What exactly is SKREI – the museum?

09 June 2026

We know that many people have heard of SKREI, that it will be fantastic, that it will open in the summer of 2026. But what exactly is SKREI?

SKREI is a museum. Experience exhibitions, live fish, art, activities and buildings. Sense and learn about the importance of the Lofoten fishery and the cod, and the enormous values this has created and creates for Norway. 

WHAT DOES SKREI CONTAIN?

SKREI is one museum with several places to visit within one area.

SKREI is the name of the museum that contains the Lofoten Museum, Gallery Espolin, the Lofoten Aquarium, and the new building Otolith. You can visit all the places or just one or two. If you stop by the Lofoten Aquarium, you have been to SKREI. If you visit the Lofoten Museum and the Otolith, then you have been to SKREI.

“But the Lofoten Aquarium, Gallery Espolin and the Lofoten Museum have been open for many years? What’s new? Is this part of SKREI?” You might think?

• What is new is that from the summer of 2026, we call everything SKREI.

• What is new is that we have built a large, new building called The Otolith.

• What is new is that the storytelling in all places together runs like a red thread: the common thread is the cod You meet the cod wherever you go. Through works of art, through traditional buildings, through life in the sea and in the new exhibition in the Otolith.

• The new building, The Otolith, is a hub in SKREI. The otolith is the first thing you see when you come to SKREI along the road. We think that most people who are going to SKREI will want to see the Otolith (although you can actually see “only” the Lofoten Aquarium, the Lofoten Museum or Gallery Espolin if you wish).
• The Otolith contains a large, new exhibition called “With the Sea”. Here you get to know the life and world of the cod. You learn about the people and how we have lived off the cod fishery and with the sea for many, many years. It is not only about history, but also about living culture, nature and living business. And, the exhibition also talks about the ocean itself, about the balance between resources and how we as humans utilize the resources.
• The Otolith also contains a café/restaurant, reception and museum shop. In addition, we have offices for employees, magazines for objects (not open to the public).

Why is SKREI such an important museum?

Because what is told is an incredibly important part of our culture and way of being, both past, now and in the future. Because the Lofoten fishery and the values it has created have been enormous for Norway as a nation.

SKREI is of interest to many

Whether you know a lot or a little about the Lofoten fishery and cod, there is a lot to learn and see. SKREI is designed so that everyone can benefit from it. If you are traveling with small children, the beautiful beach at the Lofoten Museum, or the Lofoten Aquarium is perhaps the most fun for them, while the café in Otolitten is suitable for breaks. If you don’t know anything about Lofoten, but want to get an insight into how the fisheries play a role, Otolith is a perfect fit. Are you interested in art? Then you should pay a visit to Galleri Espolin in addition to the Otolith.

practical

• SKREI is located in Storvågan, Kabelvåg. In fact, Northern Norway’s first town, Vágar, was located here.
• SKREI is open all year round.
• You can buy a joint ticket for the whole of SKREI or single tickets for the part of SKREI you are most interested in. You can buy tickets online or in person. Annual passes are sold that are particularly suitable for those who want to visit SKREI several times during the year.
• Park at the Otolith and walk between the different places. It is not far, about 200 meters between each place.
• If you want to see “everything” everywhere: 4 – 5 hours or more. If you only have time for the Otolith and one more place, approx. 1.5 – 2.5 hours. There is free parking at SKREI for up to 4 hours.
• SKREI website: SKREI

SKREI is a museum, perhaps a little out of the ordinary? With experiences and knowledge suitable for all age groups and nationalities.

You can be, but do not have to be interested in fish and fisheries. SKREI is a place that teaches you about life in Lofoten. The story of Lofoten is a story of fish.

This is SKREI. Welcome!