INTO NORWAY Discovers: Bergen's Troll Museum – A Magical Experience for the Whole Family
When visiting Bergen, most people probably think of Bryggen, the Fish Market or the Fløibanen funicular first. But right in the heart of the city, there’s an attraction that completely surprised us as a family: the Bergen Troll Museum. We spent a morning there with our children (aged 5 and 11) – and can honestly say it was absolutely worth the visit.
A Museum the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Honestly, when we first heard about the Troll Museum, we were a little sceptical. A museum about trolls? Would our children really find that interesting?
Within the first few minutes, we had our answer: absolutely!
Located right next to the historic Bryggen district, the entrance to the museum is surprisingly easy to miss – although the troll-like footprints soon point you in the right direction.
The Troll Museum isn’t a traditional museum filled with display cases and endless information boards. Instead, it combines Norwegian folklore, modern technology and interactive experiences in a way that keeps both children and adults entertained.
It’s this combination of fascinating stories, impressive characters and digital elements that makes the experience so much fun.
Our Highlights
We particularly loved the beautifully designed troll figures, the many little details and the atmosphere throughout the museum. You can immediately tell how much thought and passion has gone into creating the exhibition. Right from the beginning, you learn about Norwegian mythology and the role trolls have played in traditional folklore and legends.
Our children had great fun exploring the different areas and discovering new trolls along the way. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved yourself – whether that means drawing, playing or using some of the fun effects to transform yourself into a troll (or at least a troll’s friend).
One of the biggest highlights is the museum’s various virtual reality experiences, which our children simply couldn’t get enough of. Bring an ugly troll to life? Make a 3D castle appear on a table? At the Troll Museum, apparently anything is possible!
Make sure you allow some extra time for one of the final rooms, too. Here, children can interact with an entire digital world, destroying different creatures in the sand and watching the scenery react and transform around them.
What Age Is the Troll Museum Suitable For?
In our experience, the museum is particularly suitable for families with children aged around four and over. Admission is even free for children up to the age of five, while older children up to the age of 12 pay NOK 120 (around €10).
Our five-year-old son was fascinated from beginning to end, and our eleven-year-old daughter also had great fun exploring the exhibition.
We enjoyed it as adults too – particularly because the museum introduces Norwegian culture and folklore in such a modern and entertaining way. And as parents, it was especially nice to have an activity where neither child was bored or asking when we could leave. 😉
📍 At a Glance
Location: Central Bergen
Perfect for: Families, couples, Norway fans & rainy days
Time needed: Approx. 1.5 hours
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our Verdict
The Bergen Troll Museum was one of the most pleasant surprises we discovered in Bergen.
It’s modern, thoughtfully designed and manages to bring Norwegian culture and folklore to life in a playful and entertaining way. Families with children will find plenty to enjoy, but there’s enough here to keep adults entertained too.
If you’re visiting Bergen and looking for something a little different to do, we can genuinely recommend the Troll Museum based on our own experience.
💙 INTO NORWAY Recommends
After visiting the Troll Museum, take a walk through the historic Bryggen district or ride the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen. Travelling with children? You’ll find plenty more family-friendly activities in our “Bergen with Kids” section.
