Viking Ship Museum, Oslo (must see)

Situated on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, the Viking Ship Museum forms an integral part of the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo. Within its walls lie three burial ships from the Viking era, unearthed as significant archaeological discoveries from sites like Tune, Gokstad (Sandefjord), Oseberg (Tønsberg), and the Borre mound cemetery.

The museum gains its greatest renown for hosting the remarkably intact Oseberg ship, extracted from the world's largest documented ship burial. Alongside this, the Viking Ship Museum boasts the Gokstad ship and Tune ship as its main draws. Expanding the experience, the Viking Age exhibition presents an array of artifacts, encompassing sleds, beds, a horse cart, wood carvings, tent components, buckets, and various grave goods.

In 1913, Swedish scholar Gabriel Gustafson put forth a dedicated architectural concept aimed at housing Viking Age discoveries that had surfaced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The University of Oslo had previously offered temporary refuge to the Gokstad and Oseberg ships. An architectural competition was organized, ultimately won by Arnstein Arneberg.

The construction of the Oseberg ship hall received funding from the Norwegian Parliament, leading to the relocation of the ship from the university's provisional shelters in 1926. Subsequently, the halls for the Gokstad and Tune ships were finalized by 1932. Nonetheless, the completion of the last hall faced delays, partly due to World War II, reaching its conclusion in 1957. This final hall accommodates the majority of the other findings, primarily sourced from the Oseberg site.

Why You Should Visit:
The best place to see real Viking ships in a great conservation state and other pieces of Viking history.
The building is a wonderful setting for the ships. Pretty cheap entrance ticket as well.
Outside café and pleasant sitting out area, weather permitting.

Tip:
There's a locker you can use for free where you can put your bags, since they only allow small purses.
Your ticket also covers free entry to the Museum of Cultural History nearby within 48 hours.