The Slottsfjells Museum

The Slottsfjells Museum is located at the foot of Slottsfjellet hill in Tønsberg, where you can explore Vestfold's history from the Viking Age to more recent times. See the original Klåstad Viking ship, stand beside enormous whale skeletons and discover Tønsberg's role as a royal centre during the Middle Ages. Outside the museum, you can explore historic buildings at Vestfoldtunet and the ruins of the medieval Tunsberghus fortress.

See the original Klåstad Viking ship

In the Viking Hall, you can see the Klåstad ship, a Viking Age merchant vessel discovered at Klåstad in Tjølling near Larvik. Known as Norway's fourth Viking ship, it is one of the few surviving Viking vessels on display in Norway. The remains of the ship offer a close look at a vessel that once travelled along the Norwegian coast. The exhibition also tells the story of the famous Oseberg discovery, made in Slagendalen just outside Tønsberg in 1904. To see how these ships may have looked on the water, continue to Vikingodden at Tønsberg harbour. Here you can see archaeological reconstructions of the Oseberg and Klåstad ships when they are not away on voyages.

Come face to face with the whales

In the Whale Hall, seven large whale skeletons are on display, including a blue whale skeleton considered one of the largest preserved examples in the world. The enormous bones give you a sense of the size of these animals. The museum also tells the story of Svend Foyn from Tønsberg, whose technological innovations played an important role in the development of modern whaling. The exhibitions explore how whaling shaped maritime industries, working life and communities across Vestfold.

Explore medieval Tønsberg

Tønsberg was an important centre of power during the Middle Ages. At the Slottsfjells Museum, discover the lives of kings, nobles, clergy and ordinary people at a time when Tunsberghus was one of Scandinavia's major medieval fortresses. The story continues outside on Slottsfjellet hill, where the castle ruins remain visible in the landscape. Here you can explore traces of defensive walls, buildings and fortifications that once protected the royal stronghold. At the top stands Slottsfjell Tower, Tønsberg's well-known landmark built in 1888. When the tower is open, visitors can climb to enjoy views over the town, the fjord and the surrounding landscape.

Step back in time at Vestfoldtunet

Between the museum and Slottsfjellet hill lies Vestfoldtunet, an open-air collection of historic farm buildings moved here from different parts of the county. The buildings include farmhouses, a barn, a smithy and old timber structures that tell the story of rural life. One of the buildings is Heierstadloftet, dating from 1407 and regarded as Vestfold's oldest surviving secular building. Together, the houses offer a glimpse into traditional architecture, farming and everyday life across several centuries. Some of the buildings can be visited during guided tours. In summer, Seterkaféen also opens, offering refreshments between your museum visit and a walk up the hill.

Guided tours and activities

The Slottsfjells Museum offers guided tours for groups interested in exploring Viking history, the Middle Ages and other parts of its collections. Tours can be adapted to different groups and must be booked in advance. The museum also hosts activities and educational programmes throughout the year. The programme varies depending on the season, school holidays and exhibitions, so check what is happening before your visit.

Explore more of Tønsberg

The Slottsfjells Museum is part of an area where much of Tønsberg's history can be explored on foot. Start with the museum exhibitions, continue through Vestfoldtunet and walk up to the medieval castle ruins on Slottsfjellet. For more art and culture, visit Haugar Art Museum near Tønsberg town centre, with changing exhibitions of Norwegian and international art.

Plan your visit

The Slottsfjells Museum is located at Farmannsveien 30, 3111 Tønsberg, at the foot of Slottsfjellet hill. During the low season, from 1 September to 31 May, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm and closed on Mondays. On selected Thursdays, opening hours may be extended until 7 pm for special events.

During the high season, from 1 June to 31 August, and during the autumn, winter and Easter school holidays, the museum is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm. Standard adult admission is NOK 100 during the low season and NOK 150 during the high season. Children under seven enter free of charge. Reduced rates are available for children, students, seniors, families and groups.

Slottsfjell Tower and Seterkaféen operate with separate opening hours. Both are closed during the low season. During the high season, they are normally open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Separate admission applies to the tower. The museum accepts Norwegian companion certificates. Visitors with accessibility requirements should contact the museum in advance to check access to the exhibitions, historic buildings and the hilltop area.

Visit the Slottsfjells Museum website for current opening hours, admission prices, activities and guided tour bookings.