Kon-Tiki Museum 🇳🇴

Located on Oslo's Bygdøy peninsula, the Kon-Tiki Museum brings the thrilling seafaring adventures of Thor Heyerdahl to life. Step inside to explore original vessels, expedition maps, and an extensive library holding roughly 8,000 books. The museum was originally established in 1949 to house the famous Kon-Tiki—a pre-Columbian style balsa wood raft that Heyerdahl successfully navigated from Peru to Polynesia in 1947. Beyond this iconic raft, you will encounter the Ra II, a reed boat modeled after ancient Egyptian ocean vessels, which Heyerdahl sailed from North Africa all the way to the Caribbean following his initial attempt with the Ra.

As you inspect the vessels, make sure to look beneath the Kon-Tiki raft to see a impressive model of the whale shark that the crew famously encountered during their journey across the ocean. Housed in a facility designed by architects F. S. Platou and Otto Torgersen, the museum offers an incredible look into mid-century exploration.

The institution also actively engages in cultural preservation, periodically repatriating items collected by Heyerdahl back to Easter Island. It is an inspiring stop that offers a fascinating look at human courage, ancient vessel design, and oceanic travel.

What to see at Kon-Tiki Museum

• The original Kon-Tiki balsa wood raft used to sail from Peru to Polynesia in 1947
• The Ra II reed vessel built based on ancient Egyptian ocean-going designs
• A life-sized model of a whale shark encountered during the Kon-Tiki expedition
• Historical expedition maps and a specialized library containing about 8,000 books

Visiting tips

Combine your visit with nearby attractions on the Bygdøy peninsula, such as the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Kon-Tiki Museum is easy to reach on Oslo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oslo travel guide.