Rustkammeret

Rustkammeret, also known as The Armoury, is a Norwegian military museum in Trondheim, housed in part of the former Archbishop's Palace (Erkebispegården) in the heart of the city. It is a good stop for anyone curious about how soldiering looked in central Norway across the centuries, and it offers a look inside one of the country's oldest historic building complexes at the same time.

What is Rustkammeret?

The museum serves as both a Norwegian army museum and a resistance museum. Its main emphasis is the military history of the Trøndelag region. Displays include weapons, uniforms and banners connected with the Norwegian army since its creation in the 1600s. The museum is part of Forsvarshistorisk museum, the national institution that looks after the heritage of the armed forces.

Why is a military museum inside an archbishop's palace?

Erkebispegården was the fortified residence of the archbishops of Nidaros, and its earliest parts date back to the 1100s. Over time the army took the complex over. It stayed under military control from 1686 until 1988, more than three centuries. That gives a visit unusual context: you see weaponry inside walls that themselves served the army.

The current exhibition is located in the Artillery Wing and in the old Vekthuset building. The museum moved into the Vekthuset premises in 1968.

Where does the name come from?

The word "rustkammer" comes from medieval castles, where weapons and armour were stored and repaired, and later hand-held firearms as well. The museum therefore carries on a very old tradition of gathering arms in one place.

The resistance in the Second World War

A separate part of the exhibition covers resistance activity in Trøndelag during the Second World War. It rounds out the story of the army by showing that military history is not only about regular units, but also about civilians organising resistance in an occupied country.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Rustkammeret? In Trondheim, within the Erkebispegården complex, right next to Nidaros Cathedral in the city centre.

Is it only a military museum? No. Alongside the army history of Trøndelag, the museum presents an exhibition on the resistance movement.

What can I see there? Weapons, uniforms and banners of the Norwegian army from the 17th century onward, plus material on resistance during the Second World War.

Who is it for? Fans of military history and medieval architecture, and families looking for an interesting indoor stop on a rainy day in Trondheim.

How much time should I plan? About an hour is usually enough, though history enthusiasts may stay longer, especially if they combine the visit with the rest of Erkebispegården.

Visitor tip

Opening hours and ticket prices vary by season, so check the museum's website or the Trondheim tourist information before you go. It is worth combining the visit with Nidaros Cathedral and the archbishop's palace itself, as these sights all lie close together.