Thursday, June 20, 2013

Vikingskipshuset - The Viking Ship Museum


The Viking Ship Museum, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo has on display the best preserved Viking Ships ever found. These ships were found in three royal burial minds by the Oslo Fjord.


The ships were buried more than 1100 years ago to carry their royal owners to 'the other side'.


The Fram - with its unique design, is the most famous ship in polar history, known for its amazing expeditions to both the North and South Poles. You are able to step aboard and see how the crew (with their dogs) endured years of sailing through storms, treacherous waters and the freeeeeezing cold. Amazing insight into the life of these sailors and scientists. A must see if you're ever in Oslo. 



The Vikingskipshuet (The Viking Ship Museum) also has on display unique finds from Oseberg and Gokstad, sledges, textiles, kitchen utensils and the only carriage form the Viking age ever to be found. 


Thor Heyerdahl (1914 - 2000) gain worldwide recognition when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on this, the Balsaraft Kon-Tiki in 1947. The film about his expedition won an Oscar in 1951. It's screened at the museum at noon everyday. But as I am trying to do at least three museums a day, I think I will have to hire it.

The Balsaraft Kon Tiki 1947 - I have got myself an Oslo Pass for the next 48 hours. I'm planning on doing at least three museums a day in our last couple of days in downtown Oslo. This is not the best photo but here is they original Kon-Tiki.



The Frammuseeet (The Polar Ship Museum) - at the Fram you can journey to the North and South Pole. Amazing stories from the Arctic and Antarctica. To be sitting on the Fram surrounded by Northern Lights show, how incredible it would be to see in real life.