- Ricky Menzies
- Last Checked and/or Updated 23 March 2026
- Norway
When looking for attractions to visit in Oslo that explore the Viking world, Viking Planet is often one of the top contenders. Although the name might give the impression of a 90s style video game arcade, it is in fact a more modern experience. Bringing the past and technology together, this digital museum tells a comprehensive narrative of the Viking Age.
The Gamification of History
Many travelers come to Norway for its Viking heritage. Unfortunately, the Viking Ship Museum is closed for renovations until 2027. But, there are alternatives to scratch that Viking itch, and Viking Planet is one of them.
The attraction presents Viking history through state-of-the-art digital technology. As someone who actively avoids anything tech related (I typically prefer a ‘dumb phone’), I initially thought a digital experience wouldn’t be for me. But, there was more I liked about the experience than I had expected. In this review, I outline my observations and offer thoughts on who might enjoy and benefit the most from visiting.
What is Viking Planet?
Opening in 2019, Viking Planet is an attraction with a twist. It is located in the centre of Oslo opposite City Hall, a five minute walk from Nationaltheatret. It uses touch screens, virtual reality, holograms and 3D rendering of current museums to immerse visitors in the world of the Vikings.
To achieve its ambitious vision, Viking Planet teamed up with some of the biggest names in the industry. This includes Dimension Studios, an award-winning production house known for its work on blockbusters like Wicked, which joined forces with Ridley Scott Associates to create the VR film The Ambush. Balancing cutting-edge tech with historical rigor, the experience was vetted by Kim Hjardar, a University of Oslo alum and co-founder of Live History magazine.
In addition to the museum, Viking Planet also offers the opportunity to play a VR video game as a Viking archer defending your village and going on a raid. It should be noted, that you will need a separate ticket to try this.
Who is Viking Planet for?
On the surface, it is clearly as much a celebration of the modern world as it is of the Viking Age. Despite the emphasis on high-tech, the barrier to entry is surprisingly low. If you can navigate a smartphone, you can navigate this exhibition.
Some highlights include:
• A Hologram station where you can watch Viking characters in authentic period clothing and read about their roles in society at a push of a button.
• Timeline touch screens which teach the narrative of the Viking Age through battles and events. Maps of battle maneuvers and 3D renderings of artefacts are shown alongside long form text and short bite sized facts.
• A 270° cinema showing a movie that follows several stories and scenes from the Viking Age. Here you are surrounded by the landscape and sounds as you watch Vikings navigate their world.
Designed with a younger audience in mind, the facility is reminiscent of the Assassin’s Creed games, where players enter a digital world to experience the lives of historical figures. Despite this though, it seems the exhibition can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The optional VR game may be a hit for seasoned gamers, but for a beginner like me, it fell short. The lack of clear instructions combined with an unforgiving ‘game over’ mechanic, reminiscent of House of the Dead, makes it difficult for newcomers to get their money’s worth. Unless you’re already savvy with virtual reality, you might find this particular attraction more confusing than captivating.
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Good to Know
Getting There
Ticket Prices
• Adults: 285 NOK (approx. €25)
• Children (6-11): 175 NOK (approx. €15.50)
• Oslo Pass: Free entry
Note: While no individual student or disability and senior discounts are offered, group rates are available. The VR game requires a separate ticket (275 NOK), or you can purchase a combination pass for 475 NOK.
Accessibility
Facilities
Navigating the Exhibition
The experience is split across two levels:
Upper Floor – Ticket desk, gift shop, and the VR gaming booths.
Lower Floor – The main museum, organised in a circular trail of themed stations.
You can explore the narrative in 12 different languages, ranging from French and Italian to Russian and Chinese. Tactile Braille signage is also available to ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors. Though note that some physical signs are only available in English.
The VR Experience
If you opt for the VR game, you’ll be stationed in one of five semi-private booths. While open to the shop area, these are separated by dividers for safety. You’ll be instructed to stay within a marked circle on the floor to avoid the three surrounding walls.
The hardware consists of a wired headset and two hand paddles. The game itself is an ‘on-rails shoot ‘em up’ experience, meaning the movement is automated, you won’t need to ‘walk’ yourself. Although you can turn 360° to take in the scenery; just be mindful of the cables, as it’s easy to get tangled in the wires during the heat of a raid.
The Museum
Before heading downstairs, you’ll be asked to leave your coat and bag in a designated holding area. The main event below follows a recommended circular trail marked by arrows. Each ‘station’ along the path focuses on a specific theme, utilising different interactive technologies.
The content is deceptively dense. Because the exhibits are digital, a thorough visitor could easily spend two to three hours exploring every layer. In the following sections, I’ll highlight which installations are ‘must-sees’ and which you might skip if you’re short on time.
