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Viking Ship Museum

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Viking Ship Museum

Viking Ship Museum

Located on the Bygdøy peninsula, this maritime museum is part of the University of Oslo's Museum of Cultural History. It houses well-preserved ships and artifacts from the Viking era, allowing visitors to examine the construction and craftsmanship of ancient Norse vessels up close.

Getting There

From Oslo city centre, the museum is accessible via local bus or by taking a ferry from the City Hall pier to Bygdøy. The journey typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the mode of transport and the time of year.

Visit Duration

Most visitors spend approximately 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the exhibits and the ship collections.

When to Visit

The museum can get crowded during the peak summer tourist season. To avoid the largest groups, arrive early in the morning or visit during the shoulder seasons. There are no specific seasonal closures mentioned, but crowds fluctuate based on cruise ship arrivals in the city.

Nearby Attractions

The museum is situated in a cluster of cultural sites on the peninsula. You can combine your visit with the following nearby locations:

  • Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (0.3km)
  • Gol Stave Church (0.4km)
  • Oscarshall (0.7km)
  • Kon-Tiki Museum (0.8km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Viking Ship Museum

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Good to visit alongside

Gol Stave Church

Temples & religious sites

Gol Stave Church

A 12th-century stave church located within the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Bygdøy, Oslo. Originally standing in the village of Gol in Hallingdal, it was relocated and restored here, letting visitors see its intricate woodwork up close.

0.4 km away

Oscarshall

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Oscarshall

A small royal residence in Bygdøy, Oslo, next to the small fjord Frognerkilen. Built as a royal retreat, it offers a tranquil view of the fjord.

0.7 km away

Kon-Tiki Museum

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Kon-Tiki Museum

The Kon-Tiki Museum, on Oslo's Bygdøy peninsula, displays the raft used in the Kon-Tiki expedition along with related materials. Housed in a building from 1957, it also includes a library with a collection of over 8,000 volumes.

0.8 km away

Norwegian Maritime Museum

Museums & galleries

Norwegian Maritime Museum

The Norwegian Maritime Museum, on Oslo's Bygdøy peninsula, pairs well with nearby museums such as the Fram Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum. It offers a look into Norway's seafaring and maritime history.

0.8 km away

Fram Museum

Museums & galleries

Fram Museum

The Fram Museum, on Oslo's Bygdøy Peninsula, is a maritime museum dedicated to Norway's history of polar exploration. It's a great place to trace the footsteps of the pioneers who ventured into the polar regions.

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Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

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Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

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