Kon-Tiki Museum, Oslo (must see)
Situated on the picturesque Bygdøy peninsula, close to various other cultural landmarks and museums, is the Kon-Tiki Museum. Established in 1949 and subsequently relocated to its current site in 1957, this museum is a tribute to the life and exploits of the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. Born in 1914, Heyerdahl orchestrated a series of daring expeditions across the Pacific Ocean during the 1940s and 1950s. The museum draws visitors into the captivating narrative of his endeavors, particularly highlighting his renowned voyage to the South Pacific, from which the museum derives its name.
Heyerdahl possessed a profound fascination with the historical tapestry of the Pacific Islands and ardently held the conviction that pre-Columbian South American indigenous communities had established colonies in distant locales like Easter Island, well before the arrival of European explorers. Through his remarkable feat aboard the Kon-Tiki, an ingenious balsa wood raft christened after an Incan deity, Heyerdahl irrefutably demonstrated the viability of traversing the vast expanse of the Pacific. The Kon-Tiki raft, now the centerpiece of the museum's collection, symbolizes this audacious accomplishment.
The museum offers an array of captivating exhibits, including a dedicated showcase of deep-sea inhabitants, featuring the complete skeletal structure of a majestic whale shark. Additionally, an expansive library dedicated to Norwegian exploration enriches the museum's offerings, further illustrating the country's history of maritime discovery.
Why You Should Visit:
It is pretty unexpected and nice learning about something so far from Norway, but at the same time relevant to it.
The displays are interactive and well-organized and give a really good sense of the motivations and dangers behind the trip.
Tip:
Make sure you visit at midday for the daily screening of the Kon-Tiki film, which gives a better picture of what Heyerdahl and his crew achieved and definitely enhances the rest of the exhibition.
Note that there is no food available in this museum – just a coffee/tea station.
Heyerdahl possessed a profound fascination with the historical tapestry of the Pacific Islands and ardently held the conviction that pre-Columbian South American indigenous communities had established colonies in distant locales like Easter Island, well before the arrival of European explorers. Through his remarkable feat aboard the Kon-Tiki, an ingenious balsa wood raft christened after an Incan deity, Heyerdahl irrefutably demonstrated the viability of traversing the vast expanse of the Pacific. The Kon-Tiki raft, now the centerpiece of the museum's collection, symbolizes this audacious accomplishment.
The museum offers an array of captivating exhibits, including a dedicated showcase of deep-sea inhabitants, featuring the complete skeletal structure of a majestic whale shark. Additionally, an expansive library dedicated to Norwegian exploration enriches the museum's offerings, further illustrating the country's history of maritime discovery.
Why You Should Visit:
It is pretty unexpected and nice learning about something so far from Norway, but at the same time relevant to it.
The displays are interactive and well-organized and give a really good sense of the motivations and dangers behind the trip.
Tip:
Make sure you visit at midday for the daily screening of the Kon-Tiki film, which gives a better picture of what Heyerdahl and his crew achieved and definitely enhances the rest of the exhibition.
Note that there is no food available in this museum – just a coffee/tea station.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Kon-Tiki Museum on Map
Sight Name: Kon-Tiki Museum
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Oslo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Grunerlokka Walking Tour
Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour
Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour
The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour
Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo
The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...