Bjerkebæk🏛 museum
Former home of Sigrid Undset, now a museum.
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Maihaugen Lillehammer
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museum
Maihaugen in Lillehammer is one of Northern Europe's most significant open-air museums, founded in 1887 by dentist Anders Sandvig. Initially housed in Sandvig's private garden, the collection was moved to its current location on the Maihaugen hill in 1904. Today, the museum comprises over 200 historical buildings, providing a comprehensive insight into Norwegian rural architecture and way of life from the 13th century to the modern era. Among the most prominent exhibits is the Garmo Stave Church, originally built around the year 1200 and later re-erected at the museum. In addition to rural farmsteads, Maihaugen also features an urban section with residential houses from various decades of the 20th century. The site also houses the Norwegian Olympic Museum, which commemorates the 1994 Winter Games, and serves as a spirited cultural center with craft demonstrations and seasonal exhibitions.
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A postcard from Maihaugen Lillehammer
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- Highlights: Bjerkebæk · Norges Postmuseum · Norsk Handverk Institutt
- Nearby: Brumunddal (36 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -9 | -8 | -5 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -4 | -8 |
| Rain mm | 71 | 51 | 52 | 57 | 101 | 109 | 130 | 133 | 92 | 94 | 84 | 66 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Maihaugen in Lillehammer is one of Norway's largest open-air museums, with historic buildings from medieval times to the modern era. The museum grounds are accessible year-round, interiors open seasonally. It is a living museum with craftspeople and animals.
Typical hours
The open-air museum opens daily 10:00-17:00 in summer (June-August). In winter (December-February) hours are shorter, often 11:00-15:00. Interiors are only open during opening hours; the grounds can be entered outside those times.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, indoors without flash. The houses from different eras and the church offer diverse subjects. Winter creates atmospheric shots with snow. Use morning light for crowd-free pictures.
Time needed
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the vast grounds and main buildings. Those wanting to watch demonstrations or visit the café should plan half a day. The museum is large, so wear comfortable shoes.
Combine with
Lillehammer itself features the Olympic Arena, Art Museum and pleasant pedestrian street with shops. Combine the museum visit with a cable car ride up the Olympic mountain or a walk along Lake Mjøsa. The open-air museum is central, the town is within walking distance.
Getting there
Maihaugen is in central Lillehammer, about 15 minutes walk from the station. Parking is available at the museum (fee). By bus, stop at 'Maihaugen' right at the entrance. From Oslo, reach Lillehammer in 2 hours by train.
Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning when craftspeople start their work - they demonstrate traditional techniques like blacksmithing and weaving. The entrance price includes a free guided tour starting at 11:00 and 13:00. Pack a picnic as the grounds have nice seating spots.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1887 by Anders Sandvig as a private collection.
- Moved to its current location at Maihaugen in 1904.
- Houses over 200 historical buildings from different eras.
- The Garmo Stave Church originally dates back to around 1200.
- Home to the Norwegian Olympic Museum since 2016.
- Approximately 200,000 people visit the museum site annually.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Maihaugen Lillehammer (10)
Norges Postmuseum🏛 museum
Museum of Norwegian postal history.
Norsk Handverk Institutt🏛 museum
Museum of traditional Norwegian crafts.
Nordre Ål kirke
Church building in Lillehammer, Innlandet, Norway.
Møllestua
Gallery in Lillehammer with changing exhibitions.
Elephant Kunsthall
Art hall in Lillehammer for contemporary art.
Galleri Zink
Gallery in Lillehammer focusing on Norwegian art.
Maihaugsalen
Theatre hall in Lillehammer, part of Maihaugen museum.
Fishermen's chapel
Fishermen's chapel in Lillehammer, a place of prayer.
Garmo stave church
Stave church from Garmo, now at Maihaugen open-air museum.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Maihaugen in Lillehammer?
It is one of Norway's largest open-air museums, with over 200 historic buildings.
Is there a stave church there?
Yes, the 12th-century Garmo Stave Church was relocated there.
When is Maihaugen open?
The museum is open year-round, but there are more outdoor activities in the summer.
Are there modern houses there?
Yes, in the 'residential' section, you can see houses from almost every decade of the 20th century.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Due to the size of the grounds, you should plan at least 3 to 4 hours.
Maihaugen Lillehammer: where is it located?
Maihaugen Lillehammer is located in Norway.
Maihaugen Lillehammer: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bjerkebæk, Norges Postmuseum, Norsk Handverk Institutt.
Maihaugen Lillehammer: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Maihaugen Lillehammer: why is it worth visiting?
Maihaugen in Lillehammer is one of Northern Europe's most significant open-air museums, founded in 1887 by dentist Anders Sandvig.
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