Mineralparken

About the museum

Mineralparken came about because the Norwegian collector Arnar Hansson wanted to show his large mineral collection to the public. He said himself that the minerals gave him the most pleasure when others admired them. The park lies in a scenic area at Hornnes by the river Otra, formerly called Paradis, and in May 1993 King Harald and Queen Sonja visited the park.

The heart of the park is the exhibition inside the mountain, where 1,200 stones and minerals from all over the world are displayed in five halls covering a total of 1,200 square metres. Hall 1 has foreign minerals and themed exhibitions, hall 2 tells the story of feldspar and nickel production with mining equipment and ore wagons, hall 3 is Norgeshallen (the Norway Hall), hall 4 has glass display cases in the rock walls, and hall 5 has large crystal groups in mirrored cabinets. A separate themed exhibition explains how feldspar from Evje becomes dental implants.

Since 2005 the outdoor part of the park has been changed fundamentally, and it now includes a water park, slides, a treasure hunt, mini golf, a playground and stone activities. More than a million guests have visited the park.

Highlights

• Exhibition of 1,200 minerals and stones inside the mountain
• Norgeshallen with Norwegian minerals and stones
• Mining equipment and the history of feldspar and nickel production
• Crystal groups in mirrored cabinets
• Treasure hunt inside the mountain
• Stone figure carving, jewellery workshop and geode cracking

Permanent exhibition

• Utstillingen i fjellet – 1,200 stones and minerals from all over the world in five halls covering a total of 1,200 square metres, with mining history and a themed exhibition on feldspar from Evje.

Admission & discounts

Day ticket for adults aged 14 and over: NOK 249 in low season and NOK 359 in high season. Stone activities cost extra. Tickets booked at reception cost NOK 50 extra per ticket.

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

A companion card can be used for day tickets and season passes to Mineralparken, but not in Klatreskogen. Dogs are welcome in the whole outdoor area, but not in the exhibition inside the mountain or at Rallaren Bistro.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Treasure hunt inside the mountain, geode cracking, stone figure carving and a jewellery workshop, a large playground, mini golf and a bathing beach. Children can see, touch and search for stones. The park offers birthday parties and activities for families with children.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Rallaren Bistro in the main building, Rock Café on the roof terrace and a beach kiosk in high season. Rock Shop in the park.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Hall 1 of the exhibition is used for concerts, kick-offs and parties. The park welcomes businesses, associations and schools outside normal opening hours.

Plan your visit