Photo: Truls Grøndahl Madssen©Riksantikvaren

- responsible for the management of all archaeological and architectural monuments and sites and cultural environments in accordance with the relevant legislation.

- responsible for ensuring that a representative selection of monuments and sites of all periods is preserved for present and future generations. The selection of monuments and sites must provide an overview of historical developments, the way of life and the range of works of art and craftsmanship of each period

- responsible for ensuring that cultural heritage considerations are taken into account in all planning processes, and that the interests of cultural heritage are safeguarded at all levels in the same way as the interests of society as a whole

- part of environmental management, and answers to the Ministry of the Environment. The Directorate collaborates with other directorates in the environmental sector wherever appropriate

- responsible for increasing awareness among the general public of the value of their cultural heritage through education and information

- the appeal body for decisions made by the cultural heritage authorities at the county or regional level.