Norwegian Aviation Museum
Bodoe Norway
The Norwegian National Aviation Museum or “Norsk Luftfartsmuseum” has a number of exhibits and special programs dedicated to civil and military aviation history and Norway’s role within it. The collections are a cooperative venture between the Norwegian National Aviation Museum, the AVINOR Museum, and the Military Defense Museum.
The Norwegian National Aviation Museum is located in Bodoe, at the site where the German Air Force based their flight operations during World War II. Beside the Museum is the modern day airport.
The Rotunda features many aircraft on display, including gliders, hot air balloons, jets, rockets, and piston-engine aircraft. The history of Norwegian aviation is divided into two parts, being civil and military. Norway’s civil aviation is covered from its beginnings until 1914.
For the daring, there’s the Max Flight simulator in which you can take over the controls and fly like a real pilot! Take a smooth ride over the city or throw your F-16 into loops and rolls. Simulated adventure flights are also available. The rides are an additional cost not included in the admission price.
Be sure to check with the museum for details on the special events that they feature. Past events have included a screening of As White as Snow on International Women’s Day, a film about Else Andersen, Sweden’s first female pilot. For another event, retired SAS pilot Anved Lillegraven described firsthand his experiences as an ambulance pilot in Northern Norway and working as a bush pilot in West Africa during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Visit the Museum’s website at http://www.aviation-museum.com.