Oseberg Viking Ship Begins Historic Move to New Museum
Oslo, Norway – September 10, 2025, 20:13 CEST – The Oseberg ship, one of NorwayS most treasured Viking artifacts, is being moved for the first time in over 100 years. The relocation, approximately 100 meters to its new position within the forthcoming Viking Age Museum, began today.
The move is a critical step in preserving the ship for future generations, following a 2012 advice from an expert committee. Construction of the new museum was financially enabled by fundraising efforts that began in 2019. In 2022, the ship was secured to withstand construction vibrations.
To facilitate the transfer,a specialized crane track has been installed in the museum’s ceiling,anchored to the foundation wall. The 50-tonne ship is being lifted five meters above the floor and transported across the ground, a process expected to take around 12 hours. The total cost of the relocation is NOK 550 million.
“The biggest scare is that we get a great damage to the Viking ship,” explained David Hauer, the conservator responsible for Norway’s largest cultural treasure and captain of the relocation. ”It stands inside the migration rig on supports. And we can risk if we get deformations in the moving rig during the move, so these supports can go straight through the hull.”
Hauer emphasized the extensive precautions taken, including developed safeguarding methods and a monitoring system to track the ship during the move. “We have been very good, and we are well shuttered for the task now. But excitement is, and we have to take heed for more outcomes. That’s how it is moving Viking ships,” he said.
The Oseberg ship’s journey began in 1903 when Oscar Rom discovered a viking ship burial mound on his property, Garden Lille Oseberg in Slagen, Vestfold. Excavation took place in 1904, and the ship was first exhibited at the University Hagen in Oslo in 1907. It was later moved to bygdøy and the Oseberg wing of the Viking ship House in 1926.
The new Viking Age Museum is slated to open to the public at the end of 2027,allowing audiences to once again view the Oseberg ship.
Source: The Viking Age Museum
