Tuddal Bygdetun

About

Tuddal Bygdetun is an idyllic open-air museum located in Hjartdal municipality. Work on the traditional farmstead started in the 1950s, with the newly assembled Tuddal Museum team as the driving force behind the project.

At the farmstead you can experience what a typical Tuddal farm was like in the 17th and 18th century, complete with a main house, hórreo, sauna, barn etc. All 13 buildings, the oldest tracing as far back as the 1600s, were moved there from different parts of the village.

The museum’s large outdoor area is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a picnic, even outside of the main summer season. Throughout the museum grounds you will also find boards and signs with information about the buildings.

Summer activities
During the summer months, when the museum is open, you can experience what life on a traditional farm was like in the olden days. You get to interact with the farm animals and partake in activities like storytime or go hunting for the “barn thief”. Keep an eye on the What’s on calendar and Tuddal Bygdetun’s Facebook page for information about daily activities during the main season.

The museum building
In 2000, a new museum building was constructed to house exhibitions, a kiosk and bathrooms. One exhibition is permanent and shows the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Tuddal. Among other things, you can see old national costumes from Tuddal, rose-painted trunks, the portal from the stave church that was removed in 1796, as well as a “house god” from pre-Christian times.

Consolidation with NIA
In June 2020, the Norwegian Industrial Workers' Museum (NIA) entered into an operating agreement for Tuddal Bygdetun. This means that NIA is responsible for building conservation, collection management and dissemination programs for the public and the local community.

Every year, students in Hjartdal municipality come to Tuddal Bygdetun. Through play and activities, the children become better acquainted with the farmstead and life in the pre-industrial community.