Slottsfjell Museum

For anyone fascinated by the Viking Age, a trip to Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest city, offers a unique and essential experience. At the foot of the historic Mount Slottsfjell, the Slottsfjell Museum houses a remarkable treasure in its Viking Hall. The Klåstad ship (Klåstadskipet), known as Norway’s fourth Viking ship.

Unlike the more famous Oseberg and Gokstad ships, which were discovered in burial mounds, the Klåstad ship is a genuine wreck. This merchant vessel, likely a “knarr,” sank around the year 1000 while laden with a cargo of whetstones from Eidsborg. The exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Viking trade, innovation, and daily life.

A Unique Look into Viking Trade

The Klåstad ship provides a different perspective on Viking seafaring. As a cargo ship, it was the workhorse of its time, crucial for the trade routes that were the lifeblood of the Viking economy. The museum’s interactive exhibition invites you to join a trade journey. You can also learning about the important goods and far-flung destinations the Vikings traveled to.

Because the ship sank and was preserved in the seabed, only the port side could be salvaged and is now on display. You can still vitness a unique cross-section of its construction. The original Klåstad ship is the only Viking ship currently exhibited in a museum outside of Oslo, making it a must-see on your bucket list.

More Than Just a Ship

While the Klåstad ship is the centerpiece of the Viking attraction, the Slottsfjell Museum offers a broader look into the region’s rich history. The museum is a cultural heritage site that also features exhibits on the Middle Ages in Tønsberg. Remember to check out the history of whaling in the impressive Whale Hall, and an open-air museum with historic farmhouses.

After visiting the museum, you can take a short hike up to the top of Slottsfjell. Here you can explore the ruins of Scandinavia’s largest medieval castle and enjoy the best view of Tønsberg.

For a complete Viking experience in Tønsberg, you can also visit the harbor to see “Saga Farmann.” This is a full-scale replica of the Klåstad ship launched in 2018.

YouTube video by Slottsfjellmuseet