The history of the Scandinavian countries is inextricably linked with navigation. This is especially true for Norway, because it is precisely its border that runs along the coast of the North Sea, from where the Vikings often began their travels. So many of Norway's attractions are related to this topic. The main ones are presented in this article. These two museums are highly recommended for tourists traveling to Norway.
Viking Ship Museum (Oslo, Norway)
Part of the Oslo Culture History Museum, a favorite Norwegian museum.
In 1913, it was planned to build a separate room for the three Drakkars discovered in different years, which were previously stored in the premises of the University of Oslo. The first, in 1926, Oseberg ship was moved to a new building. In 1932, the other two halls opened, which occupied the Gokstad and Tyun ships. And by 1957, another building was built where objects found along with the ships were presented - kitchen utensils, sledges, items of clothing, weapons and armor.
The Norwegian Viking Ship Museum is located on the Bugde Peninsula. You can get there by bus or ferry. Since there are only four halls, it will not take long to get around it completely. However, there is something to see.
Oseberg ship
It got its name from the city where it was discovered (now it is Tensberg) in 1906. Scientists have found that the construction of the ship dates back to the beginning of the IX century. It is believed that he was launched into the water around 820. For a decade, the Vikings used the dragcar for coastal navigation, after which it became a funerary. During excavations, the remains of two women were discovered in it: the old and the young. Moreover, the second, as DNA analysis showed, was most likely a native of Central Asia. Fragments of eastern silk fabrics and peacock bones found in the ship also testify to this. There was also a wooden cart and a number of kitchen items. Both the ship and the cart are well preserved, and give us the opportunity to appreciate the figured carving, which the Vikings loved to decorate all wooden objects, primarily their ships.
Tune ship
It was discovered in 1867, and the building dates back to about 900. The ship was only partially preserved, but it was found that it was also used as a funerary and was approximately 22 meters in length. And this is the smallest of the three ships.
Gokstad ship
This dragcar was discovered in 1880. It has been preserved best of all, so you can see it in all its pristine beauty. The Gokstad ship was also used for burial, but it was on similar Vikings that conquered the ocean, sailing off the coast of Norway. The Viking Ship Museum is the largest exhibit: its length is as much as 25 meters.
Museum Courtyard
On the territory of the Ship Museum of Norway there is a real shipyard, where ancient Scandinavian boats and dragrakars are recreated. And next to the building is a monument to the spouses Helge Markus and Anna-Stina Ingstad, researchers who proved that the Vikings visited America before Columbus.
Museum "Lofotr" (Norway, Borg)
If the Norwegian Viking Ship Museum is located in the capital, then this place is a good reason to visit the Norwegian outback. The Viking Museum "Lofotr" is located in the village of Borg in the village of Westvogey, surrounded by picturesque mountains and hills.
The main building is a recreated dwelling of the jarl - the head of the Old Norse settlement. The foundations of the house were accidentally discovered by peasants in 1983. After inspection by archaeologists and excavations, the house was completely restored and turned into a museum that attracts many tourists from all over the world.
Exposition
The main building of the museum, the so-called Big House, includes many premises. These are the bedrooms of the owners and servants, the kitchen, pantries and a long dining room, where the guests of the jarl were invited. The big house also served as the town hall where public meetings, courts, and holidays were held, to which all the inhabitants of the village were invited.
In addition to the main building, the museum has a stable, a forge, other outbuildings and workshops.
In the Lofotr Museum, you can see almost any items that were made and used by ancient Scandinavians. Tools, household items, clothing, weapons and armor, furniture and jewelry. Each item serves to fully recreate the picture of medieval life.
Interactive excursions
At the Norwegian Viking Museum Lofotr, an excursion is not just an examination of the exhibits, and this is its main attraction. Here you can get dressed and be a resident of a medieval village, and museum staff will play a performance for you where you will be one of the actors. You can try yourself in the role of a blacksmith, do cooking for a feast or participate in a court session. And ride a real dragrakar - such as are in the Ship Museum of Norway. There are two exact replicas for rent here.
In addition, the museum hosts various educational and enlightening events: lectures on the history of Scandinavia, workshops on shipbuilding, embroidery, wood carving and other crafts.
