EuropeNorway

Norwegian folk museum

By October 29, 2015 No Comments
Stave Church

The Norwegian Folk Museum is an open air museum housing original and reproduction buildings from different ears and locations around Norway. The Museum has been around since 1881. I spent around three hours here looking at the 160 different buildings and I want to tell you about my favorite ones. One that is not pictured is actually a mid 1800’s lower income Oslo neighborhood complete with shops, grocery store, gardens, prison, pharmacy, and houses. The first one pictured is typical of many houses and cottages I saw in the country. I was amazed that grass was grown on the roof. It makes sense since it is a good insulator, but I still wonder how the wood roofs don’t rot through.

A highlighted building is the apartment building at Wessels gate 15. This three story yellow corner building was rescued from destruction in the recently and moved here. It was built in 1865 and now 7 of the 9 apartments are furnished as they would have been during different eras of the buildings 130 year history.

The 13th century Stave Church is completely made of wood and has a wrap around porch and two entrances inside. Once inside there is an alter and vaulted ceiling. This church was amazing for its age and condition and worth the visit to the museum by itself.

Buildings with grass roofs Wessels Gate 15 building Stave Church

The native people of Norway are called Sami and live in the far north herding reindeer. At the museum there is a earthen structure built by them. The Sami started with a wood framed tepee and an archway entrance. On this they piled dirt and stones, more logs, and more dirt. What you end up with is an earth tent that should be well insulated.

The next building pictured is a 14th century barn. Notice how it is raised off the ground and the stairs are several inches from the entrance? Both of these features are to keep mice and rats out of the grain. I love how ornate it is.

The last featured building is a barn from the mid to late 1800’s. Having a Granddad and several uncles who are farmers I thought it was fascinating how the ramp goes to the second floor. This is the area they used as a mill and sifting area. The interesting thing is that I found modern and active barns in Norway that still have this same look. 

Sami dwelling  1300's Norwegian barn1800's Norwegian barn

If you visit Oslo please make the Norwegian Folk Museum a must see in your itinerary. You will not be disappointed!

 

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