Things to do in Northern Norway, Northern Norway: The Best Museums

Gammelbutikken (The old store) was built sometime in the 1870’s as a general store with all types of goods like food, equipment, clothes, fishing gear and whatever else that was needed in a fishing village on Senja. In addition to being a general store it also functioned as office for the local fish landing factory and shipping agent. The second floor was used as accommodation for fishermen seeking shelter and somewhere to sleep. Today’s furnishing are the originals from 1925 and the store today appears much the same as it did a long time ago. Gammelbutikken today is a combination of museum, souvenir shop and cafe serving baked goods, coffee, drinks, ice cream and old fashioned candy. Variety of handcrafted goods from local Senja artists. Open Summer 2019 from June 25. – Aug 28. And on request. Can be booked for private events.

The museum has a large collection from WWII. The museum tells the stories of WWII in North Norway and the dramatic fight for Narvik i 1940. The museum has a section devoted to universal questions related to war and human rights. The quality and design of the exhibition is exquisite and must be experienced!

Experience the thrilling history of aviation up close. Did you know that aviation played a major role in shaping Norway as a nation; it has influenced our people, our landscape and our way of life. See famous and even some infamous planes, including the Spitfire, Starfighter or faithful work horses and passenger aircraft, including the Ju52 and the Twin Otter. The Norwegian Aviation Museum is among the largest aviation museums in Europe. Our collections include more than 40 aircraft and helicopters.

Our exhibitions reflects life and culture in the borderland between Norway, Russia and Finland, with a special emphasis on World War II.

Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum

Tirpitz Museum is a war museum that is located in Kåfjord outside the city of Alta in Finnmark county, Norway. Tirpitz Museum is open from 1 June to 1 September. Out of season we open on request for groups or other special occasions.

WORLD HERITAGE ROCK ART CENTRE - ALTA MUSEUM Experience one of Northern Europe's largest rock carving sites, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The carvings were made by hunters and gatherers, the oldest carvings are over 7000 years. The rock art park is available in the snow free period. The museum is open all year and features exhibitions on rock art in Alta and other cultural history exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions on themes such as the Northern Lights, angling and art exhibitions. Cafe with a panoramic view over the Altafjord and souvenir shop. Guided tours for groups by prior arrangement. Audioguides available in Norwegian, English, German and French.

A visit to northern Norway`s best preserved trading post is a journey back in time. Here you can feel the past, with "jektefart" and fish trading, Herring and the daily life in northern Norway coastal communities in the 19 century. Kjerringoy Trading Post is a unique example of coastal heritage set in magnificent scenery. It consists of 15 old buildings retaining many of their original contents. It is one of the country's most important collections of buildings from the nineteenth century. The beautiful slide-show "Anna Elisabeth of Kjerringoy" provides an excellent introduction to a visit. It lasts about 20 minutes. Guided tours are then available around the various yards and buildings. You can shop in the store ("Kramboden") or enjoy refreshments in Nyfjosen Cafe or in the garden. In the museumshop in Nyfjosen you can buy gifts and souvernirs, local design and crafts.

The Polar Bear Society is located on the coastal steamer pier, together with Hammerfest’s Tourist Information. Join the world famous and exclusive society, and receive the Polar Bear Pin as proof that you visited the World’s Northernmost Town – Hammerfest! Our museum showcases our proud traditions with fishing and hunting in arctic conditions. There is also a gift shop. You can only become a member in the Polar Bear Society when you visit Hammerfest in person. A membership costs NOK 220,00 as a one time fee. The money supports the exhibition and pays the components of the membership: the Polar Bear pin in silver and enamel, a sticker with our logo on, a diploma with your name on signed by the mayor of Hammerfest, a membership card with your own membership number.