About Kon-Tiki Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum tells one of the most audacious adventure stories of the 20th century. Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002) believed that ancient Peruvian peoples had the capability to make transoceanic voyages to Polynesia. To prove his theory, he and five companions set sail on a balsa wood raft from Peru in April 1947.
After 101 days and 8,000 kilometres of open Pacific Ocean, the Kon-Tiki raft reached the Raroia atoll in Polynesia. The documentary film of the voyage won the 1951 Academy Award for Best Documentary. Today the museum houses the original raft, the Ra II papyrus boat (1970 Atlantic crossing), Easter Island artefacts, and a submarine aquarium showing Pacific marine life.
Heyerdahl’s personal collection of letters, photographs, and expedition gear rounds out a museum that rewards thorough exploration. The adjacent Aker Brygge waterfront is perfect for a post-museum walk.
What to See: Highlights
- Original Kon-Tiki balsa raft (14 metres long)
- Ra II papyrus boat — used for the 1970 Atlantic crossing
- Easter Island moai replica and artefacts
- Underwater aquarium (Pacific marine life)
- Oscar-winning documentary film screening
- Heyerdahl’s personal collection and diaries
Skip the Queue — Buy Kon-Tiki Museum Tickets in Advance
Booking online guarantees your entry and skips the ticket queue — especially important in summer and on weekends in Oslo.
Prices may vary. Booking fees may apply. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. DisclosureIs Kon-Tiki Museum Included in the Oslo Pass?
✓ Yes — Kon-Tiki Museum is included with the Oslo Pass, giving you free entry plus 30+ other Oslo attractions and unlimited public transport. At 140 NOK adult entry, the Oslo Pass pays for itself quickly when combined with other included museums.
🔑 Get the Oslo Pass — From 495 NOK/day Affiliate link. Commission earned at no extra cost to you. DisclosureVisitor Tips for Kon-Tiki Museum
Watch the documentary film: The Oscar-winning 1950 documentary, shot on the raft during the actual voyage, is gripping and adds real depth to the museum experience. Allow 45 minutes if you plan to watch it.
Look beneath the raft: The aquarium is installed beneath the Kon-Tiki, recreating the view from the deck into Pacific depths. The crew regularly encountered sharks and whales from this exact viewpoint.
Combine with the Fram Museum: Just 200 metres away on Bygdøy, the Fram Museum completes a perfect pairing of Norwegian adventure stories. Both are Oslo Pass inclusions.
Guided Tours Including Kon-Tiki Museum
- 🎧 Audio guide tours available on-site
- 👥 Small group tours (max 12 people)
- 🌟 Private guided experiences
- 🌎 Combined Oslo museum day tours
Getting to Kon-Tiki Museum
Located at the tip of Bygdøy, metres from the Fram Museum. In summer, the Bygdøy Ferry from Aker Brygge is the most enjoyable way to arrive — a 10-minute fjord crossing operating every 20–30 minutes (May–Sep).
Year-round: Bus 30 from Jernbanetorget (Oslo S) to the Bygdøynes stop, approximately 20 minutes. The bus stop is directly outside the museum entrance. All transport is free with the Oslo Pass.
Best Hotels Near Kon-Tiki Museum
Stay within easy reach and make the most of your Oslo museum visit. Check Booking.com for current rates and availability:
🏠 Find Hotels Near Kon-Tiki Museum →Kon-Tiki Museum: Frequently Asked Questions
The Kon-Tiki is a 14-metre balsa wood raft built by Thor Heyerdahl in 1947. He sailed it 8,000 km across the Pacific from Peru to Polynesia in 101 days to prove pre-Columbian South Americans could have made this journey. The original raft is preserved and displayed as the museum’s centrepiece.
Yes — consistently one of Oslo’s top-rated museums. The original raft is more impressive in person than photos suggest, and Heyerdahl’s story is extraordinary. Combined with the Fram Museum, it makes for one of the best half-days of any Oslo trip.
Ra II is a papyrus reed boat built in the ancient Egyptian style. Heyerdahl used it in 1970 to cross the Atlantic from Morocco to Barbados in 57 days, demonstrating ancient Egyptians could have made similar transoceanic voyages.
Yes — Heyerdahl led an archaeological expedition to Easter Island in 1955–56. The museum holds artefacts, a replica moai statue, photographs, and research materials from that expedition.
Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes. Families may spend up to 2 hours, especially if they watch the documentary film. Pairs naturally with the Fram Museum next door for a full Bygdøy maritime morning.
