Norwegian Railway Museum

The Norwegian Railway Museum (Norsk jernbanemuseum) in Hamar is Norway's national railway museum and, according to Wikidata, the oldest of its kind in the world. It stands on the shore of Lake Mjøsa at a spot called Martodden, close to the town centre. It is a good stop for families, technology enthusiasts and anyone curious about how Norway's railways developed.

How did the museum begin?

The museum was founded in 1896 by former railway workers as a private initiative. The first collection was displayed on the upper floor of Hamar railway station until 1912. After that, the exhibits spent years in storage, closed to visitors. In 1930 the museum was rebuilt as an open-air site, but it lay far from a working railway line, and moving heavy vehicles there proved expensive and difficult. The museum has occupied its current lakeside location since the mid-1950s. Today it is owned by the Norwegian Railway Directorate and has carried its present name since 1996.

What can you see?

The main hall, reopened in 2003, holds two locomotives built by Robert Stephenson in 1861, along with main-line locomotives built in Oslo and in Essen. The newer hall houses an extensive hands-on exhibition on railway history, both global and Norwegian. The main exhibition is titled "Tracking the Journey".

The park contains several of Norway's oldest station buildings. A highlight is one of the country's largest steam locomotives, known as Dovregubben. The collection also includes carriages from the Norwegian royal train, offering a glimpse of how monarchs once travelled.

Can you ride a train?

Yes. In summer two trains run on the museum grounds: Tertitten, a narrow-gauge train, and Knertitten, a miniature train that children particularly enjoy. It is a pleasant change after the halls and the outdoor displays.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? In Hamar, on Lake Mjøsa, in the Martodden area. It is a short trip from the town centre, and the waterside setting makes a walk along the shore a natural addition to the visit.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. The interactive exhibition in the new hall and the summer train rides give younger visitors plenty to do.

When is the best time to visit? Summer, when both trains operate and exploring the park with its historic stations is most enjoyable. Check the official website (jernbanemuseet.no) for current opening hours and ticket prices.

How much time should I allow? Several hours is a sensible allowance for the halls, the park and a train ride. Railway fans can easily fill a whole day.

What makes this museum special? Its age and its status as a national institution. The collection reaches back to the late nineteenth century and includes mid-nineteenth-century locomotives as well as vehicles from the royal train. Hamar also lies conveniently on the route from Oslo towards Lillehammer, so the museum fits well into a longer trip through southern Norway.

In short

The Norwegian Railway Museum combines history, engineering and family fun in one place. Historic steam locomotives, old stations, royal carriages and summer trains make for a varied visit, and the setting beside Lake Mjøsa adds to the charm. If you are passing through Hamar, it deserves a place on your itinerary.