Oslo Norway Viking Museums
The 5 Best Viking Museums in Oslo, Norway
As a historian and traveler who has explored Viking sites across Scandinavia, I’ve spent years studying Norse history, archaeology, and culture firsthand. Every site listed here has been chosen for its authenticity and cultural significance. If you want to experience the real Viking Age in Oslo, these are the destinations backed by both historical evidence and modern expertise. Oslo and its surrounding area hold some of the most fascinating Viking heritage sites in Scandinavia, from cutting-edge digital experiences to authentic archaeological treasures. Whether you’re passionate about Norse mythology, ancient ship burials, or interactive exhibits, these destinations will immerse you in the Viking Age like nowhere else.
1. The Museum of the Viking Age (Former Viking Ship Museum Oslo)
No visit to Oslo is complete without a stop at what’s often called the Viking Ship Museum Oslo which is officially reopening as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2027. Located on Bygdøy Peninsula, just 15 minutes from the city center, it houses Norway’s most famous Viking finds: the Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune ships. These ninth-century vessels were discovered in burial mounds and remain the best-preserved Viking ships in the world.
Even during renovations, the museum’s new design promises to elevate the experience to be the largest museum in the world dedicated to Viking Age finds.
The Oseberg Ship carefully positioned on its exhibition spot. Photo: Museum of the Viking Age, University of Oslo.
Find more information on the construction and opening dates from their [website here]
2. The Historical Museum – Miðgarðr: The Mythical World of the Vikings
In the heart of downtown, the Historical Museum features the exhibition Miðgarðr: The Mythical World of the Vikings. This exhibit taking up most of a full floor, explores the spiritual and mythological life of the Norse people. Visitors can trace the stories of Odin, Thor, and Freyja, learn to write in runes, and see the original serpent-head carving from the Oseberg ship. There is also a great selection of weapons, jewelry and other artifacts on display. For those searching for a “Viking Museum Oslo,” this is currently the one with the most finds and history until the new museum opens in 2027.
3. Oslo Viking Planet – The Digital Viking Museum
When you search for “Oslo Viking Planet,” you’ll find one of the city’s most unique attractions. The Viking Planet is the world’s first digital Viking museum located right by Oslo City Hall. Inside, guests step into 270° cinemas, virtual-reality experiences, and holographic recreations of Viking ships and battles. It’s an ideal stop for families or travelers looking for a modern take on Viking history. The interactive 3-D artifacts and immersive storytelling make it one of Oslo’s most popular new museums.
4. Rakni’s Mound – The Ancient Giant of Jessheim
About 30 minutes northeast of Oslo lies Raknehaugen, the largest burial mound in Northern Europe. Dating back to around 550 AD, this enormous earthwork was built from more than 75,000 logs and once stood 18 meters high. While not a “museum” in the modern sense, it provides a rare glimpse into the pre-Viking traditions that evolved into the grand ship burials later seen in Oslo’s Viking collections. It is an incredible sight to see up close.
5. The Viking Garden – Oslo Botanical Garden
For something unexpected, explore the Viking Garden in Oslo’s Botanical Garden at Tøyen. A 33-meter-long ship outline filled with Viking-era plants, rocks, and animal products showcases what everyday life might have looked like for Norse sailors. It’s a peaceful and educational outdoor exhibit that brings Viking history into the natural world — perfect for those seeking lesser-known Viking museums in Oslo Norway.
Planning Your Viking Adventure
All of these attractions are within a short 30-minute trip from central Oslo, making it easy to explore several in a single day. Whether you’re tracing the legends of Odin at Miðgarðr, sailing through virtual reality at The Viking Planet, or standing before the earth-shaping might of Rakni’s Mound, Oslo offers an unforgettable journey through Viking history — past, present, and digital.