The world’s best-preserved Viking ships
The Oseberg Ship, the Gokstad Ship and the Tune Ship are the best-preserved Viking ships of our time. All three vessels were used at sea before carrying the deceased onwards to the next world.
Discover swords and weapons, jewellery, exquisitely decorated sleighs, textiles, tools, coins, and much more – objects that tell the story of life in Viking Age Norway.
A short and intense period
The exhibition follows all the changes throughout the Viking Age. Over these three centuries, people experienced profound upheaval. What was it about the Vikings that still has people around the world talking about these seafarers from the north?
Key events of the Viking Age
750–780:
Eastern raids. Ship graves with mass burials at Salme, Estonia
779–799
First western raids recorded: Portland, Lindisfarne, Ireland, Iona, Aquitaine
Ca. 800
A new trading place emerges at Kaupang, Norway
Ca. 820
The Oseberg ship is built in Western Norway
850s–900
Dublin in Ireland becomes a major port in the Viking trade in enslaved people
911
In exchange for protection, the West Frankish king allows Rollo, a Viking, to rule Normandy
935/936
Håkon the Good becomes the first Christian king of Norway
Ca. 995–998
The first known Norwegian coin is a silver penny minted in the name of Olaf Tryggvason
Ca. 1022
Establishment of the Norse camp at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland
Ca. 1050
King Harald establishes Norway’s first national coinage and monetary systems
1066
Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harold Godwinson defeats and kills Harald Hardrada
