Arquebus krigshistorisk museum
Large military history museum in Tysvær on the occupation 1940–45, with weapons, vehicles, the resistance movement and the Arquebus transmitter.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Arquebus krigshistorisk museum is located at the innermost end of Førresfjorden in Tysvær, about nine kilometres east of Haugesund, and is run by Haugalandmuseet. The museum calls itself Norway's largest defence museum outside Oslo and tells the story of the German occupation of Norway 1940–45, with a focus on the military operations in North Rogaland and Sunnhordland, the role of the merchant fleet, the home front and everyday life during the war years.
The name comes from the code name Arquebus, which Sverre K. Andersen used for his illegal radio activities during the war. The original radio transmitter is on display at the museum, and the story of him and the local resistance movement is recounted in the book “Arquebus kaller London” (Arquebus Calls London) by Arnfinn Haga.
With around 2,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space and more than 6,000 objects, the museum is a significant presenter of defence history. The collection ranges from handguns, tanks and artillery to radio equipment used by the resistance movement and everyday objects from the civilian population. The newest exhibition, “Der Untergang” (The Downfall), shows the Allied victory in Europe and the German defeat in Berlin in 1945.
Highlights
- The original Arquebus radio transmitter from the resistance movement
- The exhibition “Der Untergang” on the end of the war in Berlin in 1945
- More than 6,000 objects on 2,000 square metres
- Handguns, tanks and artillery from the occupation period
- The home front and everyday life in the war years on Haugalandet
Permanent exhibition
- Der Untergang – Thematic exhibition on the Allied victory in Europe and the German defeat in Berlin in May 1945, with a main installation at the Reichstag building.
- Operated by
- Haugalandmuseet
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 100 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | NOK 70Students and seniors/concessions (honnør) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 enter free of charge. |
| Seniors | NOK 70Seniors/concessions (honnør) |
| Students & apprentices | NOK 70 |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Private guided tours for groups of at least ten people from April to October: NOK 1,000 during the day (09:00–15:00) or NOK 3,000 in the afternoon and at weekends for up to 20 people, in addition to the admission ticket. Booking at least ten days in advance. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is marked as accessible for people with mobility impairments but is not universally designed.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
The museum is marked as suitable for families with children. Children under 16 enter free of charge.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Førresbotten
Bus no. 206 or 260 from Haugesund bus terminal to Førresbotten; there is a direct connection to Haugesund city centre and Aksdal from a bus stop right by the museum.
The museum is nine kilometres east of Haugesund, at the innermost end of Førresfjorden along the E134. The approach is well signposted.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum shop at reception sells military items, books, ice cream and coffee.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Private guided tours for groups can be booked with the museum's educators. |
