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Viking Ship Museum

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Viking Ship Museum

This large hall is the permanent dock of three great Viking ships that may have once brought terror to northern Europe.

The Viking Ship Museum exhibits three boats from a time when Norway’s Vikings were pillaging and plundering their way across Europe. These well-preserved ninth-century vessels were discovered between 1867 and 1903 and named after the places where they were found.

Stare up at the prow of the Gokstad and try to imagine the fearsome sight of warrior oarsmen powering through the water to raid their next target.
Observe the animal ornamentation on the Oseberg, including dragon carvings and a snake’s head. The decor is so elaborate that it’s thought the ship served a ceremonial purpose for members of the aristocracy. More than 90% of this reconstructed vessel contains its original timber.

The Tune ship is the smallest of the three craft and the first to be discovered. It was badly damaged during excavation when modern archaeology was in its infancy.

The reason the ships have survived more than 1,000 years is that Viking chieftains were buried in them. To protect these leaders in the afterlife, the ships were encased under mounds of clay, which protected the wood from decay. Nobles took their possessions with them for the afterlife and many of these artifacts are on display in the museum. Inspect their beds, sledges, textiles, tools and household utensils. Look at the carved scenes of old Viking stories on the wooden horse cart.  

The museum is situated on the Bygdøy Peninsula, three miles (five kilometers) from the city. Get there on the number 30 bus from Oslo city center. From April to October you can take the ferry from the city hall pier. There are car parking bays behind the museum.  Parking is free in winter, but there are charges in summer.

The Viking Ship Museum is open every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The building has two floors, most of it accessible to wheelchair users. There’s a small fee for admission.

Guide to Exploring around Viking Ship Museum

Aker Brygge

This former shipyard is now a popular entertainment, shopping and restaurant district on the shores of the Oslo Fjord.
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Oslo Opera House

The home of the Norwegian National Ballet and Opera is a large marble and glass edifice that resembles a glacier rising out of the water.
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Kon-Tiki Museum

This museum founded by explorer Thor Heyerdahl houses homemade vessels that took him on historic voyages across oceans.
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Fram Museum

Experience an ice tunnel and step inside a famous ship to see how Norwegian explorers survived the coldest places on Earth.
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Oslo Cathedral

One of Oslo’s most famous buildings dates back to the 17th century and contains baroque woodcarvings and highly detailed ceiling murals.
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Nobel Peace Center

This museum uses interactive installations and immersive technologies to showcase ideals of Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
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The Palace Park

Relax in one of Oslo’s largest public parks. It surrounds the Royal Palace, where you’ll find statues, ponds and the royal family’s garden.
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Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

This vast open-air museum contains original buildings from more than six centuries of Norwegian history, including a medieval cathedral and farmhouses.
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Norwegian Maritime Museum

This archive of old boats and marine artifacts emphasizes the importance of the sea to Norway’s prosperity and culture.
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Oslo Winter Park

Carve tracks on perfectly groomed runs and watch daredevils on Norway’s Olympic superpipe at this stunning resort area a short distance from central Oslo.

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