Using wood to fuel the steam engine contributes to make Bjoren a unique part of Norway's cultural heritage and a floating technical museum.

In the early years Bjoren was in regular use at a place called Kilefjorden, a part of the river Otra.

In the 1970s, a group of local enthusiasts decided to make an attempt to preserve the boat.

As the boat was counted as part of Norwegian history, the government saw its interests and they helped with the funding.

Bjoren is still receiving government funding and, as the world's only existing wood-fuelled steamboat still in service, she is a unique attraction to both tourists and others.