Dikemark sits in the suburbs southwest of Oslo. This was once Norway's largest psychiatric hospital complex. The institution opened in the early 1900s and operated for decades as a major mental health facility.
You can still see several of the old hospital buildings scattered across the area. Most are now abandoned or converted to other uses. The complex tells an important story about how Norway treated mental health in the past century.
It's not exactly a tourist destination, but if you're interested in medical history or social development, the remaining buildings offer a glimpse into institutional care from another era.
There is a Dikemark Museum, but it's only open on request.
Many artist have their workshop here today, because the rent is quite cheap.
You can still see several of the old hospital buildings scattered across the area. Most are now abandoned or converted to other uses. The complex tells an important story about how Norway treated mental health in the past century.
It's not exactly a tourist destination, but if you're interested in medical history or social development, the remaining buildings offer a glimpse into institutional care from another era.
There is a Dikemark Museum, but it's only open on request.
Many artist have their workshop here today, because the rent is quite cheap.