Oslo Viking Ship Museum Tours
Explore authentic 9th-century Viking ships and discover Norse seafaring heritage at the world's best Viking museum!
Step into the Viking Age at Oslo's extraordinary Viking Ship Museum, home to the world's best-preserved Viking ships! These magnificent vessels - the Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune ships - are over 1,100 years old and represent the pinnacle of Viking craftsmanship. Discovered in burial mounds, they were interred with chieftains and queens along with treasures, tools, and everyday items that illuminate Viking life. Walk around actual ships that sailed Norwegian fjords and crossed the North Sea, marvel at intricate wood carvings, see the artifacts buried for the afterlife, and understand the seafaring culture that shaped Scandinavia. Expert guides bring Norse history alive with tales of exploration, burial customs, ship construction, and daily Viking life. Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, archaeology lovers, and anyone fascinated by Vikings!
Featured Viking Ship Museum Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for viking ship museum tours in Oslo
Why Choose Viking Ship Museum Tours in Oslo?
Authentic Viking Ships
See real 1,100-year-old Viking vessels - the best-preserved in the world!
Rich Historical Context
Expert guides explain Viking Age seafaring, burial customs, and Norse culture.
Unique Artifacts
Discover treasures buried with the ships including sleds, carts, and everyday items.
Spectacular Display
Ships displayed dramatically allowing you to appreciate their size and craftsmanship.
Types of Viking Ship Museum Tours in Oslo
Guided Museum Tours
Expert-led tours providing comprehensive Viking history and ship construction insights.
Family Viking Tours
Engaging tours designed for families with interactive elements for children.
Historical Deep Dives
In-depth tours for serious history buffs covering archaeology and Norse culture extensively.
Photography Tours
Capture the ships' grandeur with guidance on best angles and museum photography.
What to Expect on Your Oslo Viking Ship Museum Tours
Duration
Tours last 1.5-3 hours providing thorough exploration of ships and artifacts.
Three Viking Ships
See the magnificent Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune ships up close.
Historical Insights
Learn about Viking shipbuilding, navigation techniques, and burial rituals.
Artifact Displays
View treasures, tools, textiles, and items buried with Viking chieftains.
Expert Commentary
Guides share latest archaeological discoveries and answer all Viking questions.
Photo Opportunities
Photography allowed throughout museum - capture these incredible historical vessels.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Visit weekday mornings (9-11 AM) to avoid cruise ship groups that arrive afternoons.
The Oseberg ship is the most ornate and best preserved - don't miss the intricate carvings.
Allow time to see the artifacts as well as ships - the carts and sleds are extraordinary.
Combine with nearby Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum on Museum Island for full day.
The museum is undergoing expansion - check current status before visiting.
Download the audio guide app for additional context if doing a self-guided visit.
The museum shop has excellent Viking-themed books and authentic replicas.
Photography is allowed without flash - bring camera to capture these magnificent ships!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the three Viking ships?
A: The Oseberg ship (9th century) is the most elaborate, built around 820 AD as a burial ship for a high-status woman - possibly a queen! It features beautiful wood carvings and was found with extensive grave goods. The Gokstad ship (890 AD) is larger and more ocean-worthy, built for a powerful chieftain - this design was used for Atlantic crossings! The Tune ship is less well-preserved but still significant. All three were found in burial mounds in southern Norway between 1867-1904. They're the best-preserved Viking ships in existence! Each tells different stories about Viking society, shipbuilding, and funeral customs.
Q:How were the ships preserved?
A: The ships were preserved by blue clay in the burial mounds! When Vikings buried their dead in ships with grave goods, they covered everything with earth creating mounds. The blue clay created anaerobic conditions (no oxygen) that prevented wood decay. The ships remained buried for over 1,000 years until archaeological excavations discovered them. Conservation after excavation was challenging - the wood was fragile from centuries underground. Modern preservation techniques keep them stable. It's extraordinary luck they survived! Most Viking ships were burned, recycled, or rotted away. These three are priceless historical treasures providing unparalleled insight into Viking Age shipbuilding.
