Interesting places in Oslo: Viking Ship Museum

A must-see on every trip around Oslo is a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. Anyone who has been there will admit that the exhibits gathered in this museum are as impressive as the very history of this warlike people. Just like Poles come from Polans, the Norwegians owe their beginnings to the Vikings, who fearlessly conquered new lands. However, not only the Scandinavian countries can pride themselves on the legacy of these warriors. It turns out that the Vikings were far ahead of their time - both in terms of women's emancipation and personal hygiene. Find out more about the history of the Vikings!

Scandinavian warriors and their history

The Vikings were famous for their conquests since the 8th century. However, they undertook expeditions not only to conquer - they were also merchants, and most importantly, they were still looking for new places where they could settle. It is well known that the Vikings were the first people to reach North America - and they certainly did so long before Columbus. They also reached the east coast of Canada.

The whole world of that time heard about their conquests and achievements - from Greece, through the Slavs, to the Arabs. But they were also famous for the goods they traded - other peoples could buy from them wood, seals and whale skins, iron, tusks and walrus bones, wine, gold, and salt. They also traded slaves - most often with the inhabitants of Arab countries.

However, they would not have achieved all of this if it were not for the famous boats. It was the construction technique that the Vikings spent a lot of time on. The Scandinavian people invented the upwind sailing technique that revolutionized European shipping. Their ships are enormous works of art - flat-bottomed boats equipped with rectangular sails or knorras, seagoing long-range ships, make an impression to this day. They are preserved in very good condition, and tourists can see them at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.

Viking Ship Museum

The main exhibits of the Viking Ship Museum are three boats from the 9th century. Their condition is excellent, and all thanks to the clay soil in which they have spent hundreds of years. They were found in Norway. The first one, the boat from Oseberg, measures 22 meters, and a crew of 33 was required to sail it! The boat belonged to the wife of a Viking chief - she was buried with her.

Another boat that can be seen at the Oslo museum is the boat from Gokstad. Also very well preserved - it is larger and more beautifully decorated than the one from Oseberg. Unfortunately, unlike the first boat, its burial chamber was completely ransacked. Only fragments are left from the last ship that can be seen in the museum.

The history of the Vikings is extremely interesting, and what is important - it is an integral part of Norwegian culture. Therefore, when visiting Oslo, you must visit the Viking Ship Museum. The museum is open every day, except on certain public holidays. Admission is NOK 60