Henrik Ibsen's childhood town Skien

Welcome to Henrik Ibsen’s childhood town Skien! The great and well-known author had his upbringing in Skien before heading to Grimstad. 

Most of Ibsen's plays take place in Norway, and Ibsen often took motifs from his birthplace Skien.

Henrik was born in Skien on 20 March 1882 where he grew up and lived the first years of his life, until he was 15 years old. Both the mother's and father's sides belonged to the city's most powerful trading families.

In 1844 he begins an apprenticeship with pharmacist Reimann in Grimstad. He stayed here for six years, and he returned to Skien only once, in 1850. According to his own words, this was the last time he visited his hometown of Skien.

In 1886, Skien again experienced a major fire, which left the center of Skien in ruins, and that Skien which had made such an impression on Henrik, was lost. The only authentic environment from Ibsen's time can be found in the Snipetorp district.

Nevertheless, you can find many traces of Henrik Ibsen throughout the city. Henrik’s childhood home, the farm at Venstøp, is currently being restored. In 2028, a new and modern museum will open in the barn, while the main house will be restored and returned to how it looked when Henrik lived there as a child. During the summer, you can experience Ibsen-related events in Brekkeparken leading up to the anniversary year in 2028. At Ibsenstua, you’ll meet guides who can tell you about the author’s childhood and literary work. It is also possible to join a city walk or a park tour focusing on Ibsen’s literature.

The Municipality of Skien has created a special 'Ibsen Walking Booklet,' which you can get for free at the Skien Tourist Office (the service desk at Skien Municipality)."