–4 hours, but it’s possible to spend the whole day exploring the museum.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance. You can purchase them at the Visitor Centre when you arrive.

During busy periods, it may still be a good idea to buy tickets online.

Do I need Norwegian currency to pay at the museum?

You can pay with a credit or debit card at the Visitor Centre, Café Arkadia, and the Museum Shop.

If you want to buy lefse (traditional Norwegian flatbread) or old-fashioned candies in the open-air museum, payment is accepted in cash, Vipps, or with a voucher. Vouchers can be purchased with a card at the Visitor Centre.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes! The museum has plenty of space outdoors, including playgrounds, farm animals, and many historic buildings to explore.

Indoors, there are also reading and play corners and drawing tables.

During weekends, the summer season, and larger events, there are special activities for children.

All children and young people (0–17 years) enter for free.

Is the museum suitable for adults without children?

Absolutely! Daily guided tours, diverse exhibitions, the café, and seasonal events such as the Easter Crime Mystery and Christmas Market offer great experiences for adults.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Norsk Folkemuseum is a large open-air museum with wide gravel paths and spacious outdoor areas, providing excellent opportunities for nature experiences.

Some areas are steep or have surfaces that may be challenging for wheelchairs, and access to certain historic buildings is limited.

Good accessibility is available in:

  • Visitor Centre (with café and toilets)

  • Exhibition buildings around the Square

  • Trøndelag Farm (main house and barn)

  • Several main paths through the open-air museum

Additional facilities:

  • HC parking at the main entrance

  • Wheelchair-accessible toilets

  • Companions with a support card enter for free

Do you offer group visits?

Yes! Norsk Folkemuseum is perfect for families, friends, companies, and other groups.

We offer exciting and tailored guided tours to suit your group’s interests and needs.

Can I bring my dog to the museum?

Yes, dogs are welcome in the open-air museum if kept on a leash.

Dogs are not allowed inside buildings or exhibitions. Service dogs are, of course, permitted.

Is there food and a café at the museum?

Yes! Café Arkadia is located at the main entrance and serves pastries, sandwiches, and salads daily.

There are also many nice spots outdoors where you can eat food you bring yourself. Tables and benches are available at Festival Grounds and the playground.

Grilling and alcohol are not allowed.

Is free Wi-Fi available at the museum?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available. 

Is smoking allowed at the museum?

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas at the Square.

Where can I find toilets and baby-changing facilities?

  • Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre, Square, and Festival Grounds.

  • Baby-changing facilities are available at the Visitor Centre.

Is there luggage storage?

Yes, luggage storage is available at the Visitor Centre.

Café and shop

Experiences