Oslo’s Viking Planet is a modern museum experience that combines cutting-edge VR technology with engaging exhibits about the Viking Age. Located right in Oslo’s city center, it offers a two-hour journey into the world of Norse explorers, warriors, and shipbuilders. For just $26 per person, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive displays, from 270-degree cinema shows to hologram encounters with Viking figures, making it an excellent choice for history buffs and families alike.
What we love about this experience is the way it makes history tangible — the VR movie “The Ambush” puts you right on a Viking ship during a battle, and the hologram theatre lets you meet Vikings face-to-face. The digital walk-through of the Viking Ship Museum is another highlight, bringing to life the famous Oseberg and Gokstad ships with interactive 3D models.
One possible consideration is that the VR game FERÐ isn’t included in the standard ticket, which might be missed by those eager to test their own Viking skills. However, if you’re after a well-rounded introduction to Viking culture with a modern twist, this museum is perfect for history lovers, families, or anyone curious about the Norse world.
Key Points
- Interactive and high-tech: VR movies, hologram theatre, and 3D galleries make Viking history engaging and accessible.
- Educational insights: Discover early Scandinavian culture, notable Vikings, and shipbuilding techniques with well-designed exhibits.
- Great value: For $26, you get a comprehensive multimedia experience that appeals to all ages.
- Limited physical artifacts: The focus is more on digital and VR displays than traditional relics, which might be a plus or minus depending on your preferences.
- Family-friendly: The exhibits are designed to captivate both kids and adults, with interactive elements like selfie stations and timeline explorations.
- Optional VR gaming: The VR game FERÐ is an extra for those wanting a more active Viking adventure, suitable for ages 12+.
In-Depth Review: What’s Inside Viking Planet
While in Oslo, here are other experiences we've covered
Location and Layout
Situated in the heart of Oslo, the Viking Planet is easy to find and offers a smooth start with check-in at the reception. The entire experience is designed for small groups, capping at 10 participants, which ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere. The museum is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.
The VR Movie “The Ambush”
The star of Viking Planet is undoubtedly the 12-minute VR film “The Ambush”, created in collaboration with Ridley Scott’s Creative Group. It transports you over a thousand years back, placing you on a Viking ship as it prepares to ambush a rival. The VR experience is scheduled every 20 minutes, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Many reviewers, like Jay, appreciated how “the museum is very interactive and quite informative,” and stayed for several hours enjoying all the VR and digital exhibits. We loved the way the movie immerses you in the harsh environment of Viking life, combining natural scenery with the chaos of battle. It’s a vivid, visceral way to understand the Viking world beyond words.
The Helmet: 270-Degree Cinema
Another highlight is The Helmet, a 270-degree cinema that offers a panoramic view of Viking landscapes and environments. This experience emphasizes the harshness and beauty of Viking terrains, making it more than just a film. The visuals, combined with surround sound, create a feeling of being in the middle of Viking Norway, which is quite captivating.
The film starts every 15 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule. Reviewers like Martiine noted that “the VR experience and all the interactive stands” made this a memorable part of the visit, especially for those who enjoy visual storytelling.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Hologram Theatre
The Hologram Theatre brings Vikings to life through life-sized holograms based on archaeological evidence. Visitors can come face-to-face with Vikings, observing their clothing, armor, and social statuses in a way that feels surprisingly real. This personal interaction allows you to better understand Viking social structure and daily life, making history feel more immediate.
Digital Walk-Through of the Viking Ship Museum
One of the smartest innovations is the digital walk-through of the Viking Ship Museum, which allows visitors to explore the Oseberg and Gokstad ships in 3D. This virtual tour replaces the traditional display, offering detailed close-ups of the ships’ construction and artifacts.
Since the original Viking Museum is temporarily closed, this digital exhibit acts as a good substitute, providing insight into Viking shipbuilding and craftsmanship. As Karina mentioned, “It is a modern museum which attracts attention not only to kids but also to adults.” With interactive features, you can zoom in on ship details or examine artifacts like the longship, nasal helmets, and the Dannevirke.
The 3D Gallery and Documentary
The 3D Gallery showcases iconic Viking objects, allowing you to examine relics in detail — ideal for those interested in Viking craftsmanship. The accompanying documentary, “Norvegr,” explores Scandinavian storytelling traditions and Viking culture, enhancing your understanding of their worldview.
Viking Timeline and Educational Exhibits
The museum offers a timeline of Viking history that visitors can explore at their own pace. It covers notable events, famous Vikings, and myths, making it perfect for those who want a broader context. Exhibits include texts, short films, and interactive artifacts, which help bring Viking history to life.
