Hurtigruten Museum
Troms og Finnmark
The Norwegian Coastal Express Museum, located at Richard With Square in Stokmarknes, Nordland county, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Hurtigruten coastal express route, which originated here. Established officially in 1993 on the centenary of the first coastal express voyage, the museum showcases maritime heritage through exhibitions and the preserved former coastal express ship MS Finnmarken from 1956. The museum has evolved from its original premises in the old VesterĂ¥len Steamship Company building to a modern facility adjacent to the Coastal Express dock. In 2021, a new 3600-square-meter protective building was opened around MS Finnmarken to safeguard this significant maritime artifact. The museum functions as an information center for coastal culture and serves as a professional resource for schools and cultural institutions. It also cooperates with the VesterĂ¥len Museum in Melbu for conservation efforts. The museum's unique combination of historical vessels and exhibits provides visitors an immersive experience of Norway's coastal shipping legacy.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the summer months for better weather and accessibility. It's recommended to check the museum's opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets ahead, especially if arriving via the Hurtigruten coastal express, as round-trip passengers benefit from free admission through a partnership agreement. The museum offers discounts for groups and educational visits. Booking guided tours can enhance the experience, providing deeper insights into the vessel MS Finnmarken and the coastal express history.
Interesting facts
- •MS Finnmarken, dating from 1956, is one of the world's largest museum objects displayed on land.
- •The museum was officially opened on July 2, 1993, exactly 100 years after the first Hurtigruten voyage began.
- •A 3600 square meter steel and glass protective building was constructed around MS Finnmarken to prevent deterioration, opened in 2021.
- •The museum saw a 140% increase in visitor numbers in early 2009 after an agreement with Hurtigruten allowed free admission for round-trip passengers.
- •The museum is located at Richard With Square, named after the founder of Hurtigruten, emphasizing its historical significance.
History
The concept of the Norwegian Coastal Express Museum began in 1980, with a formal association established in 1989.
The museum unofficially opened in 1991 and was officially inaugurated in 1993 by Transport Minister Kjell Opseth, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the first Hurtigruten voyage by SS Vesteraalen.
In 1994, the retired coastal express ship MS Finnmarken was donated to the museum and moved ashore in 1999 for preservation.
Due to water damage, various preservation strategies were considered, culminating in the construction of a permanent protective building completed in 2021.
Funding efforts involved local municipalities, the Norwegian government, and the Hurtigruten company, highlighting the importance of local support for the museum's operation.
Place Guide
MS Finnmarken1956
The retired coastal express ship from 1956, preserved as the centerpiece of the museum. Visitors can explore the ship's decks and learn about its role in Norway's coastal shipping history.
Coastal Express Building (Hurtigrutens Hus)1999
The modern museum building adjacent to the Coastal Express dock, housing exhibitions on the history and cultural impact of the Hurtigruten route.
