We had seen very positive reviews of this museum so we hopped on a ferry from pier 3 in Oslo and…read moreventured out to this area. It was quite busy given it was a Saturday at the height of tourist session. We were able to get a good discount and got the combo ticket to also visit the Kon Tiki museum next door. The museum is quite good and did a nice job of telling not only the story of the Fram and it's many expeditions but the story of other related explorers and explorations to the Artic and Antarctica. Most of this was new to me so it was quite educational. The two ships were fun to walk through and the many displays contained a ton of information (frankly way more than I could absorb). They do have a small snack area but it has a pretty basic selection if you are counting on it for lunch. Overall a worthwhile visit.

The Fram ship was used in polar explorations. It is the world's strongest wooden ship and is on…read moredisplay in this museum. One can walk through many parts of the ship. If you are prone to seasickness, be aware that at times rolling seas are projected on the walls and ceiling of the building housing the ship. Informative displays are arranged throughout the ship and the building. I'm not sure if it is worth the price of admission as our entrance was covered by our Oslo city tour. Right across the parking lot is the Kon Tiki museum.

Fantastic experience! From the stuff to the exhibitions, everything felt like a true Norwegian…read moreexperience

Highlight of our Oslo trip hands down!…read more There are indoor and outdoor exhibitors, making this museum agreeable to whatever the weather has in mind for the day. While the indoor exhibits are fun and educational, my family and I found the outdoor displays especially interesting and fun. Tons of photo opps, and lots of places with shade if you're worried about sun exposure. Inside there are even legos and books (in Norwegian) for children. Be sure to look for: -Kong Oscar church (absolutely beautiful) -the horses! -staff dressed up in traditional Norwegian clothing Keep in mind: -outdoors has some inclines (not the most stroller friendly, but doable) Tip: bring a selfie stick to get some photos in front of some of the very tall outdoor displays!

I remember long ago learning about the Kon-Tiki when I was much younger and now finally got to see…read moreit in person while in Oslo. The museum was a short ferry ride on the Bygdoy ferry that departed from City Hall Pier 3. The ferry ride and museum admission were included in our Oslo Pass. Once inside the Kon Tiki balsa wood ship was to the left and the Ra II reed boat was to the right. The museum seemed a little older but overall presented the Kon Tiki expedition in an easy to follow manner with lots of interesting artifacts. It was also surprising to learn about the post sailing and the effort needed to bring the Kon Toki back to Norway which eventually led to the renovation and housing in this museum. Thor Heyerdahl also funded and led other expeditions and the Easter Island one was covered in detail while following a tunnel down below. The Ra II was housed in the final section of the museum. It was another proof of concept that worked out the second time with this reed boat. The expedition also collected details about the oil spills found on their journey and the resulting actions taken. While it's convenient to see this museum after the Fram or Maritime museums (located right across the parking lot from each other) one may want to split the visit so you don't get overloaded with seeing boats.

After touring the nearby Fram museum we visited this one on our combo ticket. This story I was…read moremore familiar with than the Fram but there was much to learn. The free audio headsets really helped bring the story alive and filled in the gaps without having to read hundreds of information panels. We probably spent one hour here (a bit less time than at the Fram). How all these people stayed alive is amazing. We now need to find the documentary movie on this voyage and see more detail. Thumbs up!

Akershus festning - During my visit to Oslo, I simply could not miss Akershus Fortress, and this…read moreplace made a great impression on me. The historic fortress is exceptionally well preserved and offers stunning views of both the Oslofjord and the harbor. I really enjoyed the combination of rich Norwegian history and the peaceful atmosphere that can be found here. Walking along the ramparts, courtyards, and ancient buildings was a wonderful experience. The entire area is well maintained, clean, and perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace. It is a place where you can comfortably spend several hours while learning more about the history of Norway. Admission to the fortress grounds was free, with charges applying only for the museums. I also appreciated that the visitor center provided free drinking water and free soda from a dispenser. We were able to refill our bottles as well. The toilets located around the site were also free to use.

I actually just walked the outside of the castle. The grounds were gorgeous. There were various…read morefruit trees. Oranges and crab apples. The large crab apple tree planted in the center of the large lawn was so abundant that there were tons of over ripened ones that had fallen all over and littered the lawn. This caused a bunch of bees buzzing around them on the lawn. There are also a lot of tourists walking the outer grounds of the castle, stopping to pose next to the cannons. The views of the ocean and blue skies are noteworthy. It was worth the long walk from the hotel.

Beautiful museum!! Free tickets on Wednesdays starting at 6pm. They had multiple different floors…read morewith different artists.

Excellent modern museum. I learned so much. There is an extensive history of his life, his family…read moreand his studies, including an interactive mock-up of his home. Plus of course many of his works including a rotation of three of his "The Scream" works. Some aspects of the exhibit are a bit depressing as he was a very troubled person with many medical issues. There are also sections with adult content so parents with children should be aware. Be sure and have a drink at the rooftop bar for excellent views.

