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Viking Ship Museum in Oslo: Witness The Ancient Viking Ships of Norway

Viking Ship Museum in Oslo: Witness The Ancient Viking Ships of Norway

A visitor’s guide to the Olso Viking Ship Museum, where you can see three impeccably preserved longships.

A stop in Oslo, the capital of Norway should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Norway. One of the best things to do in the city is to visit the Viking Ship Museum.

This remarkable museum houses some of the best Viking Age artifacts in the world, including three well-preserved Viking ships, the Oseberg, the Gokstad, and the Tune. These were excavated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and now provide valuable insights into the seafaring prowess and unique culture of the Vikings.

So, if you’re looking to dive into the Viking Age and explore its maritime history, this guide will help you plan your visit to the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway.

The Viking Ship Museum, Oslo

The Viking Ship Museum, named Vikingskipshuset in Norwegian is a museum in Oslo, Norway, dedicated to the preservation and display of Viking Age artifacts. The museum is home to three Viking ships discovered in various locations in Norway as well as many other Viking Age artifacts including sleds, carts, tools, textiles, and household items.

Majestic mountain ranges, magnificent fjords, and a chance to witness the Northern Lights. This is a slither of the epicness that Norway has to offer. However, coming face to face with the ancient relics of Viking naval history is still one of the most jaw-dropping experiences you can have in the country.

Update: The Oslo Viking Ship Museum is now CLOSED and will reopen in 2026. Instead, check out this guide for more things to do if you have one day in Oslo to explore.

viking ship museum from the outside in the snow, oslo

How to get to the Vikingskipshuset Museum

Like most things, public transport is not cheap in Oslo. However, it is quite convenient. The cheapest way to reach the museum is to take the number 30 bus to Bygdøy from the center of town.

The most convenient bus stop is Rådhuset (City Hall). You will want to take the bus from here and hop off at Vikingskipshuset. Those looking for an exact location of the Viking Ship Museum can find the pin below.

Map showing location of Oslo's viking ship museum

Norwegians speak good English and is a very easy country to travel to. Just ask your driver to stop at the Viking Museum. For bus times and updated fares, check the ruter.no website.

The trip will take roughly 15 minutes.

What are the Museum entry costs?

Thankfully, the cost of admission to see the Viking Ships of Oslo is reasonable. You can find the updated price lists below. You can also find more information on the museum's website.

An adult ticket will cost 100 NOK or roughly $12 USD. Student gets a small 20 NOK discount that helps. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that with true Scandinavian progressive style, refugees and asylum seekers gain free entry to see the Viking Ships and the Historical Museum.

A ticket purchase also entitles you the entry to the Historical Museum and is valid for 48 hours. So if you have another snowed-in day, you can check this out too.

viking artwork at the viking ship museum in oslo

What are the Museum opening hours?

Conveniently, the Viking Ship Museum is open all week. Specific opening hours vary depending on the time of year. The exact times can be found below or on the official website.

  • 1 May to 30 September: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • 1 October to 30 April: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Temporarily Closed: 1 January, 6 February, 13 February

What to expect at the Viking Ship Museum

The lore of Viking History has always fascinated me. Due to Viking burial ceremonies, many Viking Ships were burnt and sunk along with their respected King, ruler, or important figure. Therefore, it is very difficult to find preserved Viking Ships today.

ancient viking ship museum in Oslo

To see these gigantic Viking Ships in Oslo was mesmerizing. The ships are in excellent condition and preserved perfectly down to the detailed carving patterns. You will also be able to see weapons, armor and loot spoils that were found in the rubble of the buried ships.

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Pricebye

Tuesday 21st of July 2020

Vikings were the most powerful nation in the world thanks to their ships

adam daley

Sunday 20th of October 2019

awesome website great research info thanks so much

Olly Gaspar

Sunday 20th of October 2019

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it.