What to do and see in Sogn og Fjordane, Western Norway: The Best Museums

Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) is one of Norway’s most renowned and beloved artists. He distinguished himself as a painter and printer and is above all known for his wild and lush landscapes and depictions of traditional life in Vestlandet (west Norway). Astrup helped shape the way we view Vestlandet and, in fact, the whole country. Astruptunet, was Nikolai Astrup’s home for 15 years. The artist purchased the old smallholding in September 1912. The farmstead, which was situated along a steep slope, was in a very poor condition. Astrup nonetheless decided to make this place a future home for himself and his growing family. Astrup created a magical home, and by the 1920s he began to feel contented with “what these hands made”. During the 1920s the new home at Sandalstrand also became a central motif in his art. The museum at Astruptunet opened in 1986. In the gallery you may see Nikolai Astrup's original prints, woodcut blocks, paintings and textiles.

I ei bukt ved Brandangersundet ligg framleis den gamle bygningen som ein gong husa ein treskofabrikk. Inne står maskinar og utstyr intakt som om arbeidsfolket berre skulle ha teke middagspause. Sellevåg Treskofabrikk var i drift frå 1899 til 1975, og då produksjonen var på topp, vart det laga 60.000 par tresko i året. Fabrikken vart i 2012 freda som teknisk kulturminne.

A small museum about the avalanche that came down at this place in 1811. 45 people died. This is one of Norways worst natural desasters, according to number of dead compared to population. Car park & barbecue area. Free entrance.

On the hills surrounded by powerful mountains, and with a spectacular view of the fjord, you will find Otternes Farm. The farm consisting of 27 buildings, each with its own function, was probably cleared for cultivation before the Black Death. In addition the old cultural landscape with hills, wells, stairs and stone structure is intact. Experience old handcraft techniques and food made in traditional style. Open: 1000-1700 daily. Guided tours at: 10.00 + 12.00 +14.00 + 16.00.

The Norwegian Glacier Museum is an award-winning hands-on museum, situated in Fjærland next to the Sognefjord. The museum is the leading centre in Norway of knowledge with regard to glaciers and climate. Do not miss the unique and staggering panoramic film about Jostedalsbreen – the largest glacier on mainland Europe - and its National Park. In an entertaining and exciting manner, you will get answers to questions like ‘Why is glacier ice blue?’, ‘Why is the fjord green?’ and ‘How were the fjords formed?’. You can even perform your own experiments with 1000 year old ice from the nearby glacier Supphellebreen. Another 'must do' is the exhibition about climate changes! The museum is also a visitor centre for Jostedalsbreen National Park, and was designed by Professor of architecture, Sverre Fehn, who received the 1997 Pritzker award. The museum opened in 1991.

The respective galleries of Balestrand´s artists in residence Bjørg Frøisok Bjøberg and Arthur Adamson are located on the Quay area in the centre of Balestrand. Their art gallery house is easily recognisable because of the spectacular glass dome on top (known as the crystal dome) and is actually one of the art installations you can visit. These 2 artists, who came from 2 very different worlds, met in 2003 and fell in love. Although their art is very different, their view of art was identical and so they decided to combine their creative energies and in 2004 they purchased and converted an old building into a house packed with their dynamic art. Bjørg, who originally comes from Hallingdal, is a natural watercolorist, with the focus of her work based on her deep love of nature Arthur emigrated to Norway from the UK when he met Bjørg. His work is based on translating the mysteries of consciousness. The arthouse contains 2 galleries, 2 art installations, an art store and an art cafe.

Welcome to one of the oldest and largest folk museums in Norway! Sogn Folkemuseum is an open air museum with almost 40 authentic historical buildings, ranging from the middle ages to the 20th. century. During the summer months the museum run a full scale farm with animals as they did in the late 19th. century. The museum is located in a natural setting surrounded by forests and mountains. There are footpaths, playgrounds and nature trails, which makes this area an attractive recreational area for young and old alike. There are plenty of fun activities and play areas for kids and families to enjoy and learn about nature, culture and life in Sogn. In the main building you can experience a wide range of exhibits linked to agriculture, traditional crafts, clothes and textiles. Here you will also find indoor exhibits, activities and play areas for children and youth to explore. The main building is also the location of our museum shop and certified organic museum café, Kafé Heiberg.

Art gallery and tourist information in the Norwegian fjords.