An open air museum with buildings dating back to the 1500s, Kristiansand, Norway

Kristiansand has its share of museums worth a visit. This summer I have been to Kristiansand Museum, an open-air museum, established in 1903. It is home to 40 historical houses from Agder. Agder is one of the southernmost counties with both a coastline and hinterland. The museum has divided the exhibition into three different areas, depending on which geographiclly part of Agder the buildings come from. The areas have different traditions when it comes to building customs. You will find both farmhouses and urban environments.

During the summer season it is open every day. There are many activities for children, in addition to guided tours. When I bought my ticket I was given a short introduction to the areas.

Residential houses and attics

Attic from 1584 -the oldest in Norway

«Årestue» and attic from the 17th century

I chose to start at "Setesdaltunet" with buildings dating back to 1554 - 1700s. Setesdalen is the name of an inland valley. In this old farming community, the settlements was carefully planned. The residential houses were located on one side and the stables and barns on the opposite side. Two of the houses were I saw here, were residenstial houses. The other two served as attics. One of the guides took me into the two residential buildings. From her I learned about the buildings and the people who once lived here.

«Årestuen» is from the 1600s. The entrance has engravings showing a 6 leaf rose. According to the guide, this was to protect the house from evil. Inside there is one huge room. The room was used for sleeping (the farmer) and as a living space for everyone on the farm. Food was cooked over an open fire. The only light source came from the opening in the ceiling. Look at the piece of tree hanging over the fireplace (to hang the pot on). It is shaped like a snake with something like a dragon's head. People were superstitious. If someone got sick on the farm, they would hit the snake's head as punishment. The «loft» / attic besides were used for storing valuables.

This house is from the 1700s. Completely different style. Windows and a different type of fireplace. The guide explains the socks that are on the table. They are bigger than normal at the back. The women worked hard. They often had to walk long distances to fetch water. They developed big calf muscles, This meant they were strong and thus attractive when it came to future marriage. The picture behind shows a Norwegian paper doll with traditional custums. Setesdal is one of the only counties where the dress is short - to show of there muscles offcourse!

On my way to the barm, I walked past this storeroom. It functioned as a refrigerator of the time. By building it on posts, air could circulate underneath and thus keep the food cooler.

On this side are outbuildings, stables and barns for both cows and horses. The barn was open, so it was possible to go in here and have a look.

Now I am approching the farm from Eiken, which is localted in the hinterland (mountains, lakes, forrests). The main house (The white building) is from 1869. The red building is a storehouse for food. The farm is complete and set up exactly as it was originally. It was considered a prosperous farm given the conditions of the time.

The most interesting building is the "ferjebua" / ferry lodging from Sirdal (the hinterland). This house served as a place where travelers could stay overnight or have a meal before continuing their journey. It was built in 1753. It is the paintings on the walls that are the most interesting part. The motifs are known from the Bible and the often naive folk imagery. The artist was only 18 years old (1762 -1820) when he was commissioned to paint Tonstadbua, as it is called.

The craftsmen

The consul and the merchant

Then I continued to the urban historic environment. This "Bygaden" / city street, concists of buildings from Kvadraturen, from 1787 to 1850. The houses on the left side belonged to the craftsmen of the city. On the right side we will see the house that belonged to the consul

The houses are typical of Kristiansand in the 19th century. The gates on the buildings lead to the backyard where people hung laundry, stored firewood, etc. The houses are small, but still houses more than one family.

The two photos above showes the former house of the consul Niels Henrik Moe. It is a stately building in the Empire style with English sash windows. The house was originally located on Vestre Strandgate, which is llocated by the harbor front - the opposite coner of the craftmen area.

Directly opposite is the pavilion that was built in the mid-19th century by merchant Mørch. It was once in his garden. This gives an idea of how the richer people lived.

I have been hiking in Setesdalen many times as it is the closest mountain area to Kristiansand. Driving up the valley, we can still see old houses. But today, I also learned something new about the people and there customs.