Hardanger fartøyvernsenter
Living maritime museum in Norheimsund with open workshops, a ropewalk, a forge, displayed vessels and the sailing ship S/J Mathilde.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Hardanger fartøyvernsenter (Hardanger Vessel Conservation Centre) is located in Norheimsund and is described as a living maritime museum. As a visitor you can walk around the grounds and watch craftsmen at work in the small-boat workshop, the forge, the ropewalk (reperbanen) and the rigging workshop. In the film room historical picture shows are screened; you can row a trip on the fjord in the traditional boats, make your own rope or build a toy boat.
In the harbour lie vessels from the collection and boats that are in for restoration, among them MK Vikingen, MY Faun and the Hardanger sailing boat (hardangerjakta) S/J Mathilde, which was built in Ølve in 1884 and restored as a sailing vessel in 1984–89. Mathilde was the starting point when the conservation centre was established. On the ropewalk, church boats are on display, and the exhibition on the ropemaking trade gives an introduction to the techniques and materials for rope production. The centre is part of Hardanger og Voss museum.
Highlights
- Open workshops: small-boat workshop, forge, ropewalk and rigging
- Vessels at the quay, including the Hardanger sailing boat S/J Mathilde from 1884
- Exhibition on the ropemaking trade in the ropewalk
- Rowing trips on the fjord in traditional boats
- Café and shop with self-produced goods
Permanent exhibitions
- Repslagerhåndverket – Introduction to the techniques and materials for rope production in the ropewalk, with a miniature ropewalk where you can make your own rope.
- Utstilte båter – Vessels from the collection at the quay and boats that are in for restoration; church boats on the ropewalk.
- Operated by
- Hardanger og Voss museum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 125 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | NOK 75Children aged 4–18 and students |
| Children & teens | NOK 75free up to age 3 · Children aged 4–18 |
| Students & apprentices | NOK 75 |
| Families | NOK 325Two adults and up to four children |
| Annual pass, adult (Matros, sailor) | NOK 350Free admission all year round. |
| Annual pass, child aged 4–18 (Førstereis, first voyage) or student (Lettmatros, ordinary seaman) | NOK 200 |
| Annual pass, family (Mannskap, crew) | NOK 750Two adults and up to four children. |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
| Family ticket | NOK 325 · Two adults and up to four children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
You can make your own rope, build a toy boat and row a trip on the fjord.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From the quay and bus stop in Norheimsund, an idyllic shore road runs along Hardangerfjord, about five minutes' walk.
By car, follow the signs in Norheimsund town centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Café with lunch, flatbread (lapper), ice cream, cakes and apple juice, and a large outdoor seating area on the quay when the weather allows. The shop sells self-produced goods from the forge and the ropewalk, as well as maritime books, clothing and textiles.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours for small and large groups can be booked (+47 474 79 839, visit@fartoyvern.no). The picture show “Da sjøen var vegen” (When the Sea Was the Road) is shown in the film room. Visitors should allow a couple of hours. |
