Viking Ship Museum: Journey to the Viking Age
The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset) houses the world's best-preserved Viking ships, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Norse seafaring culture and burial traditions. Located on the Bygdøy peninsula, this must-visit museum displays three magnificent 9th-century ships discovered in burial mounds around the Oslo Fjord.
These aren't replicas - these are actual 1,200-year-old Viking ships that sailed Norwegian waters and were used as burial vessels for Viking chieftains. The museum's collection includes over 1,000 artifacts from the Viking Age, including tools, textiles, household items, and ornately carved sleds and carts.
⚠️ Important Note - New Museum Opening 2025/2026
The Viking Ship Museum is being replaced by a brand-new, larger museum building. The old museum closed in October 2021, and ships are currently in temporary exhibition. Check the official website for current viewing locations and reopening dates for the new museum.
The Three Viking Ships
The Oseberg Ship
The most spectacular and ornately decorated Viking ship ever discovered. Found in a burial mound in Tønsberg in 1904, the Oseberg ship is 21.5 meters long and was built around 820 CE. It served as the final resting place for two women - one likely a queen or high-status woman.
- • Length: 21.5 meters (70.5 feet)
- • Width: 5.1 meters (16.7 feet)
- • Built: ~820 CE
- • Discovered: 1904, Tønsberg
- • Elaborate wood carvings
- • Well-preserved burial chamber
- • 15 oars per side
- • Square sail (not preserved)
The Oseberg burial also contained the richest collection of Viking Age artifacts ever found, including four ornately carved sleds, a wagon, beds, textiles, and even the remains of horses, dogs, and oxen.
The Gokstad Ship
A robust, seaworthy vessel built around 890 CE and discovered in 1880 in Sandefjord. The Gokstad ship is 23.8 meters long and demonstrates the Vikings' exceptional shipbuilding skills. A replica of this ship successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1893, proving its seaworthiness.
- • Length: 23.8 meters (78 feet)
- • Width: 5.2 meters (17 feet)
- • Built: ~890 CE
- • Discovered: 1880, Sandefjord
- • 16 oars per side (32 total)
- • Ocean-going capability
- • Pine construction
- • Buried a powerful chieftain
The burial included 12 horses, 8 dogs, 2 peacocks, and three small boats. The chieftain was between 50-70 years old when he died, and signs suggest he died in battle.
The Tune Ship
The oldest of the three ships, built around 910 CE and discovered in 1867 in Tune, Østfold. Unfortunately, only fragments survive as the ship was heavily damaged during excavation. However, these fragments still provide valuable insights into Viking shipbuilding techniques.
While less visually impressive than the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, the Tune ship remains historically significant as one of the earliest well-documented Viking ship discoveries.
Viking Age Artifacts
Beyond the ships themselves, the museum displays an extraordinary collection of artifacts that paint a vivid picture of Viking daily life, artistry, and beliefs:
The Oseberg Cart
An ornately carved four-wheeled wagon, one of only three Viking Age wagons ever found. The intricate wood carvings depict animal motifs and geometric patterns.
The Oseberg Sleds
Four beautifully carved ceremonial sleds with animal head decorations. These weren't for practical use but for ceremonial purposes and the afterlife journey.
Textiles
Rare preserved Viking Age textiles including tapestries, clothing fragments, and woolen fabrics that show advanced weaving techniques.
Tools & Household Items
Cooking equipment, tools, buckets, and everyday items that reveal how Vikings actually lived beyond their reputation as warriors.
Visiting the Viking Ship Museum
Current Status & Information
⚠️ The original museum building on Bygdøy is closed for renovation. A new, state-of-the-art museum is being built and will open in 2025/2026.
During construction, the Viking ships are temporarily displayed at various locations. Check the official museum website for current viewing locations and hours.
- • Entry: ~180 NOK adults (free with Oslo Pass)
- • Expected Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (extended summer hours)
- • Location: Bygdøy, Oslo
- • Duration: 1.5-2 hours recommended
Getting to Bygdøy
Ferry (Seasonal - April to October): From Rådhusbrygge 3 (City Hall pier). Most scenic option! 10-minute ride.
Bus 30: From Jernbanetorget year-round. Stops at Bygdøy museums.
Combined Ticket: Consider buying a Bygdøy Museum Pass for multiple museums.
Pro Tips
- • Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship crowds
- • Combined tickets available with Fram Museum (same location)
- • Audio guides available in multiple languages
- • Photography allowed without flash
- • Small museum shop sells Viking-themed souvenirs and books
Other Museums on Bygdøy
Bygdøy peninsula is Oslo's museum district. Make a day of it by visiting multiple museums:
Fram Museum →
See the actual polar exploration ship Fram. Next door to Viking Ship Museum. Combined tickets available.
Entry: 140 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Norwegian Folk Museum →
Open-air museum with 160 historic buildings including a 13th-century stave church. 10-minute walk.
Entry: 150 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Norwegian Maritime Museum →
Norway's maritime history from Vikings to present day. Includes boat hall and coastal culture exhibits.
Entry: 120 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Kon-Tiki Museum →
Thor Heyerdahl's famous raft and Ra II reed boat from his legendary expeditions.
Entry: 120 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Viking Ship Museum currently open?
The original museum building is closed for renovation. The ships are in temporary exhibition spaces during construction of the new museum (opening 2025/2026). Check the official website for current viewing locations.
Are these real Viking ships or replicas?
These are 100% real Viking ships from the 9th century, not replicas. They were discovered in burial mounds and painstakingly excavated and preserved. You're looking at actual 1,200-year-old vessels.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for 1.5-2 hours to see the ships and artifacts thoroughly. If visiting multiple Bygdøy museums, allocate a full day.
Is it worth the Oslo Pass?
Yes, if visiting multiple museums. The Oslo Pass includes free entry to 5+ museums on Bygdøy plus free ferry transport, easily paying for itself in one day.