Flyhistorisk Museum Sola

About the museum

Flyhistorisk Museum Sola is located in the old seaplane harbour at the innermost end of Sømmevågen, at the end of the airfield between Stavanger and Sandnes, and is run by Jærmuseet. Sola airport opened in 1937 as Norway's first civil land airport, and during the German invasion and occupation the area was greatly expanded. A hangar of 4,500 square metres from this period remains, and it now houses the main exhibition.

The collection comprises around 30 aircraft and helicopters, engines, vehicles and other objects that show the development of aviation with an emphasis on Sola and Jæren. Here stand, among others, German aircraft from the Second World War, the large Catalina flying boat that was used from Sola Sjø in the 1950s, and civil classics such as Braathens' Fokker F-27 Friendship and SAS' Convair Metropolitan. The museum also has all the fighter aircraft types the Air Force used before the F-16.

In recent years the museum has been expanded with the Torpedo Workshop, a building erected by the occupying power that shows stories from the Second World War; a new exhibition hall with the fighter aircraft exhibition on the Cold War, which opened in 2024; and a foyer building with café and shop, which opened in 2025. The museum's friends' association does much of the restoration work and the guiding.

Highlights

• 4,500-square-metre hangar built by the Germans during the Second World War
• Catalina flying boat used from Sola Sjø
• The fighter aircraft exhibition “Vi som fløy under den kalde krigen” (We Who Flew in the Cold War)
• The Torpedo Workshop with stories from the Second World War
• Civil classics from the 1950s such as the Fokker F-27 and Convair Metropolitan

Permanent exhibitions

• Sivil og militær luftfart – Main exhibition in a German hangar from the Second World War with aircraft and helicopters connected to Sola, including German and Norwegian aircraft from the war and civil classics from the 1950s.
• Vi som fløy under den kalde krigen – Exhibition on the fighter aircraft used in Norway during the Cold War and the stories of those who flew them.
• Torpedoverkstedet – Exhibition in a workshop built by the German occupying power, where torpedoes for German seaplanes were prepared, with stories from the Second World War.

Operated by

Jærmuseet

Admission & discounts

One ticket is valid on the same day at all Jærmuseet sites. Annual passes are personal and valid for 52 weeks at all Jærmuseet sites.

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

Step-free entrance, and all the exhibitions are on ground level in spacious rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

Children's and family tickets are available, and the museum offers visits for schools and nurseries. All the exhibitions are on ground level.

Getting there & parking

The museum is centrally located between Stavanger and Sandnes, in the historic seaplane harbour at the end of the airfield.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The foyer building from 2025 has reception, café, shop, meeting rooms and toilets. The café sells open sandwiches, freshly griddled flatbread (lapper), biscuits, coffee, ice cream and soft drinks. Food brought from outside may not be eaten on the museum's premises.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

The collection room Mimrehallen, with space for up to 50 people seated at tables, a café and meeting rooms can be hired, and the whole museum can be hired in the evening. Catering can be ordered.

Plan your visit