Viking Windows and Mythology
For those curious about shipbuilding techniques and Norse mythology, the Viking Windows exhibit is a highlight. It explains how ships were built and discusses gender roles during the Viking Age through interactive displays. This adds depth to the narrative, giving visitors a fuller picture of Viking society.
The Selfie-Station and Photo Opportunities
We particularly enjoyed the selfie station with Viking-themed backgrounds, from ships to Northern Lights. It’s a fun way to capture your visit and share your Viking adventure with friends. The station’s popularity shows how the museum successfully blends history with modern social media trends.
VR Game FERÐ (Optional)
For those who want to test their Viking combat skills, the VR game FERÐ offers a siege experience. Accessible with a separate ticket, it’s suitable for ages 12 and older. While reviews note that the game can have technical hiccups, it adds an exciting, interactive dimension to the visit if you’re craving more action.
Overall Impressions and Value
Compared to traditional museums, Viking Planet’s use of VR, holograms, and digital models creates an engaging environment that appeals to all ages. Many visitors, like Karina, found it “a modern museum which attracts attention not only to kids but also to adults.” The $26 ticket is reasonable considering the breadth and quality of the exhibits, especially when you factor in the innovative use of technology.
While there’s less focus on physical artifacts than in older Viking museums, the digital and immersive approach offers a fresh perspective on Viking history. The small group size and interactive exhibits mean you’re not just passively looking; you’re actively engaging with the story.
A common theme in reviews is the value for money. Many visitors appreciated how much they learned and experienced within the two hours. For example, Jay noted staying “almost four hours” and enjoying every minute. The VR movie and hologram theatre are standout elements that make the experience memorable.
Who Should Visit?
This experience suits history enthusiasts, families with children, and tech-savvy travelers seeking a modern twist on Viking history. It’s also ideal for those who prefer interactive learning over traditional displays. If you’re curious about Viking culture but don’t want to spend hours reading plaques, Viking Planet provides a fast, fun, and educational overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Viking Planet ticket suitable for children?
Yes, the exhibits are engaging for both kids and adults, especially with the interactive VR and hologram displays. The VR game FERÐ is suitable for ages 12 and up, but many experiences are great for younger visitors.
How long does the visit typically last?
Most visitors spend around two hours exploring all the exhibits, with some, like Jay, staying longer if they wish to enjoy everything in detail.
Is the VR game FERÐ included in the standard ticket?
No, the VR game FERÐ requires a separate ticket or can be added with the “Combination Ticket” option. It’s an optional extra for those interested in a more active Viking experience.
What are the main highlights of the museum?
Expect the VR film “The Ambush,” the 270-degree cinema, lifesize holograms, and the digital Viking Ship Museum walk-through. These elements stand out as the most immersive and innovative.
Is the Viking Ship Museum’s physical artifacts available to see?
The museum offers a digital walk-through of the ships and artifacts, which is a compelling alternative while the original Viking Museum remains closed. The interactive models allow close inspection of ships and relics.
Is Wi-Fi available during the visit?
Yes, Wi-Fi is included, making it easy to share your experience or access the app guide.
Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
Final Thoughts
The Viking Planet in Oslo offers a dynamic, modern approach to Viking history that’s both educational and entertaining. Its use of VR, holograms, and digital exhibits means you get to experience the Viking Age in a way that feels vivid and immediate, rather than just reading about it in books or looking at static displays.
It’s excellent value for the price, especially given the small group setting and the variety of immersive experiences. While it might not satisfy those seeking traditional artifact displays, it compensates with its innovative storytelling and interactive elements.
This museum is perfect for tech lovers, families, and history buffs who want a quick yet comprehensive Viking overview. It’s also a smart choice if the original Viking Museum is temporarily closed, as this provides a compelling alternative. Expect engaging, informative, and fun experiences that bring Vikings to life like never before.
In short: Viking Planet is a well-designed, tech-driven museum that makes Viking history accessible and enjoyable. It offers impressive value, especially for those eager to engage with history through cutting-edge digital storytelling. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want an innovative history lesson, it’s worth making time for in Oslo.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tickets in Oslo
More Tour Reviews in Oslo
More Oslo experiences we've covered
- Oslo: Paradox Museum Entry Ticket
- Oslo: Oslo Discovery Tour with 2 Museums Included
- Oslo: Day Pass for Downhill Skiing at SNØ Ski Dome
- 2- hour kayak trip on the Oslo Fjord
- Oslo: Fjord Evening Cruise with Shrimp Buffet
- Kon-Tiki Museum and Fram Polar Ship By Walk
- Oslo: Private VIP City Tour by Luxury Minivan with Driver & Guide
- 7 hours Private Limousine tour combined Oslo & Tyrifjord including “The Twist”
- Oslo Private 3h walking tour
- Oslo Christmas walk
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van
- Oslo: Guided Fjord Cruise on the M/S Nobel