Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)

The Norsk Folkemuseum sits on the Bygdøy Peninsula, right on the Oslofjord—here you’ll find Oslo’s “Museum Island,” which hosts several maritime museums in addition to the folkemuseum. You could easily spend several days here exploring Norway’s fascinating past.

Though the indoor exhibits are enticing—think traditional costumes, folk art, and Sami artifacts—the outdoor displays compel most visitors. The open-air museum showcases life in Norway from 1500 to now, from rural houses and Old town Christiania to the Gol Stave Church, built around the year 1200 (and reconstructed here). On weekends, you’ll watch staff dressed in traditional costumes and demonstrating activities like lefse-baking and blacksmithing.

• With the Oslo Pass, you can get free entry into the city’s main attractions and museums, including the Norsk Folkemuseum.

• You’ll likely spend much of your time outdoors, so dress for the weather.

• During summer, several options for dining exist onsite, from coffee and sandwiches to Norwegian waffles and more.

• From October to April, hours are more limited. Check the museum website in advance of visiting.

The Norsk Folkemuseum sits just a few minutes from central Oslo. Many visitors will arrive here by car, and there’s adequate parking onsite. Otherwise, take bus “30 Bygdøy”—it stops outside the museum; look for the Folkemuseet stop. You could also take ferry #9 from Rådhusbrygge 3 or ferry #8 from MUNCH to Dronningen, Bygdøy. From there, it’s a scenic 10-minute walk to the museum.

The museum is open every day except Mondays, with more limited hours in winter. It can be a pretty busy place, especially on high-season weekends. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, come early in the morning or toward closing hours and eye a weekday visit. If you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for chilly weather.

Beyond the 800-year-old churches, Sami tents, and a look into Norway pre-industrialization, you’ll also get an interesting look at the “modern” here. There’s a three-story 19th-century apartment block, Art Nouveau rooms, and even a 1980s student dorm. Events and demonstrations, typically on weekends, tend toward the historic, with folk dancing, farm animals you can meet and greet, and occasional horse-and-carriage rides.