Viking Ship Museum, Oslo, Norway

The main attractions at the Viking Ship Museum are the Oseberg ship, Gokstad ship and Tune ship. Additionally, the Viking Age display includes sledges, beds, a horse cart, wood carving, tent components, buckets and other grave goods. Many fully or nearly fully intact Viking ships are on display. Its most famous ship is the completely whole Oseberg ship.

In 1913, Swedish professor Gabriel Gustafson proposed a specific building to house Viking Age finds that were discovered at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The Gokstad and Oseberg ships had been stored in temporary shelters at the University of Oslo. An architectural contest was held, and Arnstein Arneberg won. The hall for the Oseberg ship was built with funding from the Parliament of Norway, and the ship was moved from the University shelters in 1926. The halls for the ships from Gokstad and Tune were completed in 1932. Building of the last hall was delayed, partly due to the Second World War, and this hall was completed in 1957. It houses most of the other finds, mostly from Oseberg.

References:

Wikipedia

The Viking Ship Museum is an amazing place to visit! As soon as you open the door you see the beautiful Oseberg ship which only begins to show the unbelievable craftsmanship of the Vikings. I visited Norway with a friend and it was the very first thing that I wanted to see and it was worth it!!

User Reviews

Megan M (12 months ago)
Wow, this museum was awe-inspiring! The building itself is not very large, but the artifacts inside really do a great job of using the available space. The Viking ships themselves have been preserved very well. The other artifacts expand on the historical knowledge and understanding of the time. The Viking Ship Museum is a must see if you are in the area!

PANAGIOTIS XOURIS (12 months ago)
Great place with tons of history on display. Great findings from an era long gone. Ferry ride is lively also. You’ll need a bit more than an hour to wonder around. One of the most interesting things to do while in Oslo.

Nectaria Karakatsani (14 months ago)
Small but really interesting museum if you have a thing with Viking history. Seeing the Viking ships is overwhelming and the good part is that you are allowed to take pictures. Detailed info is offered in Norwegian, English and German. Short but very artistic movie about Viking ships is on, every half an hour or so.

Lala (17 months ago)
To tell the truth, I expected more from the site. I thought that the museum would be bigger and that they would have more typical and autochthonous things from the Viking age, but still, I liked it. The boats amaze a bit. They are beautiful.

Florenz (2 years ago)
Amazing historical place with original boat! Great place to visit - 2019

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

Viking Ship Museum

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle