Kon-Tiki Museum, Oslo (must see)

Situated on the picturesque Bygdøy peninsula, close to various other cultural landmarks and museums, is the Kon-Tiki Museum. Established in 1949 and subsequently relocated to its current site in 1957, this museum is a tribute to the life and exploits of the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. Born in 1914, Heyerdahl orchestrated a series of daring expeditions across the Pacific Ocean during the 1940s and 1950s. The museum draws visitors into the captivating narrative of his endeavors, particularly highlighting his renowned voyage to the South Pacific, from which the museum derives its name.

Heyerdahl possessed a profound fascination with the historical tapestry of the Pacific Islands and ardently held the conviction that pre-Columbian South American indigenous communities had established colonies in distant locales like Easter Island, well before the arrival of European explorers. Through his remarkable feat aboard the Kon-Tiki, an ingenious balsa wood raft christened after an Incan deity, Heyerdahl irrefutably demonstrated the viability of traversing the vast expanse of the Pacific. The Kon-Tiki raft, now the centerpiece of the museum's collection, symbolizes this audacious accomplishment.

The museum offers an array of captivating exhibits, including a dedicated showcase of deep-sea inhabitants, featuring the complete skeletal structure of a majestic whale shark. Additionally, an expansive library dedicated to Norwegian exploration enriches the museum's offerings, further illustrating the country's history of maritime discovery.

Why You Should Visit:
It is pretty unexpected and nice learning about something so far from Norway, but at the same time relevant to it.
The displays are interactive and well-organized and give a really good sense of the motivations and dangers behind the trip.

Tip:
Make sure you visit at midday for the daily screening of the Kon-Tiki film, which gives a better picture of what Heyerdahl and his crew achieved and definitely enhances the rest of the exhibition.
Note that there is no food available in this museum – just a coffee/tea station.