For years the Viking Ship Museum on Bygdøy was Oslo's Viking experience, but it has closed for a major rebuilding as the Museum of the Viking Age and is not expected to reopen before 2027. In the meantime, The Viking Planet fills the gap in a different way. It calls itself the world's first digital Viking museum, and it sits at Fridtjof Nansens plass, right beside City Hall. Instead of glass cases, you get holograms of Viking characters, a virtual ride aboard a longship, interactive 3D versions of real artefacts, selfie stations and exhibitions in twelve languages. The Tiqets ticket includes entry, a digital guide, Wi-Fi and a souvenir, and the venue is open daily from mid-morning to early evening, with last entry an hour before closing. It is wheelchair accessible, compact and easy to fit into a day in the centre.
Who it suits: families, Viking fans and anyone who learns better from an immersive experience than a display case. Purists may find it light on real objects, so think of it as an introduction to the Viking world rather than an archaeological museum.
How to visit: allow about an hour, start with the longship ride, and use the digital guide in your own language. There is also a version of the ticket that adds a VR game. Show your phone ticket at the counter.
Pairing: City Hall and the Nobel Peace Center are on the same square, and the fjord cruises leave from the pier in front, so it slots easily into a harbour-front day. Children who enjoy it may also like the illusions at Paradox Museum nearby.
What to expect
The experience
A compact digital museum with holograms, a virtual longship ride and interactive 3D Viking artefacts.
Best time
Any day; it is open daily and makes a good plan for a cold or wet afternoon.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Start with the longship ride and choose your language on the digital guide.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and Viking fans while the Viking Ship Museum is closed.
- Families
- Holograms and the longship ride keep children engaged, and it is step-free.
- Couples
- A quick, fun hour before dinner at Aker Brygge.
- Pair with
- The Nobel Peace Center and City Hall on the same square.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
Is the Viking Ship Museum open?+
No, it is closed for rebuilding as the Museum of the Viking Age and is not expected to reopen before 2027.
What is The Viking Planet?+
A digital Viking museum with holograms, a virtual longship ride and interactive 3D artefacts.
Where is The Viking Planet?+
At Fridtjof Nansens plass 4, next to Oslo City Hall.
What does the ticket include?+
Entry, a digital guide, Wi-Fi and a souvenir.
Is it good for kids?+
Yes, the interactive format suits children, and the venue is wheelchair and buggy friendly.
