Museums and attractions are opening up in Norway

From June 15, the Nordic countries have agreed to reopen their borders to allow travel between the countries. This does not apply to Sweden, except for the island Gotland.This means that quarantine on arrival and entry restrictions will no longer apply for travel between Norway and Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland, and the island Gotland in Sweden.

As the COVID-19 situation is improving in Norway, restaurants, bars, hotels, swimming pools etc. are gradually opening up. We also see that more and more attractions and museums in Norway either have opened up or are planning to do so. 

Here is a list of some of the attractions and museum reopening in Norway. You will also find more on www.visitnorway.com, where you also can find updates on the current travel advice.  

POLARIA, Tromsø (opened June 6)

Polaria is an Arctic experience center for the whole family, and one of two places in Europe where you can see the bearded seal up close and personal. Look, feel, experience and understand why life in the sea and life on land depends entirely on each other. 

MUNCH, Oslo (opens June 15)

The new MUNCH opens in fall 2020, but you can still experience lots of Edvard Munch’s art in the “old” museum. On June 15 the museum will open two new exhibitions, “Yonder – Edvard Munch and Nature”, and “The Experimental Self – Edvard Munch’s Photography”.

NIDAROS CATHEDRAL, Trondheim (opened May 15)

Nidaros Cathedral is the world’s northernmost medieval cathedrals and Norway’s sanctuary.
The cathedral is the grave church of St. Olav, the patron Saint of Norway. In addition it is one of Europe’s major historical destinations, and coronations and royal blessings take place in the church.

NOBEL PEACE CENTER, Oslo (opens June 20)

From June 20 visitors can again experience the exciting history of Alfred Nobel and the Peace Prize laureates at the Nobel Peace Canter. With the opening the center will introduce a new experience for the whole family - “The Nobel Mystery – The Hunt for Alfred Nobel’s Will”.

DEICHMAN LIBRARY, Oslo (opens June 18)

Deichman Bjørvika is a new library opening its doors on June 18. It is an architecturally exciting building, and is Oslo’s main library, centrally located between Oslo Central Station and the Opera House.
The library is open to everybody and you will find six floors containing literature, reading and study areas, stages, a movie theatre and workshops and also a top notch restaurant and a bar.

MAIHAUGEN, Lillehammer (opened June 12)

Have a peek into historical homes! At Maihaugen Open-Air Museum there are more than 200 histroric houses from the 13^th century until today, showing how people have lived throughout centuries. The museum offers lots of activities for children and farm animals roam the grounds.

FLØIBANEN FUNICULAR, Bergen (opened April 20)

The Fløibanen funicular in Bergen is one of Norway’s best-known attractions. Fløibanen can be found in the heart of Bergen, 150 meters from the Fish Market and the Bryggen wharf. The journey up to Mount Fløyen (320 meter above sea level) takes about 5 – 8 minutes. From Fløyen you have a fantastic view over Bergen and surrounding area.

LOFOTR VIKING MUSEUM, Borg in Lofoten (opened June 1)

Meet the Vikings! The world’s biggest Viking Age longhouse was found and excavated at Borg in the Lofoten Island. A full-scale reconstruction of the longhouse and the surroundings have been built. Come and smell the tar, taste the food, feel the history.

BORGUND STAVE CHURCH, Lærdal (opened June 1)

Built around 1180 and dedicated to the apostle Andrew. The church is exceptionally well preserved and is the most distinctive stave church in Norway. Some of its finest features are the lavishly carved portals and the crosses and old carvings of dragon’s heads on the roofs. Here is a list of all stave churches in Norway.

HURTIGRUTEN, Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen (opens June 16)

Hurtigruten has been sailing up and down the Norwegian coastline since 1893. The iconic fjords, variety of the coastline, with natural wonders, charming villages, reare wildlife and fascinating history, will leave everybody speechless. From June 16 Hurtigruten will resume sailing with 4 ships out of a fleet of 11.

While we wait for the borders to open for other countries than the Nordics, explore Norway from home.