Kystmuseet Hvaler

Kystmuseet Hvaler is a coastal culture museum on the island of Spjærøy in the Hvaler archipelago, in Norway's Østfold county. It is part of Østfoldmuseene and occupies the former farm of Nordgården Dypedal at Dypedalsveien 37. This open-air museum sits among the islands and skerries and shows what everyday life was like for ordinary people in this corner of south-eastern Norway.

What can you see at Kystmuseet Hvaler?

The main exhibition is called "Skjærgårdsliv", or "life in the archipelago". It covers the years 1850 to 1950 and brings the daily routines of Hvaler's residents to life. You will find fishing gear, stonecutters' tools and period furniture that help you picture the homes and workplaces of the time. Fishing and work in stone long supported the island communities, and the exhibition presents both through the objects and people behind them.

A second part of the offer is "Hogd i granitt" ("Hewn in granite"), shown at a protected quarry at Skjeldsbosundet. It deals with granite extraction, an industry that shaped the history of Hvaler.

The museum also hosts "Velkommen om bord!" ("Welcome on board!"), an exhibition about Hvaler sailors in which the seafarers themselves tell the story. It gives visitors a personal view of life at sea.

Is it a good place for families?

Yes. A garden at the museum lets children play freely. They can try stilts and swings, and among the trees there is a hen house and miniature houses. A visit is therefore more than looking at objects behind glass.

How did the museum begin?

The museum grew out of a collection of objects gathered by Hvaler Kulturvernforening, a heritage society founded in 1971. The collection was placed at Nordgården on Spjærøy and shown under the name Kystmuseet Hvaler. Over time the museum became part of Østfoldmuseene.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kystmuseet Hvaler? On the island of Spjærøy in Hvaler municipality, Østfold, at Dypedalsveien 37.

Who runs the museum? Østfoldmuseene, the regional museum group for Østfold county.

Which exhibitions are there? "Skjærgårdsliv" (archipelago life, 1850-1950), "Hogd i granitt" at the quarry in Skjeldsbosundet, and "Velkommen om bord!" about Hvaler sailors.

When is it open? Sources differ: the museum runs in the summer season and out of season usually by appointment. Check the current hours at ostfoldmuseene.no before you go.

Is there anything for children? Yes, a garden with stilts, swings, a hen house and miniature houses.

Practical tips

Hvaler is an island group, so plan your day around travelling by car and confirm opening hours in advance. The museum combines well with a walk in the surroundings and a visit to the quarry at Skjeldsbosundet, where the granite exhibition is shown. Together they explain how the people of the archipelago made a living and how the sea and the rock shaped their lives.