Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve - a large building with a red roof on a dirt road
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Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve

4.5
·213 reviews·, Norway

Discover Herdla: a captivating blend of WWII history and breathtaking Norwegian nature, offering a unique 'Friluftsliv' experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

CrowdLow
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Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve - a large building with a red roof on a dirt road

Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Herdla: a captivating blend of WWII history and breathtaking Norwegian nature, offering a unique 'Friluftsliv' experience.

4.5
(213 reviews)

"Arriving in a garden of Eden, absolutely beautiful surroundings and just no words to described except beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive for Best Access

Public transport is limited, especially on weekends. Driving allows you to stop and enjoy scenic views along the way.

⏰ Allow Ample Time

Don't underestimate the museum; 2 hours isn't enough! Explore exhibits and the nature reserve thoroughly.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

WWII German Aircraft

WWII German Aircraft

Museum Interior

A hauntingly preserved Fokker Wulf aircraft from WWII, a truly captivating and eerie sight that draws many visitors.

Nature Reserve Exploration

Nature Reserve Exploration

Outdoor Areas

Breathtaking 'Friluftsliv' landscapes offering serene walks and stunning views, perfect for enjoying the Norwegian outdoors.

Interactive Children's Area

Interactive Children's Area

Museum Interior

A dedicated space filled with toys and activities, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for younger visitors.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Herdla

Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially if you're driving, as public transport can be limited on weekends. The museum is small but packed with fascinating exhibits, so allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore.

Embrace the Outdoors

Herdla is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings, often referred to as 'Friluftsliv' by locals. While the museum is a highlight, don't miss the chance to explore the nature reserve, especially on a clear, calm day. Pack comfortable shoes for walking and consider bringing a picnic to enjoy amidst the breathtaking views.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low
When
Warm, calm days
Why
Ideal for outdoor exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Live in Bergen, got visitors for 10 days. Where to go?

🚗 Drive for Best Access

Public transport is limited, especially on weekends. Driving allows you to stop and enjoy scenic views along the way. Reddit

⏰ Allow Ample Time

Don't underestimate the museum; 2 hours isn't enough! Explore exhibits and the nature reserve thoroughly. Reddit

reddit.com

4th time visiting

reddit.com

Holiday in Bergen! What should I not miss?

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe offers delicious pastries, including croissants, and free coffee refills. Try the panini! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Visit Free

Children up to 17 years old get free admission, making it a great family outing. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Bergen on a budget?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive for Best Access

Public transport is limited, especially on weekends. Driving allows you to stop and enjoy scenic views along the way. Reddit

⏰ Allow Ample Time

Don't underestimate the museum; 2 hours isn't enough! Explore exhibits and the nature reserve thoroughly. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe offers delicious pastries, including croissants, and free coffee refills. Try the panini! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Visit Free

Children up to 17 years old get free admission, making it a great family outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore 'Friluftsliv'

Embrace the local concept of 'Friluftsliv' by walking around the beautiful nature reserve. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(213 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the stunning natural beauty of Herdla, often describing it as a 'garden of Eden' and highly recommending the 'Friluftsliv' experience in the nature reserve. The preserved WWII aircraft is a major highlight, captivating many. While the museum is small, it's cozy and interesting, with a good cafe and free coffee refills. However, some find the admission price a bit high for the size of the museum.

"Oh my god, i have underestimated this museum knowing it was located from an isolated area outside Bergen, but when we got there it seems like arriving in a garden of Eden, absolutely beautiful sorroundings and just no words to described except beautiful beautiful beautiful. The muesum was open on Sundays might be limited bus routes there specially weekends but i recommend you drive because somewhere along the you can stop and enjoy the e breathtaking view. The museum was amazingly interesting and the history behind it, my son love so much every bit of it and our 2hours time there aren't enough. Make sure you bring your charger and maybe selfie stick. You can bring your "mat pakke" but if not the cafe is open with varieties of pastries and hot coffee for free but i took cappuccino and bought some souvenirs and those croissant i still imagining it how yummy to just nibble it while sitting in a bench outside with the sun shining and the snow is glistening. The employees were super accommodating and can buy a single ticket cost about nok160 i think and children up to 17 years old are free. I chosed their yearly card since i lived now in the city of Bergen. We went upstairs and enjoy the view using telescope, etc. And started our touring around outside and to the nature reserved where so breathtaking locals call it "Friluftsliv" i cant wait to go back in March where the 3rd floor is now on renovation and it will be open again sometimes in March. Highly recommended, it's worth every minute!"

By Førde

"The aircraft...focker wulfe is a truly visual/eerie sight to see. Worth the trip in itself... furthermore the outside is good for a walk around if weather permits..."

Martin Henrik Lund

"We've been on Herdla several times, and there is still so much to discover. The museum is small and cosy. The German plane fro WW2 and some German army instruments are the biggest and the most attractive exponates. The museum has a little cafe with good choice of cakes, coffees and easy dishes. There is also a large area for children with lot of different toys. Recommended visiting museum and whole Herdla on warm days with no wind.
They also organize tours including visiting of control rooms for torpedos and mines."