Q:How long does a museum visit take?
A: Allow 1.5-2 hours for a thorough self-guided visit seeing all three ships and artifact displays. Guided tours typically last 1.5-2 hours with comprehensive explanations. If you're a Viking enthusiast, you could easily spend 3 hours examining details and reading all information. Families with children might spend 1-1.5 hours. The museum isn't huge but the ships and artifacts deserve time and attention - don't rush! Combine with nearby museums (Fram and Kon-Tiki are 5-minute walk) for a half-day museum experience. Photography and contemplation time adds up quickly with such remarkable objects!
Q:Is the museum suitable for children?
A: Absolutely! Children are typically fascinated by Vikings and the ships are genuinely exciting - not just artifacts in cases but massive vessels you can walk around! Kids love the stories of voyages, battles, and burials. The museum offers family-friendly activities and scavenger hunts (ask at entrance). Guides on family tours make history engaging with stories rather than dates. The museum isn't overly large, so kids won't get bored or exhausted. Plan 1-1.5 hours for younger children. It's educational entertainment! Many Norwegian families visit regularly. The Viking theme captures imaginations - it's one of Oslo's most child-friendly museums.
Q:Where is the Viking Ship Museum located?
A: The Viking Ship Museum is located on Bygdøy Peninsula, about 5 kilometers west of central Oslo. It's part of Museum Island (Bygdøy) which hosts several major museums. You can reach it by: 1) Ferry from Oslo City Hall Pier (seasonal, May-September, scenic 15-minute ride), 2) Bus 30 from Jernbanetorget near Central Station (20 minutes, year-round), 3) Taxi (15 minutes, NOK 200-250). The peninsula location in a park setting is beautiful! The museum is clearly signed from bus stops and ferry dock. Combine with nearby Fram and Kon-Tiki museums - all within walking distance on Bygdøy.
Q:How much does entry cost?
A: Entry to the Viking Ship Museum costs NOK 120 (approximately $12) for adults. Children under 18 are FREE! Students, seniors (67+), and groups receive discounts. The Oslo Pass includes free entry plus public transport. Audio guides might cost extra (check current pricing). Guided tours cost more (€35-50 typically) but include expert commentary and skip-the-line benefits. The museum is part of the University of Oslo and ticket proceeds support preservation and research. Entry is excellent value considering you're seeing irreplaceable 1,100-year-old ships! Note: The museum is currently being renovated and rebuilt - check status and pricing before visiting.
Q:Is the museum currently open?
A: IMPORTANT: The Viking Ship Museum is currently undergoing major renovation and expansion! The ships may be on display in a temporary location or the museum might be closed. The new museum is expected to open around 2025-2026 with a spectacular modern building designed to better preserve and display the ships. Check the official website (khm.uio.no) for current status before planning your visit! When open, hours are typically 10 AM-5 PM daily (9 AM-6 PM summer). This renovation will create one of the world's premier Viking museums. Tours are booking for when it reopens - stay updated!
Why Visit Oslo?
Famous Viking Ship Museum and Norse heritage
Beautiful Oslo Fjord and natural scenery
World-class museums and cultural institutions
Excellent Norwegian cuisine and culture
Easy access to outdoor adventures and nature
Perfect blend of history and modern Nordic life
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Oslo enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are mild (60-75°F/16-24°C), winters are cold (20-35°F/-6-2°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.
Best Months
May to September offer the best weather with mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.
Peak Season
June to August brings peak tourist season with mild weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
Off Season
October to April offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and shorter days.
Other Popular Tours in Oslo
Plan Your Oslo Trip
Transportation Tips
Excellent public transportation with metro, trams, and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact city center, and ferries provide access to the fjord.
Car Rental Deals in Oslo
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Oslo adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Oslo
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.