Norwegian Maritime Museum
The Norwegian Maritime Museum (Norsk Maritimt Museum) showcases Norway's rich maritime heritage from Viking times to modern shipping. Explore boat halls with historic vessels, coastal culture exhibits, and Norway's deep connection to the sea across 1,000 years of history.
Museum Highlights
Historic Boat Hall
Over 20 historic vessels including traditional Norwegian boats, fishing vessels, and recreational craft spanning centuries of maritime tradition.
Coastal Culture Exhibits
Comprehensive displays on Norwegian coastal life, fishing traditions, shipping industry, and the vital role of the sea in Norwegian culture.
Maritime Art & Artifacts
Extensive collection of maritime paintings, ship models, navigation instruments, and artifacts from Norwegian seafaring history.
Interactive Exhibitions
Hands-on exhibits for all ages including ship simulators, rope-tying demonstrations, and interactive displays on modern shipping.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
- • Summer (May-Sept): 10:00-17:00 daily
- • Winter (Oct-Apr): 10:00-16:00 Tuesday-Sunday
- • Note: Closed Mondays in winter
Admission Prices
- Adults 120 NOK
- Students / Seniors 80 NOK
- Children (6-15) 50 NOK
- Children under 6 Free
- Oslo Pass FREE
Location & Getting There
Address: Bygdøynesveien 37, 0286 Oslo (Bygdøy Peninsula)
Ferry B from Rådhusbrygge 3 (City Hall pier) to Bygdøy. Runs March-October. 10-minute ride.
Bus 30 from city center to Bygdøynes. Year-round service.
Main Exhibitions
The Coast
Permanent exhibition exploring Norway's relationship with its 25,000 km coastline. Discover how geography shaped Norwegian culture, economy, and identity through fishing, shipping, and coastal communities.
Core permanent exhibitionBoat Hall
Large hall housing historic Norwegian vessels from different eras and regions. See traditional fishing boats, pleasure craft, and working vessels that tell stories of Norwegian maritime life.
Don't missMaritime Library & Archive
Norway's largest maritime specialized library with 70,000 books, ship plans, photographs, and maritime documents. Accessible to researchers and maritime enthusiasts.
By appointmentNearby Museums on Bygdøy
Bygdøy Peninsula is Oslo's museum district. Combine your visit with other world-class museums within walking distance:
Kon-Tiki Museum →
Thor Heyerdahl's famous Kon-Tiki raft and Ra II reed boat from his legendary expeditions.
5-minute walk
Fram Museum →
World's strongest wooden polar expedition ship. Explore the actual vessel used in Arctic expeditions.
5-minute walk
Viking Ship Museum →
Best-preserved Viking ships in the world. Essential Oslo museum visit.
10-minute walk
Norwegian Folk Museum →
Open-air museum with 160 historic buildings including 13th-century stave church.
15-minute walk
Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Museum is smaller than Fram/Viking Ship, so less crowded overall.
How Long to Spend
Allow 1-1.5 hours. Can be combined with nearby museums for a full Bygdøy museum day.
Family-Friendly
Good for children interested in boats and maritime history. Interactive elements keep kids engaged.
Museum Café
Small café with coffee, snacks, and harbor views. Perfect break during your Bygdøy museum tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting if I'm also seeing the Viking Ship Museum?
Yes! While the Viking Ship Museum covers Viking maritime history, the Norwegian Maritime Museum covers 1,000 years of Norwegian coastal and shipping history from medieval times to modern day.
How long does it take to see the museum?
Most visitors spend 1-1.5 hours. Maritime enthusiasts may want 2 hours to thoroughly explore all exhibits and the boat hall.
Can I visit multiple Bygdøy museums in one day?
Absolutely! This museum combines well with Fram and Kon-Tiki (both 5 minutes away) for a maritime-themed day, or add Viking Ship Museum for comprehensive Norwegian maritime history.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators throughout the building.