During my visit to Oslo in the spring of 2012, one of the highlights of my trip was exploring the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum) in Bygdøy. It’s an open-air museum where you can walk among old wooden houses, farm buildings, and even entire neighborhoods from different parts of Norway. It feels like stepping back in time.
I was especially excited to see the famous Gol Stave Church, one of Norway’s medieval wooden churches, originally built in the 1200s. But when I arrived, I found out the church was closed for restoration. There was scaffolding around it, and signs explained that it was being repaired to protect it for the future. I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t go inside, but it was still impressive to see it up close — the dark tar-covered wood and carved details gave it a very mystical, ancient look.
As I wandered deeper into the museum grounds, I found myself surrounded by a whole village of traditional Norwegian houses — each one with its own story. Some had thick turf roofs covered in grass and wildflowers, while others had deep wooden beams darkened by age and weather. It felt like walking through different time periods and regions of Norway without ever leaving Oslo.
One of the most charming spots was the old post office, relocated from a small village and fully preserved inside and out. There were even examples of old stamps and letters behind glass — a quiet reminder of how people once stayed connected across mountain valleys and long winters.
Not far from there, I stepped into a merchant’s house with shelves lined with old tins, tools, and handmade goods. I could almost hear the creak of boots on the floorboards and the sound of bartering voices. Every building was filled with little details: woven blankets on wooden beds, iron tools hanging by the fireplace, painted walls, and lace curtains catching the light.
The gardens around the houses were just as peaceful — gravel paths lined with benches, old fences made of split timber, and trees that seemed to lean in gently as you passed. I even saw a couple dressed in traditional folk costumes guiding a group of school children through the site, telling stories about rural life and long-forgotten customs.
One of the best parts of the day was trying Norwegian pancakes made over an open fire in one of the traditional kitchens. They were warm, simple, and delicious — just a bit sweet, served with jam. Sitting outside with a pancake in hand, surrounded by all the wooden houses and trees, I felt like I had slipped into a slower, quieter version of Norway.
Even though the Gol Stave Church wasn’t open that day, the museum still gave me a deep sense of Norway’s history and traditions. It’s a peaceful place, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Oslo — especially if you love culture, nature, and a little time travel.