The Viking Ship Museum is part of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo. With…read moreyour NOK 100 or $11.24 USD ticket purchase at the entrance door to the Viking Ship Museum you are also entitled to free admission to the History Museum of Oslo located on the University of Oslo campus. You can use Mastercard, Visa or the Oslo pass. Tickets can not be purchased online. The Fram, Norwegian Maritime and Kno-Tiki museums are nearby. Three Viking ships are displayed here. the Oseberg (820 AD), Gokstad (900 AD), Tune (910 AD). These were all excavated between 1854-1904. The Borre Mound cemetery was a major source of artifacts including skeletal remains, wood carvings, sledges, small boats, cart tools and household utensils. There are not as many artifacts as you might find in other museums but the Viking Ship Museum allows you to get up-close to the ships. Information is presented in both Norwegian and English and a QR code lets you download additional information. You can also download a free app at ITunes or Google Play. There is a museum brochure in 14 different languages as well. A film "The Viking Alive" is screen all day in a separate room and on the wall. The cafe serves light food and rinks during the summer. The gift shop has unique Viking era jewelry, souvenirs, games, toys and books. Toilets are in the basement.

The Viking Ship Museum is a must-do, if you're ever in Oslo. Ticket prices for adults are 100 NOK…read more($12 USD) and entry is free for children. However, I recommend purchasing the Oslo Pass, since it grants you free admission to all museums and public transportation. There are about 6 museums located in this area of Bygdøy. The Oseberg Viking Ship and the Gokstad Viking Ship are impressive. There is also a visual presentation of viking history every 15 minutes. The museum has many viking artifacts. It's small. You can probably see the whole thing in about one hour or so. The gift shop is also the cheapest of all the museum gift shops. 4 stars. Wonderful museum.

7/2/2024 - adults were about $20 US dollars and kids under 18 years old were free, that is 1-17…read moreyears old. There are three floors and only staircases to walk up. No elevators. You can't bring backpacks in and they give you free storage. The Viking items were on the 3rd floor. I liked still the Viking items. Also, Ancient Aliens on a rock? Hmm, misunderstood technology. It looks like a humanoid being in a space suit with a flying saucer. You decide. Well worth the money. Restrooms on every floor as well. The upper floor was the best. Also, they have a huge relax zone for kids and families with tables, chairs and crafts.

This is a small museum with a lot of great artifacts on 3 levels. Unfortunately, there is NO AUDIO…read moreGUIDE or LIVE GUIDE to explain all of the items on display (which I would have gladly paid extra for). Worth a visit if you have the Oslo Card, but I'm not sure it would be worth paying full admission. Artifacts included Arctic, Vikings, Indians and a large display of gold coins. Lockers are provided free of charge and they make you put your backpack in the locker. Photography is allowed throughout the museum.

I had never known why Oslo has the Nobel Peace Prize and Stockholm has the rest of the Nobel…read moreprizes. That explanation was just one element of visiting this wonderful museum. While the museum in Stockholm for the other awards was totally underwhelming, this museum dedicated to peace was wonderful. First of all the building is majestic and beautiful and worthy of the distinction it holds. Just looking at it from the outside gave me a feeling of awe. Upon entering, the graphics and progressions through the awards are very well done. I learned so much during my hour or so there. It really doesn't need much of an endorsement or description other than to say that if ever in Oslo, this museum should be at the top of your list for visiting.

Amazing subject matter, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The space is quintessential…read moreScandinavian; bright, clean, sharp lines, good lighting. Beautiful building overall, and not too big across the two floors. Content was pretty sparse, however. Exhibits were mostly photos of people rather than any meaningful primary objects. I could look at a collection of prominent historical figures anywhere; I was hoping for more depth and uniqueness to the presentation here. Still a decent visit while in Oslo, but don't expect to spend more than an hour here.

Exceptional display; really enjoyed the LARGE size of the park & all the works displayed! Despite a…read morerainy chilly day it was a highlight!

The Vigeland Sculpture Park was quite an impressive collection of sculptures and wrought iron works…read morecreated by Gustav Vigeland. It was one of the world's largest outdoor park by one artist. From the entrance gate it confirmed Tony's just how far we'd have to walk to see all of Vigeland's works. The intricate wrought iron gates at theme trance was just a taste and more of that seen as we god into the maze section (closed at the time of our visit). The bridge contained more statues and the most popular was the Angry Boy. A must see with that expression so plainly etched on his face and the in the position of the body. The massive fountain formed from bodies holding a huge bowl on top was a reflection of the burdens we shoulder. The tree of life was reflected plaques mounted all around the fountain and showed our life to death progress. The Monolith at the top of the hill was carved from a single block of granite and was a site to behold with the many carved bodies intertwined together reaching upwards. The Wheel of Life sculpture at the very end was the final piece in this part of the park. The museum was located ten minutes away from the park in a building erected by the City of Oslo for Vigeland. He turned over all of his work to the city after his passing as part of his agreement and funding. The museum housed many of the models used for those sculptures in the park as well as the wrought iron works that were never installed. The portion of the museum where Vigeland lived was only open at certain times but not during our visit. Well worth taking a short tram or bus ride away from the heart of Oslo.