Places with a story
Maihaugen
Maihaugen presents everyday Norwegian history through an extensive open-air museum in Lillehammer. Farms, town buildings and later homes allow visitors to compare different ways of living, while Garmo stave church provides a memorable centrepiece above the entrance.
About the place1
The open-air collection contains more than two hundred buildings grouped into rural, town and residential areas. These are settings for understanding work, household life and community functions rather than simply a row of architectural specimens. Indoor exhibitions add further perspectives to the experience of walking among the historic buildings.
History and local connections1
Dentist Anders Sandvig began collecting in 1887 after moving to Lillehammer. His private collection was bought by Lillehammer Bys Vel and moved to Maihaugen, where the museum opened on 2 July 1904. His interest shifted from unusual objects toward ordinary tools and the material evidence of daily life.
What to look for12
Compare a farmyard with town streets and the residential district to see how living conditions changed. Garmo stave church was dismantled in its original village in 1880 and reconstructed here in 1921 after its materials had been gathered. Its pointed tower and dragon heads make a strong visual link between collection history and medieval building traditions.
Plan your visit2
Use Maihaugen's current daily programme to choose open interiors, guided activities and exhibitions. Buildings do not necessarily share identical opening arrangements. The museum's Garmo page describes guided access within the season and notes temporary closures during tours. Plan time for the different outdoor districts as well as the main exhibition building.
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