My Experience
Visiting Viking Planet while doing a Master’s degree in Viking Studies offered a unique vantage point. A deep, prior knowledge of the Vikings isn’t required to enjoy the space; the exhibition provides an engaging and highly informative introduction to the Viking Age.
A pre-booked morning slot via GetYourGuide ensured a quiet visit, and arriving right at opening meant a personalised welcome from the staff. They immediately provided a headset and paddles for the VR game, with a firm warning to stay within the floor markings to avoid a literal ‘run-in’ with the walls.
The game itself mirrored an old-school arcade Time Crisis but without the ducking. As a first-time VR user, the realisation that ‘death’ in the game meant an immediate end to the session came as a surprise. The experience was brief, to say the least. Armed with virtual arrows and an occasional sword, the mission was to defend a village and a rolling wooden vehicle from attackers. While marketed as a 360° experience, turning around too much led to a hilarious entanglement in the hardware’s wires, a hazard only spotted through the gap at the bottom of the headset, but not by the staff.
Fifteen minutes and several ‘arrows to the face’ later, the VR session ended. A quick trip back to the front desk provided direction toward the lower-level museum.
Descending the stairs reveals a plethora of choices: a 270° cinema, hologram stations, or a self-guided trail. Following the arrows provides a clear path, though the holograms was my chosen starting point. These 26 avatars, representing everyone from Kings to slaves, offer a deep dive into the archaeology of Viking attire and social roles.
The 270° cinema is equally impressive, featuring a short film that prioritises historical accuracy over the stylized, leather-clad tropes often seen on television. It is atmospheric, well-shot, and best viewed from beginning to end.
For those missing the currently closed Viking Ship Museum, the 3D digital model is a standout highlight. It allows for a level of ‘zooming in’ on artefacts and ship details that would be impossible in a traditional museum setting. Similarly, the ‘scrolling’ timeline screens provide an impressive depth of detail regarding battles and manoeuvres, though reading every word requires a significant time commitment.
Not every element hit the mark. The ‘4DX’ style VR movie experience felt underwhelming; the jolting seats and mechanical noise often broke the immersion. It also may be overstimulating or distressing for neurodivergent visitors or those sensitive to sudden noises. Furthermore, the general narrative told by the museum is more broad, focusing on the overall Viking Age rather than Norway-specific history.
Ultimately, the information is well-researched and accessible; even as a master’s student, there are new insights to be found, particularly regarding the strategic battles of the era. Whether your interest lies in mythology, archaeology, or history, there is plenty to gain from this experience.
Who Should Visit
While Viking Planet is a strong choice for those interested in a broad overview of the Viking Age, those specifically seeking a deep dive into Norwegian-focused history may find it lacking. For visitors on a tight schedule, skipping the VR game and the ‘4DX’ movie experience allows more time to focus on the high-quality digital presentations.
Ultimately, a traditional museum featuring physical artefacts is an unbeatable way to engage with history. But, with the Viking Ship Museum closed, this experience serves as a vital and engaging alternative for exploring the Viking world while in Oslo.
Final Verdict
Viking Planet offers an innovative, tech-driven narrative of the Viking Age. By taking a modern approach to learning, the creators have developed a space that successfully introduces a broad audience to history through inspired installations.
While the VR elements may feel underwhelming to some, the strength of the cinema and interactive timelines makes the facility a worthwhile stop. It may not replace the experience of seeing a thousand-year-old ship in person, but it bridges the gap between archaeology and the digital future, making the Viking past accessible to a whole new generation.
Alternatives to Consider
If a high tech museum just isn’t for you, here are a few other places you might want to consider during your trip to Oslo.
Historic Museum
This is simply the best museum for Viking Age artefacts in Norway. The Vikingr exhibition houses essential objects, including runestones, armour, weapons, and jewellery.
National Library
If you’re not strictly looking for Viking Age stuff, but still want something close, the National Library holds Norway’s oldest manuscript: The Hagenes manuscript. Although the Hagenes manuscript is currently undergoing conservation, visitors can still view the 13th century Magnus Lagabøters Landslov manuscript. Admission to the exhibition is free.
Gol Stave Church at Norsk Folkemuseum (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History)
This structure represents the Nordic transition into the Christian era and certainly captures the Viking vibe. The church is famous for its architecture and the runic graffiti carved into its timber walls.
The Myths and Legends Oslo City Walking Tour
This two-hour guided experience departs from City Hall and ends outside Akershus Fortress. It provides a narrative-driven look at Norse mythology and local folklore.
Donations and memberships start from as little as €5.
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