How often do we take a moment to reflect on how the decisions we make today affect our future? How do we take conscious steps to protect our environment? How can the lessons of our past be used to inform better decisions?

These are the questions to be addressed in this year’s edition of European Heritage Days in Norway. The theme ‘Heritage in the Future’ will engage local communities in the exploration of sustainable cultural heritage practises. The registration form for events is now officially open for volunteers, museums, municipalities, heritage groups and individual organisers to register their event to showcase Norway’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This year, organisers are especially encouraging events that will invite children to reflect on what cultural heritage is and what defines their local cultural heritage, from the coast, to the mountains and in their city. 

As the largest cultural festival in Norway, European Heritage Days gather thousands of visitors at 300 events around the country each year. From 7 to 15 September, the country will come together in celebrating the future of cultural heritage in Norway. From guided tours in the idyllic Norwegian mountains to exhibitions and traditional village celebration events, the 2019 EHD in Norway invites visitors to embrace and celebrate the treasures of Norway’s cultural and natural landscapes.

Event Highlights

With many events already registered, there is already an exciting programme emerging! These events include, for example, one taking place at Snåsa in Trøndelag county. Vonheimfestival is celebrating its second anniversary this year on 14 September. Vonheim town hall will come to life through nostalgic recollections and musical and dance performances by local artists.

More adventurous visitors will be able to enjoy one of the country’s dramatic landscapes during a guided tour of the rocky slope in the Prestegardsmoen. Additional activities will be hosted on the beautiful Bergslit meadow. These explorations of the natural landscape will provide an insight into our role in the preservation of our natural heritage for the future.

Cultural heritage of the future will be the focal point of a discussion panel in Rennesøy on 12 September. The President of the Norwegian UNESCO Commission, Tora Aasland, will lead a conversation on the preservation of cultural and historical monuments in Stavanger.

The Traditional Village Day at Grong Bygdam Museum at Bergsmo will take place on Saturday, September 7. The event will engage families in numerous traditional customs. They will explore different dialects through a word competition, learn how to bake, separate milk, and ride a horse, among other exciting activities hosted by the local community.

Aircraft enthusiasts will learn about Norway's first civilian airport and discover a unique collection of rare veteran aircraft at Kjeller harbour. Children can explore natural heritage in a number of activities at The Children's Stone and Magic Day at The Silver Mines (Norsk Bergverksmuseum). 

A Look Back at 2018

The 2018 European Heritage Days welcomed visitors at a total of 329 events across the country. Honouring the European Year of Cultural Heritage, international and multicultural influences on Norwegian culture were explore. From rice porridge and the use of potatoes in traditional food, to silk scarfs in national costumes – the bunad, and the lion in the national coat of arms, visitors had the chance to explore their culture in new ways.

Watch a video about highlights from last year.

With a great number of interesting events already registered and plenty more to come, this year’s European Heritage Days in Norway will offer unique opportunities to explore and enjoy local cultural traditions. Visitors will be able to learn about new ways to support inclusion in their communities, and how we can create vibrant cultural heritage that future generations can be proud of.

For more information, visit Kulturminnedagene's official webpage.