Even in repose, there is something intimidating about the sleek, dark hulls of the Viking ships Oseberg and Gokstad – the best preserved such ships in the world. There is also a third boat at the Vikingskipshuet, the Tune, but only a few boards and fragments remain. This museum is a must for anyone who enjoyed childhood stories of Vikings (so that's everyone).
All three boats were built of oak in the 9th century. The ships were pulled ashore and used as tombs for nobility, who were buried with all they expected to need in the hereafter: jewels, furniture, food, servants, intricately carved carriages and sleighs, tapestries and fierce-looking figures. Some of these items are also displayed in the museum. The ships were excavated from the Oslofjord region between the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th.
The impressive 22m-long Oseberg, buried in 834, is festooned on prow and stern with elaborate dragon and serpent carvings. The burial chamber beneath it held the largest collection of Viking-Age artefacts ever uncovered in Scandinavia, but had been looted of all jewellery. As daunting as the ship appears, it was probably only ever intended as a royal pleasure craft. The sturdier 24m-long Gokstad, built around 890, is the finest remaining example of a Viking longship, but when it was unearthed its corresponding burial chamber had also been looted and few artefacts were uncovered. In addition to the three ships, there are displays of skeletons found alongside the boats.