Tin Ka

What People Like

Beautiful nature reserve
WWII aircraft exhibit
Cozy, interesting museum

What People Dislike

Admission price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve is by car, offering flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic stops along the route. Public transport options are limited, especially on weekends, so check bus schedules carefully if you plan to use them. Driving allows for easier access to the nature reserve and surrounding areas. Reddit

Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. This is a significant advantage given the limited public transport options. Reddit

From Bergen, you'll typically head west towards Sotra and then follow signs for Herdla. The drive itself is scenic, offering glimpses of the beautiful Norwegian coastline. Reddit

While the direct route is efficient, consider taking some of the coastal roads on the way to Herdla for a more picturesque journey. The area around Sotra offers stunning views. Reddit

The driving time from Bergen to Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve is approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact starting point in the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission for adults is around NOK 160, but children up to 17 years old get in for free. Many visitors opt for a yearly card if they live locally in Bergen. Reddit

Children under 17 are admitted free of charge. Consider purchasing a yearly card if you plan to visit multiple times, as it can be cost-effective for locals. Reddit

The museum is often open on Sundays, but hours can vary. It's advisable to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times, especially for specific days or seasons. Reddit

Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available, but given the museum's size and location, purchasing tickets upon arrival is generally straightforward. Reddit

The nature reserve is generally accessible without an additional fee, as it's part of the natural landscape surrounding the museum. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum's main draw is the preserved WWII German aircraft, a Fokker Wulf, which is a striking exhibit. You'll also find German army instruments and historical displays. Reddit

Absolutely! There's a dedicated children's area with many toys, and kids under 17 get free admission, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

The nature reserve offers beautiful walking paths and opportunities to experience 'Friluftsliv' (outdoor living). It's perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenic coastal environment. Reddit

Yes, the museum sometimes organizes special tours, including visits to control rooms for torpedoes and mines, offering a deeper dive into the site's history. Reddit

'Friluftsliv' is a Norwegian concept emphasizing outdoor recreation and connection with nature. At Herdla, it translates to enjoying the serene landscapes, fresh air, and peaceful environment of the nature reserve. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cozy cafe that offers a good selection of pastries, hot coffee with free refills, and light dishes like paninis. Reddit

The cafe is known for its delicious pastries, including croissants, and offers items like mozzarella and pesto sourdough paninis. Coffee refills are complimentary. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own 'matpakke' (packed lunch) and enjoy it while taking in the beautiful surroundings, perhaps sitting on a bench outside. Reddit

Dining options directly outside the museum are limited. The museum cafe is the primary choice for refreshments and light meals on-site. Reddit

While the cafe is generally open during museum hours, it's always best to confirm its operating status, especially during off-peak seasons or if visiting on a specific holiday. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The preserved Fokker Wulf aircraft offers a dramatic and unique photographic subject. The surrounding nature reserve provides stunning landscapes, especially with coastal views. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially around sensitive exhibits. Reddit

Information on drone usage is not readily available. It's best to assume that drone photography may be restricted in the nature reserve and around the museum to respect wildlife and other visitors. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for the landscapes. Midday can be good for capturing the details of the aircraft. Reddit

A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and landscapes of the nature reserve. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve is a fantastic destination for families. Children under 17 enjoy free admission, making it an economical choice. The museum features a dedicated children's area brimming with toys, ensuring that younger visitors stay entertained and engaged throughout the visit. Reddit

Beyond the museum's indoor attractions, the nature reserve offers ample space for kids to run around and explore the beautiful outdoor scenery. On a nice day, it's an ideal spot for a family picnic. The combination of historical exhibits and natural play areas makes Herdla a well-rounded outing for families looking for both education and fun. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers

For those exploring by car, Herdla is a rewarding detour. The drive from Bergen is scenic, and having your own vehicle provides the flexibility to stop and admire the coastal views along the way. Parking at the museum is generally ample and convenient. Reddit

Driving also allows you to easily access the nature reserve and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial as public transport options to Herdla can be limited, especially on weekends. It ensures a more comfortable and efficient visit, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying both the museum and the natural beauty. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Significance of Herdla

Herdla holds a significant place in Norwegian history, particularly during World War II. The presence of the preserved Fokker Wulf aircraft is a stark reminder of the island's strategic importance and the wartime activities that took place here. The museum delves into these historical events, showcasing German army instruments and offering insights into the period. Visitors often find the aircraft to be a particularly poignant and visually striking exhibit, evoking a sense of the past. Reddit

Beyond the military history, Herdla also represents a broader aspect of Norwegian heritage: 'Friluftsliv'. This concept, deeply ingrained in the culture, emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation and a connection with nature. The nature reserve surrounding the museum provides the perfect setting to experience this, with its beautiful landscapes and opportunities for peaceful exploration. The combination of historical remnants and natural beauty makes Herdla a unique destination. Reddit

For those interested in a deeper understanding, the museum sometimes organizes special tours that grant access to historical control rooms for torpedoes and mines. These tours offer a more immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the complex infrastructure that once operated on the island. It's a chance to connect with the tangible history of Herdla in a profound way. Reddit

Experiencing Herdla's Nature Reserve

The Herdla Nature Reserve is a true gem, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning Norwegian coastal landscape. Often described as 'breathtaking' and a 'garden of Eden,' the reserve is perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The concept of 'Friluftsliv' is central to the experience here, encouraging visitors to embrace the outdoors and enjoy activities like walking and simply being present in nature. Reddit

When visiting the nature reserve, comfortable footwear is a must, as there are lovely paths to explore. The scenery is particularly captivating on warm, calm days, allowing for a more pleasant and extended exploration. Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic, or 'matpakke,' to fully savor the experience, perhaps enjoying a meal on a bench with the sun shining and the snow glistening, as one reviewer fondly recalled. Reddit

While the museum itself is a primary draw, dedicating time to wander through the nature reserve is highly recommended. It provides a peaceful counterpoint to the historical exhibits and offers a chance to appreciate the natural environment that has shaped life on Herdla for centuries. The views are often described as spectacular, making it a worthwhile part of any visit. Reddit

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