Falstadsenteret

About the museum

The buildings that today house Falstadsenteret have a long and complex history. From 1895 Falstad was a reform school for boys, later a boarding school (skolehjem), and the institution was formally closed in 1949. In the autumn of 1941 the German security police established SS-Strafgefangenenlager Falstad (the SS penal camp Falstad) for political prisoners. More than 4,200 prisoners were held here during the Second World War, and over 200 of them were executed in Falstadskogen in 1942–43.

After the war the site was used as a forced-labour camp for collaborators (landssvikere) from 1945 to 1949. From 1951 to 1992 Ekne public school, a boarding school for children with intellectual disabilities, was located in the buildings.

The Falstadsenteret foundation was established in August 2000 as a national training and documentation centre for the history of wartime imprisonment, humanitarian law and human rights. Today the centre is a museum, memorial site and place of teaching. The main exhibition, “Ansikt til ansikt” (Face to Face), tells the story of the prison camp and the Nazi camp system, and in the former commandant's house the exhibition “Maktens ansikter” (Faces of Power) tells stories of abuse of power, powerlessness and resistance. The centre also has a library, a museum shop, a hotel and a digital prisoner archive, fanger.no.

Key themes

• The main exhibition “Ansikt til ansikt” (Face to Face) about the SS camp Falstad
• The commandant's house with the exhibition “Maktens ansikter” (Faces of Power)
• Digitally reconstructed prisoner camp
• The memorial site Falstadskogen with five memorials
• Library with non-fiction, novels and films
• Digital prisoner archive at fanger.no

Permanent exhibitions

• Ansikt til ansikt – The main exhibition shows the history of the SS-Strafgefangenenlager Falstad and the Nazi camp system of which the camp was part.
• Maktens ansikter – Exhibition in the basement of the former commandant's house on abuse of power, powerlessness and resistance in the SS camp.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Stiftelsen Falstadsenteret

Admission & discounts

A valid membership card for Norges museumsforbund or ICOM gives free admission. Overnight guests have admission included. Payment by Vipps, card or cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The whole centre is universally designed and well adapted for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The conference room has an induction loop. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome; other pets are not taken inside.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Bright rooms and a children's corner in the library with books, games and drawing materials. In the summer season there are special activities for children, including a nature trail in the memorial landscape and creative activities. History is presented in a way suited to the age of the visitors, and primary schools get tailored programmes.

Getting there & parking

From the E6 at Skogn, follow County Road 61 (Fv61) towards Ekne, about 7.5 km. From Trondheim it takes about an hour by car.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers: not available
• Wi-Fi

Kiosk at reception with coffee, tea, refreshments and simple snacks; ice cream in summer. Free guest Wi-Fi throughout the main building. Simple hooks in the cloakroom, without locks. Museum shop with books, postcards and souvenirs. Lunch and dinner can only be pre-ordered for groups. Hotel with overnight accommodation on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Meeting rooms and conference venues with packages for catering and accommodation; hotel with 26 rooms.

Plan your visit