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Norway’s most famous international opera singer was born at Hamar

Kirsten Flagstad is Norway’s most famous international opera singer. She was born at Hamar in 1895, in Strandstuen – a small house which today is Hamar’s oldest building and home to the Kirsten Flagstad Museum. The collection was officially opened in 1985 by the then Minister of Cultural Affairs, and on the date that would have marked Kirsten’s 90th birthday. “I always tell people that I come from Hamar; it is something I am very proud of, and I still feel that Hamar is my town!” These were Kirsten's word in an interview about Hedmarken and Hamar in 1958, and visitors to Kirsten Flagstad’s Strandstuen will be in no doubt that Hamar is still Kirsten's town.

Overnight fame at the Metropolitan Opera

Kirsten grew up in a very musical family, and her talent was obvious already at a young age. In 1935, she became an overnight international sensation when she made her début at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York as Siegelinde in Wagner's opera Die Walküre. The museum has a unique collection of costumes, props, photos, and artefacts reflecting the artist’s life both on and off the opera stage.

It also features Kirsten Flagstad Opera Hall of Fame, which celebrates the country’s best opera singers – past and present. Listen to her repertoire on CD or LP in the museum.

Guided tours

Daily guided tours during the summer season. The museum is open for groups by prior agreement all year round.

Handelsstedet Bærums Verk has roughly 50 shops, artisans, workshops, galleries and eateries.

Verksgata, which consists of old houses for labourers from the 18th century, is open seven days a week all year round. Here you can find the artisan workshop of the smith, glass blowers, silversmiths, art galleries, eateries including pizza and pancakes, chocholate shop, delicatessen with local produce and other unique shops. The shopping mall in the old factory hosts a large selection of interior shops and chic clothes for the whole family.

Bærums Verk is a lovely place to visit for a day excursion and shopping. Walk along the river among the sculptures and the wooden houses, enjoy a good meal in one of the restaurants and cafes or visit the artisans in their atelier.

The beautiful sculpture park at Bærums Verk include 28 sculptures made by renowned Norwegian artists – a collection that expands with a new sculpture every year. Open 24/7 to the public.

Handelsstedet Bærums Verk’s opening hours can be found on Facebook and on www.baerumsverk.no

Bærums Verk is siutuated along the pilgrim path and is a gateway for recreational routes in Bærum.

Easy access to Bærums Verk by direct bus 150 from Oslo city centre, or bus 210 from Sandvika. Public transport schedule: ruter.no

Members of Visit Greater Oslo