Viking Ship Museum

Yesterday, we also went to the Viking Ship museum but it certainly didn’t compare to the fun we had at the Vigeland installation. Anyway, here are the pictures from that museum. Real interesting story behind these ships. These were true sailing ships back in 700AD, ocean going ships, the Oseberg ship; the Gokstad ship; and the Tune ship. These ships were “retired” after about 20 years to be used as funeral ships. The Vikings buried the entire ship along with the deceased and numerous items to help them in the afterlife. Most of the expensive items were stolen by grave robbers many years ago but some everyday things like sleighs, wagons, utensils, clothing, etc. were left behind.

Detail carving on the keel

The Oseberg ship held two women, both of which must have been powerful or religious women for such a prestigious burial. Their ship also contained several items for the afterlife; three sleighs, a wooden cart, 5 carved animal head posts, five beds, 15 horse skeletons, 2 cow skeletons and 6 dog skeletons.

The Gokstad ship held one important man who was buried with game boards, kitchen utensils, 6 beds, a tent, a sleigh, 3 small boats, 12 horses, 8 dogs, 2 peacocks and 2 goshawks. From the skeleton that was excavated, the man appeared to have been fatally wounded in battle. His right calf showed signs of being struck by a sword so hard that it severed the bone; his right femur had a large chunk missing indicating a stab wound to the leg; and part of his left kneecap had been sliced off.

The Tune ship also held the skeleton of one man and contained remnants of weapons, mail armour, parts of skis, and a horse skeleton.

A burial shelter from one of the ships. The hole in the front was caused by grave robbers.

Oar port. These had covers inside that could be locked down while the ship was under sail power

That’s it for the Viking ship museum. Tomorrow we’re off to explore Oslo city center and maybe a ski museum that has a ski jump.

Cheers