Norwegian Explorers

In the footsteps of Norwegian explorers

Get an insight of the Norwegian Explorer’s history, that dates back to the Iron Age.

Viking explorations The earliest explorers of Norway were the Vikings. They were known for being skilled seafarers , sailing from Scandinavia to Europe, Asia and North Atlantic islands. Some say they even discovered America… The Vikings were also know for their raids – which could be quite ruthless. You will learn more about the Vikings and their history at the Viking Ship Museum. Here you will also see the great Viking ships discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslofjord.

Arctic explorations We continue through history, and will next visit the Fram Museum, showing the world’s strongest wooden ship Fram. This polar ship still holds the record for sailing farthest north and farthest south! Walk on top of the ship, and under deck while listening to the guide telling you about Frithiof Nansen’s and Roald Amundsen’s spectacular journeys in the late 1800s and early 1900s. At the Fram Museum you can also see the ship Gjøa, the first ship to sail through the West Passage., and you can read excerpts from the crew’s diaries.

Pacific explorations Our last stop will be the Kon-Tiki Museum. This museum houses the original vessels and artifacts from Thor Heyerdahl’s world- renowned expeditions. Heyerdahl gained world fame when he crossed the Pacific Ocean only on a raft in 1947. Heyerdahl has with his expeditions showed that man mastered sailing long before saddle and wheel were invented.