Hordamuseet

Hordamuseet is an open-air folk museum in the Fana district of Bergen, set at Stend beside the Fana fjord. It belongs to Bymuseet i Bergen, the Bergen City Museum, and presents the traditional coastal culture of Hordaland through historic buildings, wooden boats and traces of very early settlement.

What can you see at Hordamuseet?

The outdoor section holds about thirty historic buildings. Gathered in one place, they show how people built and lived along Norway's west coast, and they include farm buildings and boathouses. Walking between them gives a good sense of everyday life for farmers and fishing families centuries ago.

A separate group of nine buildings relates to summer mountain farming. They stand on the Fanafjellet hills, close to the highest point of the road over the mountain, and illustrate the old custom of taking livestock up to high pastures for the summer season.

Boats and the boat hall

A major draw is the boat hall, opened in 2013, which displays traditional clinker-built wooden boats. A boat shelter presents 26 vessels, making the museum a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in maritime heritage.

Archaeology on the grounds

The Stend area also has an archaeological side. The site includes burial mounds, a large stone circle and traces of a long boathouse from Roman times. The foundation of an Iron Age boathouse and other remains suggest that people have settled here for around 10,000 years.

A short history

The museum was founded in 1945 as Hordaland Landbruksmuseum, the Hordaland Agricultural Museum. It was renamed Hordamuseet in 1969 and became part of Bymuseet i Bergen in 2007.

How do you get to Hordamuseet?

The address is Hordnesveien 24, Bergen. By car it takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre. By public transport, take the Bergen light rail to Lagunen, then bus 61, 62 or 64 to Stend.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hordamuseet an outdoor museum?

Yes, it is mainly an open-air museum with about thirty buildings, complemented by a museum building and boat exhibitions.

Is there a cafe on site?

Yes, there is a cafe and a museum shop. Groups can book guided tours.

Is the museum open?

The official Bymuseet and visitBergen pages describe the outdoor area as open during the season, but one travel-site listing mentions a temporary closure. Check the Bymuseet website before you go.

Who is it for?

Anyone who enjoys history, vernacular architecture, boats and archaeology, as well as families looking for a calm trip outside central Bergen, by the Fana fjord.