Fjaerland Glacier Museum
Sogn og Fjordane
The Norwegian Glacier Museum, located in Fjærland, Vestland county, Norway, is dedicated to educating visitors about glaciers and climate. Designed by renowned architect Sverre Fehn, the museum showcases the majestic Jostedalsbreen glacier and the surrounding national park. Open from April through October, it features advanced film technology, interactive models, and experiments with real glacier ice. The museum also includes the Ulltveit-Moe Climate Centre, an extension opened in 2007 that offers a compelling exhibit on climate change. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic film on Europe's largest seamless screen, providing an immersive experience of Jostedalsbreen National Park. Outdoor educational areas, including a playground with mammoth models, engage younger visitors. The museum was established through collaboration among several scientific and cultural institutions and has received architectural awards for its innovative design. It serves as a certified visitor center for Jostedalsbreen National Park and continues to attract visitors interested in natural science and environmental awareness.
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Tip: The museum is open daily from April to October, with shorter winter hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's recommended to visit during the warmer months for full access to exhibits and outdoor activities. Booking tickets in advance is advisable during peak season. Visitors can also explore nearby glacier arms like Bøyabreen and enjoy guided glacier walks in summer. Electric bike rentals are available in Fjærland for convenient local travel. The museum offers discounts for groups and educational visits.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building won the Betongtavlen architecture prize in 1992 and Houens fonds diploma in 1994.
- •The Ulltveit-Moe Climate Centre was opened in 2007 with a donation of 15 million NOK.
- •Former US Vice President Walter Mondale, with ancestral ties to Fjærland, inaugurated the climate center.
- •The museum's panoramic film is shown on Europe's largest seamless screen.
- •By July 2007, the museum had welcomed over one million visitors.
History
Founded in 1989 as a joint initiative by Norwegian trekking and scientific organizations, the Norwegian Glacier Museum opened its doors in 1991.
The building, designed by Sverre Fehn, received prestigious architecture awards in the early 1990s.
In 2007, the museum expanded with the Ulltveit-Moe Climate Centre, funded by a significant donation, to enhance its focus on climate science.
The opening ceremony was attended by former US Vice President Walter Mondale, whose ancestors hailed from the area.
Since then, the museum has become a key center for glacier and climate education and a certified visitor center for Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Hall1991
Features interactive models, experiments with real glacier ice from Supphellebreen, and advanced film techniques showcasing glacier dynamics and climate.
Panoramic Film Theatre1991
Hosts a panoramic film about Jostedalsbreen National Park on Europe's largest seamless screen, immersing visitors in the glacier's landscape.
Ulltveit-Moe Climate Centre2007
An extension dedicated to climate science, featuring the 'Our Fragile Climate' exhibit that explores past and future climate changes through an experiential journey.
Outdoor Educational Playground
An outdoor area with educational installations including mammoth models, designed especially for children to learn about natural history and glaciers.
Contact
Phone: 57 69 32 88