Besøkssenter villaks Lærdal

About the museum

Besøkssenter villaks Lærdal lies at Lærdalsøyri, right at the innermost end of the Sognefjord, on the bank of the Lærdal river, one of the best-known salmon rivers in Norway and Europe. It is one of four authorised wild salmon visitor centres in the country and is run by the foundation Nasjonalt villakssenter (National Wild Salmon Centre). Its purpose is to share knowledge about the wild Atlantic salmon and to enable dialogue between those with interests linked to the salmon and its habitats.

The centre brings the river into the building, so that visitors can see live salmon, salmon parr and sea trout. The newly renovated exhibition follows the salmon through its life: growing up in the river, the journey out into the open sea, back through the fjord and up into the river where it was born. Through text, sound, interactive stations and quizzes, guests learn what the salmon has meant to people, which threats it faces and what is required to secure the species. There is also an outdoor exhibition with QR codes that is open all year.

The building at Øyraplassen 14 is shared with Sogn Kunstsenter, Laksen bakeri og kafé (bakery and café), tourist information and a cultural hall that is also used as a cinema. From the roof you can look down on the salmon in the centre and out over the fjord and the river. Every October the centre holds the Gytefestivalen (Spawning Festival), with spawning walks, lectures and concerts.

Highlights

• Live salmon, salmon parr and sea trout inside the building
• Self-guided exhibition on the salmon’s life cycle, with interactive stations and a quiz
• View over the fjord and river from the roof
• Free outdoor exhibition, open all year
• Spawning Festival every October

Permanent exhibitions

• Utstilling inne – Self-guided exhibition on the life cycle of the salmon from river to sea and back, with live salmon, interactive elements and a quiz.
• Utstilling ute – Free outdoor exhibition with QR codes on the salmon’s life cycle, threats and protection, open all year.

Operated by

Stiftelsen Nasjonalt villakssenter

Admission & discounts

School classes and kindergartens receive free visits and tours.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

It is possible to drive right up to the entrance. Paved road outside and level approach, step-free access to all floors by lift, own disabled parking and an accessible toilet. The exhibitions are universally designed, and films and videos are shown on tables so that they are easy to see from a wheelchair.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

There is a trail with simple questions for the youngest, a quiz for the family and interactive in-depth stations for those with a special interest.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Laksen bakery and café are in the same building. Sogn Kunstsenter and tourist information are also in the building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit