Norwegian Canning Museum

Norwegian Canning Museum Travel Guide

The Norwegian Canning Museum, or Norsk Hermetikkmuseum, is a captivating destination nestled in the historic Old Stavanger area of Norway. This museum provides an intriguing insight into the country’s extensive canning history, with a particular emphasis on the sardine industry that once flourished in the region. Visitors can discover the detailed process of converting simple sardines into delicious canned products, fostering a greater appreciation for the labor and technological innovations that characterized this period.

History

Before the oil industry took center stage in Norway, sardines were a vital source of income for many residents of Stavanger. By 1922, the canneries in the city accounted for an impressive 50% of local employment. The Norwegian Canning Museum explores this remarkable past, illustrating a 12-step process that turned sardines into canned goods. Additionally, the museum features a restored workers’ cottage, serving as a heartfelt homage to the lives of those who worked diligently in the canneries.

How to Get There

Located in the Gamle Stavanger district, the Norwegian Canning Museum is easily reachable by foot or public transport. The museum’s address is Øvre Strandgate 88, placing it within the charming cobblestone streets and rows of late-18th-century wooden houses that characterize Old Town.

List of Attractions

• Exhibition on Canning Process: The museum presents a thorough narrative of the 12-stage process from salting to packing, offering a detailed understanding of how sardines were canned.
• Restored Workers’ Cottage: Adjacent to the main building, this cottage is furnished in styles from the 1920s and 1960s, providing insight into the lives of cannery workers.
• Production and Packaging Hall: Visitors can observe the entire production process and even participate in threading and laying sardines, making it an engaging experience for all ages.
• Kids’ Play Corner: The museum features a dedicated play area where children can engage in drawing, crafts, or personalizing their own fish can, ensuring a fun visit for families.
• Historic Labels Collection: With over 32,000 different can labels, the museum showcases the creative marketing strategies employed by Norwegian canneries.

Ticket Information

Summer Season (May 15th – August 18th):

• Adults: NOK 100.00
• Children (0-18): Free
• Pensioners: NOK 70.00
• Students: Free
• Season Ticket Adult: NOK 500.00
• Season Ticket Pensioner: NOK 400.00

All Other Days:

• Adults: NOK 100.00
• Children (0-18): Free
• Pensioners: NOK 70.00
• Students: Free

Tips for Visiting

• Family-Friendly: The museum is designed to cater to families, featuring interactive exhibits and activities for both children and adults.
• Hands-On Experience: The production and packaging hall allows visitors to try their hand at canning fish themselves.
• Historic Ambiance: The restored workers’ cottage offers a poignant look into the lives of those who worked in the canneries.
• Practical Information: The museum is open daily, and visitors are encouraged to check the website for additional information and special events.
• Combine with Other Attractions: Stavanger boasts a variety of attractions, including the Old Town and other museums, making it a perfect destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

By visiting the Norwegian Canning Museum, travelers can gain a unique perspective on Norway’s industrial heritage and the significant impact of the canning industry on the country’s economic development.