Norwegian Canning Museum, Stavanger

The Norwegian Canning Museum is a delightful surprise waiting to be uncovered. Housed within the walls of a venerable old cannery, this museum offers visitors a fascinating journey into a bygone era when sardines, not oil, ruled the economic landscape. Stavanger, once home to more than half of Norway's canning factories, pays homage to its flavorful past through this engaging museum.

Before oil wells dotted the Norwegian coast, it was the sardines that captured the hearts and livelihoods of Stavanger's inhabitants. At its zenith in 1922, the city's canneries were responsible for providing a staggering 50% of the town's employment. The Norwegian Canning Museum unearths this remarkable history, taking visitors through a captivating 12-stage process that transformed humble sardines into delectable canned delicacies.

The museum's exhibits meticulously guide visitors through each step of this intricate journey, from the art of salting to the meticulous threading, smoking, decapitating, and finally, the meticulous packing of these flavorful fish. The comprehensive narrative presented here offers a deeper appreciation for the painstaking work that went into transforming the ocean's bounty into a global culinary delight.

Adjacent to the museum's main building lies a perfectly restored workers' cottage. Step inside, and you're instantly transported back in time. Downstairs, you'll find yourself amidst the 1920s ambiance, while a climb upstairs reveals the style and decor of the 1960s. These meticulously curated settings provide a touching tribute to the lives of the men and women who toiled tirelessly in the canneries, highlighting the enduring spirit of community and resilience that defined the era.