Aasentunet

About the museum

Aasentunet is a language museum in Hovdebygda, between Ørsta and Volda, and a branch of Nynorsk kultursentrum. The museum is named after the linguist Ivar Aasen, who created the written language now known as nynorsk, based on features that recurred across many dialects. The site first opened to the public in 1898 and is considered Norway's oldest person-based museum.

The farmstead has five buildings from four centuries, including the old houses Gamlemuseet, Smia and Stabburet, and a bauta (memorial stone). The new main building, designed by the architect Sverre Fehn, was completed in 2000. It is set low into the landscape and adapted to the old surroundings, and it received the Houens fonds diplom (the Houen Foundation's diploma).

The permanent exhibitions show Ivar Aasen's book collection, furniture and objects from his home in Oslo, and items he took with him on his travels from Lindesnes in the south to Tromsø in the north. Lurivar, the museum's word-collecting cat, has a loft of its own for children. Every June, the Dei nynorske festspela (Nynorsk Festival) takes place, with concerts, author meetings, debates and art exhibitions.

Highlights

• Main building by the architect Sverre Fehn from 2000
• Ivar Aasen's books, furniture and travel objects
• The old farmstead with Gamlemuseet, Smia and Stabburet
• The Lurivar loft for children
• Dei nynorske festspela in June
• Guided tours every hour in summer

Permanent exhibitions

• Fast utstilling om Ivar Aasen – Ivar Aasen's book collection, furniture and objects from his home in Oslo, and items he took on his travels across the country.
• Lurivar-hemsen – A loft of its own for children, with books and activities, built around the word-collecting cat Lurivar.

Founded

1898

Operated by

Nynorsk kultursentrum

Admission & discounts

Tickets are bought at reception and cover the whole offer at Aasentunet. Teachers, assistants and nursery staff accompanying a group have free admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: not available

The exhibition is on one level, with seating in all rooms, and there is a lift in the reception. The oldest buildings on the farmstead do not have step-free access, but tours can be adapted. Videos have text, and the hall has an induction loop. Some objects can be touched, and there are listening stations. One accessible parking space at the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Lurivar, the museum's word-collecting cat, has its own loft with books and activities for children. There is a family trail, activities and a play area. Children have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Aasentunet lies beside the E39, roughly midway between Ørsta and Volda, about 5 km from both town centres and 2.5 km from Ørsta-Volda Airport.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with coffee, cakes and kiosk items, and a museum shop with books, textiles, ceramics and toys, partly products developed in-house. The café and shop follow the museum's opening hours and are open during events; a museum ticket is not needed to visit them.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rental of rooms at Aasentunet.

Plan your visit