Top 5: Museums in Oslo

In terms of size, Oslo remains one of the smallest European capital cities, yet it manages to pack in an incredibly large array of museums. Many of these galleries provide excellent insight into the arts, history and cultural significance of Norway.

The Norwegian Folk Museum

Fans of historical architecture will love spending a few hours at the Norwegian Folk Museum. Here, you’ll find 160 historic buildings painstakingly restored over the course of a century. During the high season the staff dresses up in period clothing and gives visitors a true-to-life experience.

Viking Ship Museum

Norway has a rich history of Viking society and the city celebrates that through the Viking Ship Museum. Three ships, the Tune, Oseberg and Gokstad, are preserved here, along with skeletons of the crew and decorations the Vikings displayed during their journeys.

The National Museum

There’s no better place to experience the country’s rich works of art than the National Museum. The National Gallery contains paintings, sculptures and interactive works from the country’s most famous artists over the centuries and is a must for any tourist.

The Oslo Museum

For a more narrow view of the region, check out The Oslo Museum. Inside you’ll find highlights of the building of Oslo dating from the Middle Ages all the way to the current year. It’s located in Vigeland Park, one of the most beautiful places in the city.

Norway’s Resistance Museum

Norway played an integral role in stopping the Nazi invasion of Europe. At Norway’s Resistance Museum you’ll learn the story of how the King and government narrowly escaped the Nazi occupation and how their efforts to stymie the replacement government helped turn the tides of the war.