About Norwegian Maritime Museum
The Norwegian Maritime Museum (Norsk Maritimt Museum) sits at the water’s edge on Bygdøy, where panoramic windows frame views directly across Oslo Fjord — an ideal setting for a museum dedicated to Norway’s profound relationship with the sea. The collection spans over 2,000 years of Norwegian maritime history, from ancient dugout canoes to modern merchant shipping.
Norway’s coastline stretches over 25,000 kilometres (more than 100,000 km including fjords and islands), and the sea has shaped Norwegian culture, economy, and national identity more than almost any other factor. This museum tells that story comprehensively — from Viking trading routes and medieval Hanseatic commerce to the herring boom of the 19th century and Norway’s emergence as one of the world’s great shipping nations.
The museum’s ground floor holds traditional fishing boats, coastal vessels, and model ships. Upper galleries explore navigation, marine biology, and the evolution of Norwegian seafaring technology. A children’s section includes a ship simulator where young visitors try steering a vessel through Oslo Fjord.
What to See: Highlights
- 2,000 years of Norwegian maritime history
- Ancient dugout canoes among Norway’s oldest preserved boats
- Traditional fishing boat collection
- Oslo Fjord panoramic views from the galleries
- Children’s ship steering simulator
- 19th-century coastal life and herring fishery exhibitions
- Model ship collection spanning four centuries
Skip the Queue — Buy Norwegian Maritime 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 Norwegian Maritime Museum Included in the Oslo Pass?
✓ Yes — Norwegian Maritime Museum is included with the Oslo Pass, giving you free entry plus 30+ other Oslo attractions and unlimited public transport. At 130 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 Norwegian Maritime Museum
Enjoy the fjord views: The museum’s panoramic windows facing Oslo Fjord are genuinely spectacular. The view of the fjord with ferries passing and the Holmenkollen hills in the background is one of Oslo’s most peaceful urban panoramas.
Let children try the simulator: The ship simulator in the children’s section is one of the most popular family attractions in all of Bygdøy. Allow extra time if you’re visiting with young children.
Combine with Fram and Kon-Tiki: All three maritime museums on Bygdøy are included in the Oslo Pass. Together they form a comprehensive picture of Norway’s extraordinary relationship with the sea.
Guided Tours Including Norwegian Maritime Museum
- 🎧 Audio guide tours available on-site
- 👥 Small group tours (max 12 people)
- 🌟 Private guided experiences
- 🌎 Combined Oslo museum day tours
Getting to Norwegian Maritime Museum
The Norwegian Maritime Museum shares its Bygdøynes location with the Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum. In summer, the Bygdøy Ferry from Aker Brygge drops visitors at the Bygdøynes pier, steps from all three museums. Ferries run every 20–30 minutes (May–Sep).
Year-round: Bus 30 from Jernbanetorget (Oslo S) stops at Bygdøynes, approximately 20 minutes from the city centre. The Oslo Pass covers all public transport.
Best Hotels Near Norwegian Maritime 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 Norwegian Maritime Museum →Norwegian Maritime Museum: Frequently Asked Questions
The museum covers 2,000 years of Norwegian maritime history — from the earliest dugout canoes and Viking Age trade ships through the age of sail, herring fisheries, whaling, and Norway’s development as a major modern shipping nation (one of the world’s largest merchant fleets). It also covers Oslo Fjord environment and coastal culture.
Yes — the museum has a dedicated children’s section with a popular ship steering simulator. Children under 15 enter free. The hands-on elements make it a worthwhile addition to a Bygdøy family day.
Yes, the Norwegian Maritime Museum is included in the Oslo Pass. It’s one of five Oslo Pass museums on Bygdøy.
Most visitors spend 1–1.5 hours. Families enjoying the simulator may spend up to 2 hours. Pairs naturally with the Fram Museum (200 metres) and the Kon-Tiki Museum (300 metres).
Yes — the museum’s waterfront location means several galleries have large windows framing direct views over Oslo Fjord, particularly beautiful on clear days.
