Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve
Discover Herdla: a captivating blend of WWII history and breathtaking Norwegian nature, offering a unique 'Friluftsliv' experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Herdla Museum & Nature Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Herdla: a captivating blend of WWII history and breathtaking Norwegian nature, offering a unique 'Friluftsliv' experience.
"Arriving in a garden of Eden, absolutely beautiful surroundings and just no words to described except beautiful."
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Outdoor Areas
Breathtaking 'Friluftsliv' landscapes offering serene walks and stunning views, perfect for enjoying the Norwegian outdoors.

Interactive Children's Area
Museum Interior
A dedicated space filled with toys and activities, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Herdla
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Don't underestimate the museum; 2 hours isn't enough! Explore exhibits and the nature reserve thoroughly.
4th time visiting
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!
👨👩👧 Kids Visit Free
Children up to 17 years old get free admission, making it a great family outing.
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.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Don't underestimate the museum; 2 hours isn't enough! Explore exhibits and the nature reserve thoroughly.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The cafe offers delicious pastries, including croissants, and free coffee refills. Try the panini!
👨👩👧 Kids Visit Free
Children up to 17 years old get free admission, making it a great family outing.
🚶♀️ Explore 'Friluftsliv'
Embrace the local concept of 'Friluftsliv' by walking around the beautiful nature reserve.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available, but given the museum's size and location, purchasing tickets upon arrival is generally straightforward.
The nature reserve is generally accessible without an additional fee, as it's part of the natural landscape surrounding the museum.
🎫 🧭 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.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated children's area with many toys, and kids under 17 get free admission, making it a family-friendly destination.
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.
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.
'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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The cafe is known for its delicious pastries, including croissants, and offers items like mozzarella and pesto sourdough paninis. Coffee refills are complimentary.
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.
Dining options directly outside the museum are limited. The museum cafe is the primary choice for refreshments and light meals on-site.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The preserved Fokker Wulf aircraft offers a dramatic and unique photographic subject. The surrounding nature reserve provides stunning landscapes, especially with coastal views.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially around sensitive exhibits.
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.
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.
A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and landscapes of the nature reserve.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Significance of Herdla
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.
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.
Experiencing Herdla's Nature Reserve
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.
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.
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