Lofoten Krigsminne Museum

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lofoten Krigsminne Museum, also known in English as the Lofoten War Memorial Museum, is located in the charming coastal town of Svolvær in northern Norway. Centrally positioned between the entrance to Lofoten Kulturhus and the Hurtigruten pier, this museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the dramatic and deeply moving history of World War II in Lofoten and throughout Northern Norway. It is a place where the personal and global intertwine, and where every artifact has a story to tell.

About the Museum

Founded by passionate collector William Hakvaag and officially opened on 15 June 1996, the museum began as his private compilation of wartime relics. The collection has since grown to become one of the world’s most extensive displays of military uniforms and small objects from the Second World War, with over 140 original uniforms alongside a vast assortment of artifacts and photographs.

In January 2010, the Lofoten Krigsminne Museum was incorporated into Museum Nord, further establishing its importance as a cultural and historical institution.. As a non‑political organization, it is dedicated to shedding light on wartime events with factual honesty and respectful storytelling.

The museum showcases a well-balanced narrative of the years 1940 to 1945, offering both breadth and depth in its exhibits . In addition to uniformed displays, a dedicated library and archive contain rare books, original printed materials, photographs, and papers from the wartime era—making it a significant resource for historians and curious minds alike.

One of the museum’s core attractions is its in‑depth exhibition on the Lofotraidet (the Lofoten raid) of 4 March 1941, a daring operation led by British and Norwegian commandos in Operation Claymore. The raid marked the first major victory in World War II and had profound consequences for the region, prompting extensive German fortification across Svolvær.

Interesting Facts

One of the world’s largest private WWII collections of uniforms and small-scale artifacts, later institutionalized through Museum Nord.
Over 140 original uniforms are on display, from Axis and Allied forces alike—including figures such as Gestapo officers and Norwegian commanders .
Rare personal artefacts include:
Porcelain from Reichskommissar Josef Terboven’s set
Birger Eriksen’s cap—this is the officer who fired upon the German cruiser Blücher in 1940
A lamp recovered from the battleship Tirpitz
A case believed to have belonged to Eva Braun
Hitler artwork: A painting attributed to Adolf Hitler, which intriguingly hid sketches of Disney characters in the frame.
Curios from everyday life during wartime, such as cigarette packs, condoms, and even Christmas ornaments painted with Nazi swastikas.
Historical setting: The museum occupies a former post office seized during the Lofoten raid—it was the first building captured in Svolvær on 4 March 1941.
Contextual displays: Beyond artifacts, the museum offers detailed information on the local impact of behind‑the‑lines events—like prisoners sent from Stalingrad to recuperate in Lofoten and the Gestapo’s use of the town.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +479 173 0328

Website: lofotenkrigmus.no/

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057160552442#

Conclusion

The Lofoten Krigsminne Museum offers a remarkable journey into the human dimensions of wartime history. Through its extraordinary exhibitions—ranging from military uniforms to hidden sketches by Hitler—it builds a narrative that is both informative and deeply human. The museum’s informal yet respectful presentation allows visitors to connect with the stories on a personal level, encouraging reflection and discovery.

Standing in the very building where wartime drama unfolded, one cannot help but feel transported by the authenticity of the collection and the powerful sense of place. Whether you are a seasoned history enthusiast, a family seeking educational travel, or simply a visitor drawn to stories of resilience and conflict, this museum delivers an unforgettable experience.

A visit to the Lofoten Krigsminne Museum is far more than a display of relics—it is an invitation to understand, remember, and think critically about the complexities of the Second World War and its lasting impact on Lofoten and beyond.