FIVE UNMISSABLE MUSEUMS Oslo is a city that dates back thousands of years, and though what would eventually become the city we know today was first established in the year 1040, remnants of houses dating back as far as 6000 or even 7000 BC have been found in the area. A surprising amount of historical sites, items and written history has been discovered and preserved over the years. This, along with Norway’s rich cultural history, has resulted in numerous museums and galleries where visitors can get a glimpse into the past as well as the present.
THE VIKING SHIP MUSEUM One of the most famous aspects of Norway is its Viking Age history. The Norsemen travelled the world in their ingenious wooden ships and raided, traded and explored. The unique structure of the ships allowed them to travel long distances at great speed, and to stay afloat despite the natural forces they were up against. Some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships are on display at The Viking Ship Museum at Bygdøy, having been used in burial rituals where they were buried along with their late owners. In addition to the ships Gokstad, Tune and Oseberg, you’ll get to see wood carvings, art, tools and other artefacts that have been retrieved, along with an educational film about the Viking Age. A brand-new Viking Age museum will be ready in 2025. Bus # 30 stops at Vikingskipene. The Bygdøyfergen ferry takes you from Rådhuskaia to Dronningen.
NOBEL PEACE CENTER The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually and is the only Nobel prize awarded in Norway. The Nobel Peace Center opened in 2005, and showcases the Nobel Peace Prize, its laureates and Alfred Nobel, as well as being a venue for debate and reflection around current topics. The centre is located in a former railway station at Rådhusplassen in Oslo, between the City Hall and Aker Brygge. In addition to the exhibitions, the centre hosts panels, debates, concerts, conferences and theatre shows. All metro lines stop at Nationaltheatret T, a sixminute stroll from the centre.Tram # 12 stops at Aker Brygge.
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The Viking Ship Museum. © Shutterstock
THE KON-TIKI MUSEUM Not only the Vikings explored the world – Norwegians throughout the ages have been curious about the world and what lies beyond, as well as how people ended up where they are. In 1974, Thor Heyerdahl sailed a raft of balsa wood from Peru to Polynesia, simply to see if it were possible. The trip was captured on film, and the result was awarded the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1951. The raft, Kon-Tiki, is on display at the museum, along with Ra II, a vessel built of papyrus, which he used to sail from North Africa to the Caribbean. But Heyerdahl not only travelled; he also did archaeological excavations on the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and in Túcume, and in addition to the vessels, the Kon-Tiki Museum contains maps, a library of books, and objects from several of Heyerdahl’s expeditions. Bus # 30 stops at stops at Bygdøynes. Ferries run from Rådhuskaia to Bygdøynes.
