Stokke Bygdetun is a local heritage museum in Bokemoa, Stokke, established in 1978 and recognised as Vestfold's oldest museum of its kind. Here you can explore historic buildings, step inside an old classroom and discover how people lived and worked in earlier times. Mainly run by volunteers from Stokke Historielag, the local history association, the museum brings local heritage to life through exhibitions, traditional crafts, activities and a summer café.
Discover life on a Norwegian farm around 1900
Hauganhuset is the main building at Stokke Bygdetun. Built in Arnadal in 1740, it was moved to the museum in 1978. Inside, the rooms are furnished to reflect life on a prosperous Norwegian farm around 1900, with a kitchen, dining room, small bedroom and formal sitting room. The basement contains exhibitions about traditional crafts, shoemaking, shipping and whaling, while the upper floor explores textile crafts, domestic work and linen production. Furniture, tools and everyday objects offer a glimpse of life before modern conveniences.
Step inside an old Norwegian classroom
In Bjerkneshuset, built in 1892, you can visit a traditional classroom and a children's museum displaying dolls, toys and objects from earlier generations. The building also contains an old-fashioned general store, where you can find local history books, cards, toys and handmade crafts. Children and adults can discover how school, playtime and shopping have changed over the years.
From blacksmithing to horse-drawn carriages
Several buildings at Stokke Bygdetun tell the story of traditional trades and rural working life. The smithy hosts courses and demonstrations in blacksmithing, while the carriage house displays historic horse-drawn vehicles, sleighs, harnesses and an exhibition about the history of trotting in Stokke. The craft room is used for weaving and other traditional textile work. The museum barn also contains exhibitions on agriculture and local history. Craft activities take place on selected dates or by arrangement, so check the programme if you would like to see a demonstration.
Sunday café and events in the museum courtyard
During the summer season, you can enjoy coffee, Norwegian waffles or traditional sour cream porridge beneath the old fruit trees. The café is run by volunteers, and on selected days freshly baked bread is also available from the traditional oven in Bryggerhuset. Throughout the year, Stokke Bygdetun hosts markets, lectures, courses and family activities. Garden Day, Children's Day, Craft Day and the traditional Christmas market are examples of events featured in the museum's programme. There is often just as much happening in the courtyard as inside the historic buildings.
Combine your visit with a walk in Bokemoa
Stokke Bygdetun is situated beside Bokemoa, a woodland area with beech trees, walking trails and an illuminated exercise trail. The Nordskogen cultural trail also passes through the area, with information about local wildlife, plants, geology and settlement history. A woodland walk makes a natural addition to a museum visit. You can also bring a picnic and enjoy it at the outdoor tables beneath the fruit trees. For another combination of art and nature in Stokke, visit Sti for øye – Path for the Eye at Fossnes. This outdoor art trail winds for almost two kilometres through the forest, with artworks created specifically for the natural surroundings.
Guided tours and private events
Stokke Bygdetun offers guided group tours by advance arrangement. The tours introduce the historic buildings, museum collections and stories of the local community. The museum also has venues available for meetings and private gatherings. The museum barn accommodates up to 60 dining guests and has a kitchen, wireless internet and a projector. Bryggerhuset provides seating for up to 30 people in two historic rooms. Venue hire and guided tours must be arranged in advance. The person signing a venue hire agreement must be at least 30 years old.
Plan your visit
Stokke Bygdetun is located at Moaveien 19, 3160 Stokke, next to Bokemoa in Sandefjord municipality. The museum is normally open to the public on Sundays during the summer season, from 12 noon to 4 pm. During opening hours, the café serves refreshments including coffee, waffles, traditional sour cream porridge, squash and ice cream. Additional food may be available during special events.
The museum office is staffed on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm. These are office hours, not regular opening hours for the museum exhibitions. Special events also take place outside the summer season. Guided group tours must be arranged in advance, with prices provided when booking. Check current admission arrangements before visiting.
The museum consists of several historic buildings with different levels and staircases. Visitors with accessibility requirements should contact the museum in advance for information about access and available arrangements.
Visit the Stokke Bygdetun website for current opening hours, events, guided tours and venue hire information.
