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Kon-Tiki Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo is dedicated to the life and expeditions of Thor Heyerdahl, located on the Bygdøy peninsula. Founded in 1949, the museum houses the original balsa wood raft, Kon-Tiki, used by Heyerdahl to cross the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Polynesia in 1947. This 101-day voyage aimed to demonstrate that ancient South American peoples could have reached and settled the Pacific islands using primitive vessels. Additionally, the museum displays the papyrus boat Ra II, which successfully crossed the Atlantic in 1970 to prove transoceanic contact possibilities. The collection features archaeological findings from Easter Island and the Galapagos, including stone statues and tools. Visitors can also view the Academy Award-winning 1950 documentary about the Kon-Tiki expedition in the museum's cinema. The institution serves as a key site for experimental archaeology and the history of maritime exploration.

Location: Norway
Top sights: Villa Paus · Kon-Tiki Museum · Fram Museum
Nearby: Fjellstrand (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-5	-2	4	10	14	16	15	11	5	0	-5
Rain mm	78	60	56	61	92	96	112	122	96	104	94	78

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Kon-Tiki Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo displays the rafts and equipment from Thor Heyerdahl's legendary expeditions. It is a significant museum documenting the adventures and scientific achievements. The museum is open year-round, except for a few holidays.

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Typical hours

The Kon-Tiki Museum typically opens daily 10:00-17:00, in summer often until 18:00. In winter (October-April) Monday may have shorter hours or be closed. Check the website for current times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the museum without flash. The exhibits, including the original Kon-Tiki raft, are well-lit and offer great shots. Avoid using selfie sticks to avoid disturbing other visitors.

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Time needed

For a thorough visit, allow 1.5 to 2 hours to see the exhibitions on the different expeditions (Kon-Tiki, Ra, Tigris). Interactive stations and films deepen the experience. Children are especially fascinated by the stories.

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Combine with

The Kon-Tiki Museum is on Bygdøy, home also to the Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum and Norwegian Folk Museum. All can be visited in one day. A walk to Huk beach or a ferry back to the city centre rounds off the day.

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Getting there

Bygdøy is reachable by bus (line 30) from Oslo Central Station or by ferry from Aker Brygge in about 15 minutes. The museum is a short walk from the Bygdøy bus stop. Parking is limited, so public transport is recommended.

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Insider tip

Combine your entrance with the Fram Museum for a discounted combo ticket. Visit the museum in the morning to avoid the afternoon rush. The documentary about the Kon-Tiki expedition in the cinema room is highly recommended - allow time for it.

Geography

Coordinates

59.90500, 10.69500

Facts

The 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition covered 6,980 kilometers in 101 days.
The museum was officially opened to the public on May 15, 1949.
The reed boat Ra II crossed the Atlantic in 57 days in 1970.
The documentary about the voyage won an Academy Award in 1951.
The museum's library houses over 8,000 volumes from Heyerdahl's collection.
A 10-meter model of a whale shark is displayed in the underwater section.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History<1 km · NWExplore →

Astrup Fearnley Museum1 km · EExplore →

Oslo City Museum2 km · NExplore →

St. Olav's Church3 km · NEExplore →

Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology8 km · NEExplore →

Fjellstrand13 km · SExplore →

Lommedalen14 km · WExplore →

Nordmarka16 km · NExplore →

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Overnight stops

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Sights in the town Kon-Tiki Museum (10)

Villa Paus🏰 castle

A villa on Bygdøy in Oslo, built for the Paus family.

Kon-Tiki Museum🏛 museum

Displays Thor Heyerdahl's raft Kon-Tiki and the boats Ra and Tigris.

🌐 kon-tiki.no🕒 May 10:00-18:00; Jun-Aug 09:30-18:00; Sep-Apr 10:00-17:00♿💶

Fram Museum🏛 museum

Museum on Bygdøy in Oslo, featuring the polar ship Fram.

🌐 frammuseum.no🕒 Jan-Apr: 10:00-17:00; May; 10:00-18:00; Jun-Aug: 10:00-17:00♿💶

Norwegian Maritime Museum🏛 museum

Museum of Norwegian maritime history and coastal culture.

Hageteater

An open-air theatre in Oslo, surrounded by gardens.

Gol stavkirke

A 13th-century stave church, now at the Oslo open-air museum.

Frognerkilen

A bay in the inner Oslofjord, popular for sailing.

Bygdøy kirke

A church on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo.

Skarpsnoparken🌳 park

A park in Norway, located in the Skarpsno district.

Framneshaven🌳 park

A park in Oslo municipality, Norway.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Kon-Tiki?

A balsa wood raft with which Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific in 1947.

What other boats are there?

The reed boat Ra II is also on display in the museum.

Where is the museum located?

On the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo.

Is there an Easter Island statue there?

Yes, there are exhibits and replicas from Easter Island.

How long does a visit take?

Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Kon-Tiki Museum: where is it located?

Kon-Tiki Museum is located in Norway.

Kon-Tiki Museum: what is there to see?

Highlights include Villa Paus, Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum.

Kon-Tiki Museum: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kon-Tiki Museum: why is it worth visiting?

The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo is dedicated to the life and expeditions of Thor Heyerdahl, located on the Bygdøy peninsula.

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