Fram Museum: Norwegian Polar Exploration
The Fram Museum (Frammuseet) houses the famous polar exploration ship Fram - the strongest wooden ship ever built and the vessel that has sailed farthest north and farthest south in history. Located on Oslo's Bygdøy peninsula, this unique museum allows visitors to board the actual ship used by legendary Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen.
The museum also displays the Gjøa, the first vessel to transit the Northwest Passage, and the Polarship, used in Arctic expeditions. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, the museum tells the remarkable story of Norwegian polar exploration and the extreme conditions these brave explorers faced.
The Fram Ship: Icon of Polar Exploration
The Strongest Ship Ever Built
Launched in 1892, Fram was designed by Norwegian shipbuilder Colin Archer specifically to withstand the crushing force of Arctic ice. Its rounded hull allowed the ship to be lifted by ice rather than crushed, enabling survival in the most extreme polar conditions.
Ship Specifications
- • Built: 1892
- • Length: 39 meters (128 feet)
- • Width: 11 meters (36 feet)
- • Weight: 800 tons
- • Material: Oak, pine, and greenheart
Records
- • Farthest North: 85°57'N (1895)
- • Farthest South: 78°41'S (1912)
- • Used in 3 major expeditions
- • 12 years frozen in Arctic ice
The ship's hull was up to 1 meter thick in places, making it virtually indestructible by ice. Today, visitors can walk through the ship's interior and see the cramped living quarters, galley, and captain's cabin.
The Three Great Expeditions
1. Nansen's Arctic Drift (1893-1896)
Fridtjof Nansen deliberately froze Fram into the Arctic ice, planning to drift with the polar current toward the North Pole. The ship spent 3 years trapped in ice, proving the design worked perfectly. Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen left the ship to ski toward the pole, reaching 86°14'N - farther north than anyone before.
Result: Ship survived intact. Nansen became a national hero.
2. Sverdrup's Arctic Expedition (1898-1902)
Otto Sverdrup used Fram to explore the Canadian Arctic, mapping over 250,000 square kilometers of previously unknown territory. The expedition collected extensive scientific data and made significant geographical discoveries.
Result: Major contributions to Arctic geography and science.
3. Amundsen's Antarctic Expedition (1910-1912)
Roald Amundsen sailed Fram to Antarctica and established base camp at the Bay of Whales. While the ship remained at base, Amundsen and his team used it as their supply headquarters for the historic race to the South Pole. On December 14, 1911, Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole, beating Robert Falcon Scott's British expedition by 34 days.
Result: First to reach the South Pole. Norway's greatest polar achievement.
What to See at the Museum
Board the Fram
Walk through the actual ship, including crew quarters, the galley, captain's cabin, and engine room. See how explorers lived for years in extreme cold and darkness.
The Gjøa
Roald Amundsen's ship from his Northwest Passage expedition (1903-1906). The first vessel to successfully navigate this legendary route.
Interactive Exhibits
Experience the Northern Lights, feel temperatures down to -50°C, and learn about polar wildlife and survival techniques.
Original Artifacts
See expedition equipment, clothing, scientific instruments, sledges, skis, and personal items from the explorers.
Polar Simulator
Experience what it's like to navigate through ice-filled waters in the Arctic. Popular with kids!
Underwater View
See Fram's reinforced hull from below, understanding how the ship's unique design protected it from crushing ice.
Visitor Information
Essential Information
Hours & Admission
- Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (June-Aug until 18:00)
- Entry: 140 NOK adults
- Students/Seniors: 100 NOK
- Children (under 16): Free
- Family: 300 NOK
- Oslo Pass: Free entry
Location
- Address: Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo
- Peninsula: Bygdøy
- Ferry (Summer): From Rådhusbrygge
- Bus 30: Year-round service
Getting There
Ferry (April-October): Most scenic option! Take ferry from Rådhusbrygge 3 (City Hall pier) to Bygdøy. 10-minute ride with beautiful fjord views.
Bus 30 (Year-round): From Jernbanetorget to Bygdøy. Stops directly at the museum.
How Long to Visit
Allow 1.5-2 hours minimum. If you're fascinated by exploration history, you could easily spend 3 hours. The museum is very family-friendly with interactive exhibits that engage children.
Best Combined with
- • Viking Ship Museum (next door - walking distance)
- • Norwegian Maritime Museum (5-min walk)
- • Kon-Tiki Museum (5-min walk)
- • Norwegian Folk Museum (10-min walk)
- • Tip: Buy Bygdøy Museum Pass for multiple museums
Facilities
- • Café with light meals and drinks
- • Museum shop with books and polar-themed items
- • Free WiFi
- • Wheelchair accessible (ship has limited access)
- • Audio guides available in multiple languages
Nearby Museums on Bygdøy
Viking Ship Museum →
World's best-preserved Viking ships. Right next to Fram Museum - perfect combination!
Walking distance (2 minutes)
Kon-Tiki Museum →
Thor Heyerdahl's famous Kon-Tiki raft and Ra II reed boat from his legendary expeditions.
120 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Norwegian Maritime Museum →
Norway's maritime history from Vikings to modern times. Boat hall and coastal culture exhibits.
120 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Norwegian Folk Museum →
Open-air museum with 160 historic buildings including 13th-century stave church.
150 NOK (free with Oslo Pass)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually board the Fram ship?
Yes! One of the museum's highlights is walking through the actual ship. You can explore below deck, see crew quarters, the galley, and imagine life during polar expeditions. Some areas have limited access for preservation reasons.
Is the museum good for children?
Absolutely! Kids love boarding the ship and the interactive exhibits. The polar simulator, temperature chamber, and Northern Lights display are particularly engaging. Children under 16 enter free.
How long does it take to see everything?
Most visitors spend 1.5-2 hours. If you're passionate about exploration history or traveling with children who want to try all the interactive exhibits, allow 2-3 hours.
Is the Oslo Pass worth it for Bygdøy museums?
Yes! The Oslo Pass includes free entry to 5+ museums on Bygdøy (Fram, Viking Ship, Maritime, Kon-Tiki, Folk Museum) plus free ferry transport. If visiting 3+ museums, it pays for itself.