Museums and Sailing Ships

Today was meant to be a day of exploration. It was raining, but we were meant to be indoors most of the day. The plan worked up to a point, but we did end up getting very wet and cold. Travelling the few blocks to the bus stop started the wet day. Then we got off the bus one stop too early and ended up walking to our correct stop. We had to put our bags in a locker before entering the Viking Ship Museum, but the locker was broken and stole my camera bag (An attendant helped us get it back). The Museum was wonderful.

There are three ships on display, one which looks almost new, one which has started to decay, and one which was significantly decayed. Each was used for the burial of an important leader, so each was loaded with gifts to help them survive the afterlife.

Apparently, there are many more items that are not shown, but what we can see is amazing. Plans are underway to expand the building considerably so that the whole collection can be displayed.

The Oseberg Ship (The Best Preserved) 

Oars on the Gunnel

Close-up of Oar Blades

Detail on Prow

The Goksland Ship (The Largest)

Small Boat Found Dismantled on One of the Ships

The Tune Ship (The Oldest)

Animal Head Post (There Are Four Altogether)

Sleigh Found on One Ship

Detail on Another Sleigh

Coiled Snake

Another short bus ride then took us to the Fram Museum. This collection recognizes and celebrates the exploration of the Northern and Southern Polar Regions. Explorers such as Hudson, Franklin, and Bering are mentioned, but the museum is mostly about Roald Amundsen (After all, he was Norwegian).

Interestingly, Amundsen was a young boy when the Franklin expedition met with disaster in the North-West Passage. Young Roald was inspired to dedicate his life to polar exploration. Before he was finished he was first to fly over the North Pole, first to Sail the North-West Passage, and first to reach the South Pole.

CJØA (First Through the North-West Passage) / Model of Norge (First to Cross the North Pole)

CJØA from Deck Level

Outhouse on Deck

Cleanup Station on Deck

FRAM (Used by Amundsen for His Expedition to the South Pole)

The Helm of the FRAM

FRAM Galley

FRAM Workshop

FRAM Dining Room (With Bunkhouses in Background) - Amundsen, who was Expedition Leader, slept in one of theses little bunks, just like every other crew member.