Lofoten War Memorial Museum
Nordland
The Lofoten War Memorial Museum in Svolvær, Norway, offers an extensive and unique collection of World War II memorabilia, focusing especially on the German occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945. Established in 1996 by collector William Hakvaag, the museum houses Norway's largest exhibition of WWII uniforms and militaria, including items from both military and civilian life during the war. Exhibits include uniforms from the Third Reich's military and Nazi organizations, personal belongings of notable figures such as Gestapo officers and Norwegian war heroes, and rare artifacts like a lamp from the German battleship Tirpitz and a possible painting by Adolf Hitler. The museum also features everyday objects from the war period, illustrating life under occupation, such as ration cards, cigarette packages, and even Christmas decorations with Nazi symbols. Located in the historic post office building near Svolvær's harbor, it serves as both a memorial and an educational center, with a library of wartime books, photographs, and printed materials. The founder himself guides visitors, enriching the experience with personal insights. The museum's compact but dense presentation makes it a compelling destination for those interested in WWII history and Northern Norway's wartime stories.
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Astuce: Visit the museum during weekdays from 11:00 to 16:00 or weekends with slightly shorter hours to avoid crowds. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers informative guided tours by the founder, enhancing the visitor experience. Discounts may be available for groups and seniors. Located centrally in Svolvær near the harbor, it is easily accessible for travelers arriving by Hurtigruten cruise ships.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum holds Norway's largest collection of WWII uniforms, primarily from Nazi Germany's military and party organizations.
- •It features personal items from notable figures such as Gestapo officers Siegfried Wolfgang Fehmer and Ernst Weiner.
- •A lamp from the German battleship Tirpitz and a case believed to have belonged to Eva Braun are exhibited.
- •In 2008, the museum acquired a painting possibly created by Adolf Hitler, with hidden sketches of Disney characters signed "A. H.".
- •The collection includes everyday wartime objects like ration cards, cigarette packages, and Christmas decorations adorned with Nazi symbols.
Histoire
The museum opened on June 15, 1996, after decades of private collecting by William Hakvaag, who started gathering wartime artifacts in the 1970s.
Initially a private institution, it became part of Museum Nord in 2010, expanding its reach and resources.
The collection grew to include Norway's largest array of WWII uniforms and artifacts, emphasizing events in Lofoten and Northern Norway during the German occupation.
Over the years, the museum has acquired rare and unique items, including personal belongings of key wartime figures and curiosities like possible Adolf Hitler artworks.
Its location in the 1923 post office building in Svolvær adds historical context to the visitor experience.
Guide du lieu
Uniform Collection1933-1945
The museum's main exhibit includes around 140 WWII uniforms from the German military (Waffen-SS, Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, Luftwaffe), Nazi party organizations (NSDAP, SS, SA, Hitlerjugend), and allied forces such as Norwegian, British, Polish, French, and Soviet soldiers. Each uniform is accompanied by detailed descriptions and personal stories.
Personal Artifacts of War Figures1940s
This section displays personal belongings of key wartime actors, including Gestapo officers, Norwegian resistance members, and Nazi leaders. Highlights include a peaked cap belonging to Siegfried Wolfgang Fehmer, a jacket of Ernst Weiner, Heinrich Himmler's business card, and a case believed to have belonged to Eva Braun.
Everyday Life During Occupation1940-1945
Artifacts from civilian life during WWII such as ration cards, cigarette packs, condoms, propaganda materials, and Christmas decorations with swastikas provide insight into daily experiences under Nazi occupation.
Special Exhibits and Curiosities
Unique items include a lamp from the battleship Tirpitz, lanterns and compass from Leif Larsen's boats, and a painting possibly by Adolf Hitler with hidden Disney sketches. The museum also holds a library with wartime books, photographs, and printed materials.
Contact
Téléphone: 91 73 03 28
