Romsdal Museum

Located in the picturesque city of Molde, Romsdal Museum (Romsdalsmuseet) is rightfully considered one of the most significant cultural sites Norway has to offer. This expansive open-air complex offers guests a unique journey through time, showcasing the folk architecture and lifestyle of the Møre og Romsdal region from the 16th century to the present day.

Romsdal Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum grounds consist of an idyllic park with manicured lawns, shady alleys, and a peaceful lake where ducks can often be seen. It features a collection of more than 40 historic buildings, ranging from rugged farmhouses and barns to elegant city dwellings. The jewel of the collection is the reconstructed Bygata street, which recreates the atmosphere of old Molde before the devastating city fire of the early 20th century.

In addition to the historic cabins, the site is home to the ultra-modern Krona visitor center, opened in 2016. This architecturally bold building houses permanent exhibitions telling the stories of local life over thousands of years, as well as a cozy café and an extensive photo archive. It is a place where tradition meets modernity, creating a comprehensive picture of Norwegian culture.

To clarify current information about special exhibitions or to book group tours, you can contact the museum administration directly. The staff is always ready to assist visitors with organizational questions to make your introduction to the region's culture as comfortable as possible.

Below are the main contact details to help you plan your visit to this unique ethnographic center.

The main highlight of visiting the museum is the opportunity to walk freely among authentic buildings, such as the Tresfjord and Holt cottages. You can peek into the windows of old workshops, imagining the bustle of life within these walls centuries ago. Be sure to climb up to the pavilion, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the fjord and the famous "Molde panorama" with its snow-capped mountain peaks.

In the Krona center, it’s worth spending time at the interactive exhibitions. Here you can learn all about the region's national costumes, browse photo archives, or examine everyday objects from the Stone Age to the present day. For families with children, the museum has prepared special activities: young guests can dress up in historical costumes, play with wooden building sets, or sit in a real old boat, making history come alive in a fun way.

If your visit coincides with the summer, try to catch one of the many events. During the Molde International Jazz Festival, atmospheric concerts are held on the museum’s open-air stage. We also recommend taking a water taxi to the Hjertøya Fishing Museum to see 15 unique buildings dedicated to Norway's maritime traditions.

The Romsdal Museum is conveniently located at Per Amdams veg 4, making it easily accessible for most travelers. If you are already in the center of Molde, a pleasant walk to the complex will take you no more than 10 minutes. The path leads through picturesque residential neighborhoods and gradually ascends to an elevation offering a great view of the surroundings.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses running from central districts stop within walking distance of the museum gates. If you are arriving at Molde Airport, a taxi or bus ride will take about 10–15 minutes, as the airport is located just 5 kilometers from the city. For drivers, ample parking is provided near the entrance.

It is worth noting that some museum branches are located outside the main complex. For example, to reach the Hjertøya Fishing Museum, you will need to take a water taxi, which departs regularly from the city pier during the summer season. This turns a simple museum visit into a small sea adventure.

The history of this unique collection began in 1912 thanks to the initiative of Peter Tønder Solemdal. He was the visionary behind the project and the museum's long-time director, dedicating his life to preserving the region's architectural heritage. The complex officially opened to the public in 1928, and since then it has grown into one of the largest folklore centers in all of Norway.

One of the museum's most notable features is Bygata street. This is a meticulous reconstruction of the town's old appearance, allowing visitors to see Molde as it was before the devastating fire of 1916. The preservation of these buildings has essentially "frozen" the spirit of a bygone era, allowing modern residents and tourists to touch a reality of the past.

The newest chapter in the museum's history opened in 2016 with the construction of the modern Krona building. This architectural feat harmoniously combines the functions of an exhibition hall, archive, and research center. Today, the collection covers a vast span of time—from Mesolithic finds to exhibits reflecting the region's industrial boom in the 20th century, including the history of the famous knitting factories in Isfjorden.

To leisurely explore the main grounds of the complex in Molde, including a stroll through the open-air ethnographic park and studying the exhibits in the modern Krona building, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time to go inside the historic houses, take memorable photos by the lake, and stop by the souvenir shop.

However, if you plan to visit the remote branches, such as the Hjertøya Fishing Museum or the old church on Veøy Island, it is worth setting aside a full day to get to know the Romsdal Museum. The water taxi trip and island walks require extra time, but they are well worth it for a complete picture of life on the Norwegian coast.

The museum maintains a stable operating schedule, though seasonality should be considered. The Krona center, which houses the main exhibitions and the café, operates on the following schedule:

• Tuesday — Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on Thursdays during the winter period)
• Saturday — Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Monday — Closed

Please note that the complex is closed on public holidays: January 1, May 17 (National Day, only special events held), and during the Christmas period from December 24 to 26 and December 31. It is recommended to check the official website for opening times before your visit, as access to the open-air houses may depend on weather conditions and current tour programs.

After immersing yourself in the region's history at the Romsdal Museum, it’s a great idea to take a walk around the surrounding area. The location of the complex allows you to easily combine your cultural program with a visit to other interesting spots in the city, which are just a few minutes' walk away.

The proximity to the city center and the waterfront offers many options for continuing your route—from historic mansions to modern recreational areas. Below is a list of sites worth visiting nearby.