Bergen Maritime Museum - Museum Vest

The history of seafaring in a maritime city

Have you ever wondered why Norway is known as a seafaring nation? Bergen Maritime Museum has the answer. We tell the story of Norwegian seafaring over thousands of years, about Norwegian seafarers who transported goods across the world and about Bergen – the maritime city that has always had its gaze fixed outwards, towards the rest of the world.

Stories from the sea over the course of 2,000 years

The Viking ships were the essence of the Viking Age, and in our exhibitions, you can explore Viking burial customs and the ritual offering of ships in bogs. The Viking ship exhibition has been upgraded in the summer of 2025 and features remains of original Viking ships, boat models, as well as weapons, jewellery, and tools found in graves. You can also explore the museum’s two floors of additional exhibitions and be inspired by an extensive collection of everyday objects, ship models, maritime paintings, and underwater archaeological finds. Individual artefacts with fascinating stories, each forming part of a larger narrative about international trade, technology, life at sea, war, and migration. The Maritime Museum is about all this - and more.

Exploration and recreation

The museum building is an architectural gem of stone and glass, in a central location in a peaceful and virtually car-free neighbourhood on the university campus. Within walking distance of the city centre, the museum offers a break from busy city life. The area around the museum is perfect for exploration and recreation, with other museums, parks and cafés nearby.

Film and guided tours

We recommend watching the spectacular film ‘The Viking Burial’ about a ship burial from the Viking Age that was found in Western Norway. The film is produced by the local company Arkikon (duration 22 minutes, Norwegian speech, English subtitles).

Daily guided tours during the summer.

Activities for children

Those who draw, see more! We have drawing paper and pencils. Or maybe you would like to look for ‘ship rats’? Or figureheads?



Museum shop and refreshments.

How to get here (on foot):

From the city centre (approx. 15 minutes): Walk up the steps leading to St John's Church (Johanneskirken). Keep to the left of the church and walk about 50 metres. Then turn right onto the gravel footpath. Walk another 100 metres — the museum is easily recognised by its natural stone façade.

CONFERENCES, MEETINGS AND DINNERS:

The Bergen Maritime Museum provides a maritime setting for dinners and celebrations. On the "ship deck", guests can enjoy a superb view of Puddefjorden and the modern part of the port of Bergen. The museum has its own auditorium for presentations, speeches and ceremonies. It is also possible to book guided tours of the exhibitions.

Amenities:

Banqueting - available after opening hours at. 16:00:

Exhibition (ground floor) - Maximum 112 guests - banquet seating.

“Ship deck” (1st floor) - Maximum 64 guests - banquet seating.

Receptions (whole museum) – Maximum 130 guests with banquet seating and maximum 250 guests at receptions.

Meetings & Conferences - available all day:

Auditorium (ground floor) - Maximum 80 guests - setup cinema (video projector, screen, sound equipment and internet). Wireless internet, projector, screen and sound equipment.

Guided tours of the exhibitions:

We offer guided tours in Norwegian and English, maximum 30 guests per guide.

ACCESSIBILITY:

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and equipped with ramps and elevators. The main entrance is step-free, and an accessible toilet is available on the ground floor. The exhibitions include ship models, historical artifacts, and interactive displays, making it a fascinating visit for all.

Bergen Maritime Museum is centrally located, approximately a 10-minute walk from the Tourist Information. However, due to Bergen's hilly terrain, the museum is situated on an incline. The easiest and flattest route to the museum with a wheelchair takes just slightly longer than the fastest one, which has stairs.

Companion:

Free entry for companion upon presentation of a companion card.

Read more about accessibility at Bergen Maritime Museum here.