Welcome to The Viking Ship Museum
The Viking Ship Museum exhibits the five 1000-year-old original ship finds from the Viking Age (the Skuldelev Ships) as well as a fleet of sailing reconstructions. Several of these reconstructions and other Nordic boats are also available to sail in. You can also meet the craftsmen who keep up the traditions of the old maritime trades, and you can try your hand with axes, ropes and many other activities.
The five original Viking Ships
The permanent exhibitions are focused on the five Skuldelev Ships. The goal of these exhibits is to tell the story of these ships and of the many Nordic maritime adventures during the Viking Age. The five original Viking ships stand majestically with the Roskilde Fjord as a living backdrop. With this view, it becomes easy to imagine how the merchant set off for distant shores with his goods, the warriors waved goodbye to their families before the voyage and the fisherman embarked on the fjord with the hope of returning with a good catch.
Start your visit by watching our introduction film ”Five Viking Ships from Skuldelev”. The film lasts 14 minutes and is available in multiple languages.
Exhibitions
The museum displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Read more about the museum's current exhibitions here.
Living boatyard
The boatyard recreates ships of the past using the same materials and techniques used by the Vikings 1000 years ago.
Activities
As the seasons change, so do the activities and experiences.
See what activities the museum is offering right now.
Daily tours
Join the daily tours inside - and for young and old.
Audioguides
Listen to exciting and dramatic stories about Viking ships and voyages.
There are audio guides for children and adults.
MuseumMystery
The MuseumMystery is a digital treasure hunt that takes you around the Viking ships in a fun and surprising way.
Visit the Maritime Archaeologists' DocuLab
At the Museum Island, you can visit the Maritime Archaeologists' DocuLab. Here, archaeologists are working on documenting two remarkable shipwrecks.
Christmas at the museum
21 - 31 December 2024
Create a Viking Age Christmas tradition with your family this year. We're open every day during the Christmas holidays, including the day of Christmas Eve!
The museum also offers food and drinks and a beautiful museums shop
Opening hours and admission
The Viking Ship Museum is open daily.
Here you can find the opening hours and admission fees applicable on the day you visit.
Café Knarr
At the Viking Ship Museum you can enjoy the active atmosphere on the Museum Island or the views of the Roskilde Fjord as you dine.
Museum shop in the Viking Ship Hall
In the Museum shop you will find a wide range of jewelry, textiles and crafts in Nordic design and with inspiration from the Viking Age.