Drangedal bygdetun

About the museum

Drangedal bygdetun was established in 1962 with the aim of showing the district in miniature, as it looked 100–200 years ago, when the farms lay singly or in small clusters, and cotters' farms and seter (mountain summer farms) lay hidden in the great forest. All the houses have been moved to the bygdetun from various places in Drangedal.

On the site of about 20 mål (an old Norwegian unit of area) by Motjern there are today 19 historic buildings from the 18th to the 20th centuries. There is a large farm (storgård), a heigård (a type of farm) and a cotter's farm with associated cowsheds, barns, stable, storehouse, seter, smithy, bathhouse (badstue), quern house and sawmill, as well as a schoolroom. In a newer administration and museum building there are permanent exhibitions, including a complete doctor's and dentist's surgery, a bank office, a parsonage office and a forestry exhibition. Near the gate stands the statue Skogsarbeideren (The Forest Worker), unveiled in 2017.

In Rødbygningen a country store from the 1950s–60s has been furnished, with a coffee room and shop. The bygdetun is run by Drangedal bygdetunlag (Drangedal rural heritage society) and is part of the museum network Soga. Concerts, markets and other events are held here throughout the year, and the surroundings have forest, a tarn and a network of ski trails.

Highlights

• 19 historic buildings moved to the bygdetun from all over Drangedal
• Country store and coffee room in Rødbygningen
• Complete doctor's and dentist's surgery, bank office and parsonage office
• Schoolroom and a large collection of objects
• Trails and floodlit ski trail around the bygdetun

Permanent exhibitions

• Friluftsmuseet med 19 historiske bygninger – Large farm, heigård, cotter's farm, smithy, mill and other buildings from Drangedal, with associated objects.
• Faste utstillinger i museumsbygget – Complete doctor's and dentist's surgery, bank office and parsonage office, as well as a forestry exhibition.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Drangedal bygdetunlag

Admission & discounts

Prices for guided tours with a museum host. Groups over 40 people by arrangement. Motorhome parking at the bygdetun costs NOK 250 per day.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

Parts of the trail and path network in the outdoor area are universally designed and well adapted. All older buildings have information signs in Norwegian and English.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The bygdetun lies about 1 km from Tokestua cultural hall and cinema, and 2 km from the bathing beach at Toke.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The bygdetun's shop and coffee room in Rødbygningen sell waffles, coffee, ice cream, soft drinks and squash, as well as local history books, T-shirts and mugs. A toilet is available during the coffee room's opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Buildings and grounds, including the stage with the log-built outdoor stage, can be rented for events and private gatherings.

Plan your visit