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Museums #23 in Bergen

Norway Fisheries Museum

4.4 · 802 reviews
Rustic and educational
Norway Fisheries Museum, Sjøgaten 23, 5035 Bergen, Norway
Interesting facts
1

The museum is housed in the 'Bodene' area, which consists of original 18th-century warehouses built specifically for the storage of stockfish.

2

Sandviken, the location of the museum, was the primary hub for the historic Hanseatic fish trade in Bergen.

3

The site features a preserved wooden boatyard where traditional boat-building techniques are still demonstrated.

4

Exhibits explain the 'Lofotfisket', the annual seasonal cod fishing migration that has sustained coastal communities for centuries.

5

The museum collection includes rare maritime artifacts salvaged from historic shipwrecks along the Hordaland coast.

6

The current facility was reorganized in 2015 to focus on the transition from traditional fishing to modern global aquaculture.

Overview

The Norway Fisheries Museum is located in the Sandviken district of Bergen, housed within a collection of restored 18th-century wooden warehouses along the waterfront. The museum documents the history of Norwegian fisheries, from coastal harvesting to the development of the modern export industry. Permanent exhibitions cover topics such as the stockfish trade, the development of fishing vessels, and the evolution of aquaculture. Interactive displays explain the biology of cod and salmon alongside historical fishing gear and boat models. The site preserves authentic architectural features, including original timber framing and maritime loading areas. Visitors can explore a working wooden boatyard and outdoor exhibits situated on the pier. The museum serves as a comprehensive archive of the industry that fundamentally shaped the Norwegian economy.

Photo spot

The red-painted historic timber warehouses viewed from the water's edge on the museum pier.

Insider tips

Take the short, scenic walk along the waterfront from the city center to appreciate the historic architecture.

Visit the pier-side outdoor area to view the fleet of traditional wooden boats moored at the docks.

Plan your visit to coincide with the museum's live boat-building demonstrations.

What to avoid

Assuming the museum is located within the main Bryggen World Heritage site; it is a separate complex further north in Sandviken.

Good to know

Open daily during the summer season; limited opening days during the winter months, typically closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays during the summer season to avoid weekend crowds and allow time for outdoor boatyard activities.
Address
Norway Fisheries Museum, Sjøgaten 23, 5035 Bergen, Norway
60.408, 5.322
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsStockfish trade history, traditional wooden boatyard, and modern aquaculture technology.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning on weekdays during the summer season to avoid weekend crowds and allow time for outdoor boatyard activities..

The red-painted historic timber warehouses viewed from the water's edge on the museum pier.

Close by you'll find Bergenhus Fortress, Bryggen, Akvariet i Bergen - The National Aquarium.