Ringve Museum
Explore centuries of music history at Ringve Museum, featuring a global instrument collection and live demonstrations in a charming 18th-century farm ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Ringve Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of music history at Ringve Museum, featuring a global instrument collection and live demonstrations in a charming 18th-century farm setting.
"Absolutely one of the best Museum visits I've made in Norway."
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Essential for full access & live music. Music students make it magical!
☕ Skip the Museum Cafe
Cafe is not great. Try Sponhuset for coffee/food nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Instrument Demos
Throughout the museum
Hear historical instruments come alive with live music demonstrations by talented guides.

Chronological Instrument Collection
Main exhibition halls
Explore centuries of musical history through a vast and beautifully preserved collection of instruments.

Botanical Gardens
Museum grounds
Wander through serene gardens, a perfect complement to the musical journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book a Guided Tour
Plan Your Visit Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Essential for full access & live music. Music students make it magical!
☕ Skip the Museum Cafe
Cafe is not great. Try Sponhuset for coffee/food nearby.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Slightly out of town, but easily reachable by bus.
🎶 Hear Instruments Play
Guides play Beethoven & Chopin on period pianos!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Essential for full access & live music. Music students make it magical!
☕ Skip the Museum Cafe
Cafe is not great. Try Sponhuset for coffee/food nearby.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Slightly out of town, but easily reachable by bus.
🎶 Hear Instruments Play
Guides play Beethoven & Chopin on period pianos!
🌿 Explore the Gardens
Beautiful botanical gardens surround the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ringve Museum, calling it one of the best museum experiences in Norway. The guided tours, led by talented music students who play historical instruments, are consistently praised as magical and unforgettable. The extensive collection and beautiful botanical gardens also receive high marks, making it a highly recommended destination.
"Fantastic museum! Definitely do the tour. Great guide who stole us the history, and played multiple songs on different instruments."
Jason Swingen
"Absolutely one of the best Museum visits I've made in Norway. It's slightly out of the way in Trondheim, but an easy reach with the bus. The Museum is set in acres of Botanic Garden. I was there on a Summer Saturday and possibly because it was sunny and all the locals were at the beach, I was one of maybe a dozen visitors. There was a live concert in the gallery I was one of two in the audience and on the guided tour, in the older part of the museum, the guides, Music students from the local university, played Beethoven and Chopin on the period pianos and other instruments. Truly it was a bit magic."
Glenn Swift
"Lovely music museum containing so many instruments in a chronological order. The main part can be visited during the normal working hours and you can click on the displayed buttons to hear how some of the exhibited instruments sound (a very practical touch).
But you may wish to find out when they offer guided tours, as part of the museum is only open for the public with a guide, which really makes all the difference. We were lucky to catch such a guided tour, and the guide was amazing, took us through all the rooms while playing some of the instruments.
The cafe is not good. If on time, I recommend taking the 15 min stroll towards the fjord and enjoy some good coffee and food at Sponhuset. If you really need a coffee here, don't take the espresso - maybe the Norwegian filter coffee is better. :)"
Ana S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ringve Museum is located a bit outside the city center, but it's easily accessible by bus. Bus lines 3 and 7 are common routes that will take you close to the museum. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
Yes, there is parking available at Ringve Museum for visitors who choose to drive. This can be a convenient option if you're exploring beyond the city center.
While it's a bit of a walk, it's possible to reach Ringve Museum on foot from certain parts of Trondheim, especially if you enjoy scenic routes. The walk along the fjord can be quite pleasant.
Yes, admission to Rockheim often includes access to Ringve Music Museum, making it a great combined visit. Check your ticket details for confirmation.
For a day trip, taking the bus is highly recommended for its convenience and efficiency. If you have more time, consider a leisurely walk or cycling to enjoy the surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally considered a worthwhile expense. It's best to check the official Ringve Museum website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Always check the official Ringve Museum website before your visit to confirm their operating hours.
Yes, Ringve Museum frequently hosts concerts and special events, particularly featuring classical music and opera. Keep an eye on their schedule for unique experiences.
Often, a combined ticket or package is available that includes admission to both Ringve Music Museum and Rockheim, offering great value for music enthusiasts.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The best way to experience Ringve Museum is by taking a guided tour. The guides are often talented musicians who play the instruments, bringing the collection to life.
Generally, you cannot touch the historical instruments to preserve them. However, during guided tours, guides will play them for you. Some exhibits may have interactive elements.
Ringve Museum boasts a vast collection spanning centuries and cultures, including pianos, harpsichords, organs, and many other unique and historical musical instruments from around the world.
Yes, Ringve Museum offers interactive experiences where visitors, including children, can try playing some instruments, making it a fun and educational visit for families.
To fully appreciate the museum and its grounds, plan for at least 2-3 hours. This allows time for a guided tour, exploring the exhibits, and enjoying the botanical gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Ringve Museum for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate instruments and exhibits. Always check for specific signage.
The exterior of the historic farm buildings, the beautiful botanical gardens, and the unique instruments themselves make for excellent photo opportunities.
You can usually take photos during guided tours, but be mindful of your guide and other visitors. Focus on capturing the essence of the experience rather than disrupting it.
Drone photography is typically not permitted within museum grounds or over botanical gardens due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is recommended, as some indoor areas might be dimly lit. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the instrument collection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for younger children. While the cafe isn't highly recommended, packing some snacks or planning a stop at a nearby eatery can make the day smoother. The combination of hands-on musical fun and outdoor exploration makes Ringve a memorable family destination.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with Rockheim, Norway's museum of popular music, for a comprehensive musical journey through the ages. This pairing provides a unique perspective on Norway's contribution to the global music scene, from classical compositions to modern hits.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Visiting on a weekday can offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to fully absorb the atmosphere and history without the hustle and bustle. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a cultural and artistic escape, offering both intellectual stimulation and sensory delight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Guided Tours
These tours are crucial because they grant access to parts of the museum that are otherwise closed to the public. The guides' passion and knowledge are infectious, making the history of music accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of their musical background. It's this personal touch and the live musical demonstrations that elevate Ringve Museum from a good museum to a truly magical one.
Exploring the Botanical Gardens
The gardens are a significant part of the Ringve estate, adding another layer to the visitor experience. Whether you're a music aficionado or simply looking for a peaceful setting, the botanical gardens provide a refreshing and picturesque environment. They are particularly beautiful in the summer, offering a serene backdrop for reflection after immersing yourself in musical history.
A Glimpse into Norway's Music Scene
The collaboration between Ringve and Rockheim (a museum dedicated to Norwegian pop and rock music) provides a holistic view of music in Norway, from classical eras to contemporary genres. This partnership ensures that visitors can experience a broad spectrum of musical expression, making Trondheim a significant destination for music lovers.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit