Learn all about Norway’s rich maritime history from 200 B.C. to the present day at this fascinating waterfront museum.
Situated on the waterfront on Bygdøy peninsular, the Norwegian Maritime Museum expertly tells the story of the country’s inextricable links with the sea. Learn about ship-building techniques, the development of fishing, trade and shipping, and marine archaeology, thanks to the extensive collection of exhibits and historical artefacts showcased in this fascinating museum.
Begin your journey through history by viewing Norway’s oldest boat, Stokkebåten. This is a dugout oak canoe which has been dated at over 2,200 years old. Discover how marine technology has developed through the ages, resulting in the vast ocean liners we see today. You’ll even get a glimpse of the future thanks to the model of the E/S Orcelle, a cargo ship that will run on the renewable energies of solar, wind and wave power.
Visitors of all ages will love the interactive exhibits. Experiment with different ship-building materials to test their mass and buoyancy, discover for yourself why the splendid 17th-century warship “Vasa” sunk 2 kilometres into her maiden voyage, and test your skills as a ship’s captain when you take charge of the remote-controlled boats on the indoor pool.
Head to the Boat Lab to see the construction of functional replicas of historical ships and find out how innovations in techniques and the discovery of new materials has dramatically influenced their performance.
You can even head out on a virtual journey along Norway’s coastline, thanks to the panoramically shot film projected across five screens. This presentation lasts for 18 minutes and is shown every 30 minutes in the museum’s cinema.
The museum also caters for younger visitors with the Children’s Boat Workshop, run once a week on Sundays. They’ll be taught how to build their own model boats using traditional methods, and can have the result of their handiwork photographed and made available online.
The Norwegian Maritime Museum is open every day, except on 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 January and 17 May. It is located five kilometres from Oslo city centre. Take the number 30 bus, or, during the summer months, the ferry from City Hall pier.
