Siljustøl

About the museum

Siljustøl was the home of the composer Harald Sæverud (1897–1992) and his wife, Marie Hvoslef. The house was completed in 1939. Sæverud chose the architect Ludolf Eide Parr and helped shape the building himself. It is inspired by traditional Norwegian building style and stands high and free on the highest point of the property.

At the heart of the house lies the music hall, where concerts are performed throughout the year. The study, the grand piano and the personal belongings are left as Sæverud left them when he died in 1992. The house has a museum section and a private section that belongs to the family.

Around the house is a nature area of 176 mål (an old Norwegian unit of area), with trails, tall trees and a lake. The area was Sæverud's most important source of inspiration as a composer and is open to everyone all year. Like Edvard Grieg, Sæverud planned to be buried on his own property and pointed out the spot himself, but exactly where it is remains a secret.

Sæverud became known as one of Norway's leading composers during the 1930s and 1940s, and “Kjempeviseslåtten” (1943) became a musical symbol of the resistance during the occupation. Siljustøl was officially opened as a museum in 1997, on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Highlights

• The house from 1939 with the music hall and the study, left as Sæverud left them
• The nature area of 176 mål with trails and a lake
• Free listening walk in the outdoor area, with the app
• Sunday concerts and other events
• Sæverud's compositions, including “Kjempeviseslåtten”

Founded

1997

Operated by

Kode

Admission & discounts

The NOK 200 ticket applies to all Kode museums. Members of Kode have free admission. With Bergenskortet admission costs NOK 65. The outdoor area and the listening walk are free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 outdoor area has made paths and gravel roads and is partly accessible for wheelchair users. Inside the house, wheelchair access is limited, and the museum recommends contacting it in advance. There is an accessible toilet on the 1st floor.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

The listening walk in the outdoor area has stories for children. The museum holds family activities, including during Festspillene i Bergen (the Bergen International Festival). There is a toilet with a changing room in the house.

Getting there & parking

Siljustøl is a short drive from central Bergen, south on the E39 towards Flesland. Follow the signs to Siljustøl at the Råstølen Bybane stop onto Harald Sæverudsvei. There is a footpath and cycle path from the city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Bags and outer clothing may be stored on the 1st floor of the house at the owner's risk, and wet umbrellas can be left there.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit