This part of Oslo used to be an island. Bygdøy was not connected to the city until the end of the 19th century. Today only the name reminds the history of this place, because Bygdøy means "inhabited island". It is home to the largest museum complex in Norway.
Let's start our trek at the Norsk Folkemuseum open-air museum. It has existed since 1894 r. and is the largest and oldest place of this type in the world. The open-air museum was reconstructed 150 historic tenement houses, churches and farmhouses. These are copies of buildings, which over the centuries were created in various parts of Norway. In each of these buildings you can see traditional furnishings, clothes and products of folk art. Every year, during the Christmas season, a market is organized here, which all lovers of folk art come to. A model Old Town was also created here – The old town. Walking along its alleys, we can look at the architecture characteristic of Christiania. But the Norsk Folkemuseum is not only about ancient architecture. We also find places here, in which relics of the recent past have been reconstructed, such as a gas station from the years 20. last century.
There is a museum close to the open-air museum of the Norsk Folkemuseum, in which there are the most valuable treasures of the old Norwegian culture – viking boats. In Viking-skipshuset, we can admire boats from the 9th century, preserved in almost perfect condition. Archaeologists excavated them from the barrows, in which jewelery was also placed centuries ago, everyday items and ornaments. Many of them were looted, before specialists secured them. Found in 1880 r. The boat from Gokstad today stands in a huge hall in the left wing of the museum, specially built like this, so that it can contain a priceless find. 24-a meter long boat hid human remains and real archaeological treasures; sleigh, three smaller boats, more than 60 shields and gangway. Another boat – from Oseberg measures 22 metry. It was placed in the central hall of Vikingskipshuset. The building material of the boat is in 90 proc. original. The sides are thick and very durable: consist of 12 overlapping staves. A beautiful car, exhibited at the opposite end of the building, also comes from the vicinity of Oseberg. Similar vehicles were found only in Germany and Denmark.
Viking boats weren't just for transportation. It is a symbol of culture, who has passed away. In them, the Vikings made their conquests and made their last journey there. The body of the deceased was placed in the boat, the funeral pyre was set on fire, and the boat was driven off the shore. Apparently, his wife died in the flames along with the warrior.
There is an exotic Kon-Tiki museum on Bygdoy. The main exhibits of this place are two ice creams made by the able-bodied traveler Thor Heyerdahl (ur. 1914). The boats were made according to prehistoric patterns and only from natural materials. The traveler sailed around two oceans: Atlantic and Pacific. During these trips he collected valuable souvenirs, among others. from Polynesia. Galapagos i Peru, which today, together with other exhibits, can be admired in the museum.