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At a glance

  • Status: Temporarily closed (reopening in 2027)
  • Location: Bygdøy peninsula, Oslo
  • Collections: Oseberg, Gokstad, Tune ships; 5,000+ artifacts
  • Institution: Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo

Why it’s famous

  • World’s best-preserved Viking ships
  • Extraordinary grave goods from elite burials
  • Iconic Oslo attraction, now expanding as a world-class museum

Visitor Information

  • Closed until: 2027 (reopening as Museum of the Viking Age)
  • Meanwhile: See Viking exhibits at the Historical Museum (city center)
  • Area highlights: Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki, Maritime Museum (all on Bygdøy)

About the Viking Ships

The museum preserves three Viking Age ships from royal and noble burials around the Oslofjord: the Oseberg (c. 820 CE), Gokstad (c. 890 CE) and Tune ships. These vessels and their grave goods reveal shipbuilding mastery, long-distance travel, and the power of Scandinavian elites during the Viking Age.

The original building opened in 1926 and became one of Norway’s most-visited attractions. To safeguard the fragile timbers, the museum is undergoing a major rebuild and expansion. When it returns as the Museum of the Viking Age, visitors will experience newly designed galleries, advanced climate control, and thousands of artifacts alongside the ships.

Why It Matters

The Oseberg and Gokstad ships are among the best-preserved Viking vessels in the world. Their rich carvings, textiles, sledges, and everyday objects connect us directly to Viking craftsmanship, rituals, and seafaring culture. The renewed museum will be a global center for Viking research, conservation, and storytelling.

The Oseberg Viking ship on display
Oseberg ship
Oseberg Viking ship details
Oseberg ship details

Getting to the Viking Ship Museum (Bygdøy)

The museum is on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo. When it reopens, reach it by bus from the city center, seasonal ferry to Bygdøy, car, or bicycle. Nearby are the Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.

Plan Your Visit

Pair your Bygdøy day with other world-class museums nearby. If you’re visiting before reopening, consider the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums and stroll the peninsula’s coastal paths. When the Viking Ship Museum reopens, plan extra time for the expanded exhibits.

Explore Viking Tours Stay Nearby

Travel Tips

Bygdøy is easy to reach from central Oslo. In summer, the harbor ferry connects the City Hall pier with Bygdøy; year-round buses also serve the peninsula. When the museum reopens, expect timed tickets during peak season.

Photography is typically allowed without flash. For quieter visits, aim for morning slots outside weekends. Combine the museum with a fjord-side picnic or a loop of nearby museums.

Nearby Sites

Viking Ship Museum – FAQs

When does the museum reopen?

The museum is scheduled to reopen in 2027 as the Museum of the Viking Age.

Which ships are on display?

The Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune ships, plus thousands of artifacts from Viking elite burials and daily life.

What can I see while it’s closed?

See Viking exhibitions at the Historical Museum (city center) and explore other Bygdøy museums like Fram and Kon-Tiki.