.png)
I've always loved history and culture, but I never imagined that I would get the opportunity to work at a museum in Norway. As a lifelong museum-goer, I often marveled at the thrill of being in the presence of history every day. So, it was a dream come true when I was hired as a guide and host at Ringerikes Museum, an old vicarage from the 17th century.
A Museum Building That Tells a Story: It's not just a structure but a representation of history and culture in bygone eras.
The oldest part of the vicarage (called the Swedish Room) and the most famous was built in 1635. Countless priests and their families have lived there since then. And I can only imagine all the laughter, sorrow, discussions, and intrigue the walls have witnessed through the centuries.
You can also step back in time when visiting Ringerikes Museum and wander through the kitchen, which was added to the original structure in 1729. With its giant hearth and unique relics, you can see how hard people worked to fill their stomachs.
You can also learn the fascinating story about early irons (mangle boards) and how they were used as proposal gifts. Imagine getting an iron instead of a ring as an engagement token! It's a very amusing and practical sign of affection. But looking at the intricate and detailed craftsmanship that went into carving the boards, they must have been made to impress. And don't get me started on the secret Norse symbols intentionally burned and painted on the old ambars.
17-century ambar (jar) used to carry Kitchen at Ringerikes Museum (1729) Travel essentials from the 18-century
porridge.
On the second floor, added in 1745, you can visit Norway's first homefront museum. The homefront museum displays weapons and equipment from the German occupation of Norway during World War 2. It also tells an impressive story about the men and the vital resistance movement in the region of Ringerike and Hole. It's a fascinating exhibition that gives you insight into the lives of these brave men and how they managed to survive and fight until the Germans surrendered in May of 1945.
You will also be amazed by the beauty and splendor of the scenery, which is a sight to behold. From the museum grounds, you can gaze at the horizon and marvel at the endless beauty of Ringerike, where the sky and the earth meet in a symphony of colors.
Ringerike is where the past and the present meet, where the ancient and the modern coexist. It is a land of legends and lore, warriors and kings, art and culture. It is a land of stunning natural beauty, rolling hills and valleys, lakes and rivers, forests and fields. It is a land where you can see the traces of history in every corner, from the stone carvings and burial mounds of the Vikings to the medieval architecture of Norderhov Church.
The Swedish Room at Ringerikes Museum: A tale of deception and victory in the 18th century
One of the most fascinating rooms at the Ringerike Museum is the Swedish Room, where you can witness the traces of a historic battle in 1716. The Room was the scene of a daring deception by Anna Colbjørnsdatter, the vicar's wife. She tricked the invading Swedish soldiers into believing they were safe from the Norwegian and Danish armies by inviting them to a feast and making them feel safe before sending her housemaid out to warn Norwegian officers about the Swedish army's arrival.
The local militia got wind of the news and, at 3 a.m. in March of 1716, ambushed the 600 soldiers camping nearby. You can still see the bullet holes in the walls and the weapons used in the fight. The Swedish Room is a great place to learn about the bravery and cunning of Anna Colbjørnsdatter, who is considered a national heroine in Norway.
In addition to authentic 18th-century heirlooms displayed in this room, you can also marvel at the ancient leather-bound bible that belonged to Anna and dates back to 1632.
I have so much more to tell you about this historical place and its secrets, but I'd rather show you. That's why I'll shortly upload a YouTube video in which I walk you through the museum so you can see for yourself how incredible it is.
Why Working at the Museum isn't just another Job.
For as long as I can remember, the secrets of the past and all its mysteries and curiosities have captivated my imagination and fueled my passion for history. I've always been fascinated by the stories of people who lived before me, their achievements and struggles, their cultures and beliefs, and their hopes and dreams. I've wanted to learn more about them, explore their worlds, and uncover their truths. That is why I decided to apply for the part-time position of guide and host at the Ringerikes Museum.
"I have never tried that before, so I think I definitely should be able to do that."
Since I had no prior experience, I didn't have much faith in being hired, so I was thrilled when I received the good news. I spent the first few weeks reading up on the history of the building, the relics on display, and the people who once lived there. I soaked up all the information like a sponge, letting my nerdy side shine!
I truly enjoy guiding, too. Not a day goes by without me learning something new. And when I get questions I can't answer, I jump at the chance to dig deeper and learn. Maybe I should've become a historian or an archaeologist. Who knows? I don't dwell on it, really, because I love the ride life is taking me on at the moment.
I would never have guessed that I'd be working at a museum while traveling last year and trying to make a go of a blog I didn't feel connected to. I love to write, but I was writing about all the wrong things and topics. It wasn't me, and it wasn't authentic.
I was listening to famous internet gurus about how to make money online and what to write about. In other words, I got caught up in all the hype. I finally abandoned that blog and accepted failure. Strangely enough, I didn't feel devastated. Looking back, I believe it was a powerful learning experience. And that is the positive side of failure.
However, I still dreamed of creating a blog. I wanted to write. But I needed to breathe and find my bearings while soaking up the past year's experiences.
But now I have found my calling, thanks to a stroke of luck that brought me to work at a museum. There, I started to think about my Norwegian roots, heritage, wonders, and traditions. There is so much to learn and so many places to see and people to cross paths with. So, I've decided to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in my home country. I also plan to check out my immediate surroundings with a fresh set of eyes because I've realized there are so many interesting things right outside my front door.
I can't help but wonder if The Ringerikes Museum, or one of its ghosts, has helped open my mind to starting The Norway Experience. Maybe Anna herself has somehow influenced my thoughts. Anything is possible, right? After all, I got my dream job working at a museum, which has already changed my life.
Below is a List of the 10 most Popular Exhibitions at Ringerikes Museum:
The Swedish Room
The Swiss Room
The Vicar's Office
Kitchen from 1729
Toys Room
Accordion Museum
Homefront Museum
The Monk House
Europen Icon Collection (the oldest one is from the 15th century!)
Jørgen Moe's Furnishings (famous Norwegian author)
* Note: I will be writing separate posts for many of these rooms/exhibitions since there is so much to tell :)
Opening Hours Ringerikes Museum:
Ringerikes Museum is open from early June through August from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The address is Nordrehovbakken 8, 3512 Hønefoss (approx 45 min. drive from Oslo)
E-mail is: nicolaysen@buskerudmuseet.no
Ticket prices 2023:
Adults: 100 NOK
Children: 40 NOK
Seniors and Students: 60 NOK
Families (2 adults and 2 children): 250 NOK
Groups over 20 persons: 60 NOK per person
The museum also serves delicious Norwegian waffles, which you can enjoy on the grounds while taking in the views and wondering about what life was like hundreds of years ago.
