D/S Hestmanden War Sailor Museum
Explore a beautifully restored WWII convoy ship and uncover the daring story of the Shetland Bus operation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a beautiful sunny day
D/S Hestmanden War Sailor Museum
Best Time
Enjoy a beautiful sunny day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a beautifully restored WWII convoy ship and uncover the daring story of the Shetland Bus operation.
"The best maritime museum I've ever been to, offering a deep dive into WWII history."
⏳ Allow Extra Time
You might plan for 30 mins, but the ship's details and exhibits can easily fill 2 hours!
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
There's no set path; you can explore most areas, including the shop, at your own pace.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The D/S Hestmanden Ship
Onboard the vessel
Step aboard a beautifully restored 114-year-old convoy ship that served in both World Wars.
Shetland Bus Exhibits
Throughout the ship
Learn about the brave Norwegian sailors and their crucial role in the clandestine Shetland Bus operation.
WWI & WWII Maritime History
Exhibition spaces
Gain a profound sense of what sailors endured and the importance of their work for the Allied forces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Shetland Bus Legacy
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow Extra Time
You might plan for 30 mins, but the ship's details and exhibits can easily fill 2 hours!
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
There's no set path; you can explore most areas, including the shop, at your own pace.
📚 Bilingual Exhibits
Exhibits are in both Norwegian and English, making the history accessible to all visitors.
🚢 A Living Museum
Experience a piece of history aboard a ship that has witnessed significant global events.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow Extra Time
You might plan for 30 mins, but the ship's details and exhibits can easily fill 2 hours!
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
There's no set path; you can explore most areas, including the shop, at your own pace.
📚 Bilingual Exhibits
Exhibits are in both Norwegian and English, making the history accessible to all visitors.
🚢 A Living Museum
Experience a piece of history aboard a ship that has witnessed significant global events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the D/S Hestmanden as an exceptional maritime museum, highlighting the beautifully restored ship and the compelling exhibits on the Shetland Bus operation. Many are surprised by the depth of the experience, spending longer than anticipated exploring the vessel. While some suggest updating interactive elements, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, celebrating the bravery of the sailors and the ship's historical significance.
"We visited the Hestmanden whilst it was moored in Aberdeen. I think it's the best maritime museum I've ever been to. I was a aware of the Shetland Bus, but absolutely didn't know the story of the Norwegian vessels and sailors. The ship is beautifully restored and the exhibits (in Norwegian and English) are excellent. I thought we'd be there for 30mins max, in the end it was closer to 2 hours. I love the fact that there isn't a path you have to follow, the shop was literally open to visitors and you could go almost everywhere."
Simon Watt
"Orkney will be forever grateful for the Norwegian merchant seafarers who were killed in maintaining the supply lines over the North Sea for the British and the Americans"
Alan Aim
"Excellent ship.
Onboard a 114 year old ship which has seen both World war 1, 2 and now me on a beautiful sunny Saturday 24th of may at Port of Aberdeen"
jb ja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is often moored in various ports, including Aberdeen. Check the museum's official website or local listings for its current location. If visiting in Norway, public transport options will vary by city.
Accessibility depends on its current mooring. If in a major port like Aberdeen, it's likely accessible via local bus routes. Always verify with the museum's current location details.
The D/S Hestmanden is a historic ship that travels. It has been moored in Aberdeen, Scotland, and also visits Norwegian ports. Confirm its current location before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and the ship's location. It's best to check the official D/S Hestmanden War Sailor Museum website for the most up-to-date information.
Admission fees can vary. Consult the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While not always required, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your entry time. Check the museum's website for booking options.
Information on guided tours may be available on the museum's website. The ship's layout allows for self-guided exploration, but tours can offer deeper insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic ship, learn about the Shetland Bus operation through exhibits, and understand the lives of WWII sailors. The ship itself is a major exhibit.
As a historic ship, accessibility can be challenging. There are stairs and narrow passages. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility provisions.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted, but it's always good to check for any restrictions on specific exhibits.
The Shetland Bus was a clandestine special operations group that sailed between Shetland and Norway during WWII, transporting agents and supplies. The D/S Hestmanden played a role in this operation.
While the ship itself is a primary exhibit, some visitors have noted a desire for more updated interactive media. Check the museum's current offerings for the latest on interactive elements.
📸 📸 Photography
The ship's deck offers great views, especially with the sea as a backdrop. Inside, capture the details of the ship's historic machinery and the exhibition displays.
Drone usage is typically restricted in museum areas and around historic vessels due to safety and privacy concerns. Always check local regulations and museum policies before flying.
Visitors often focus on maritime history, the ship's architecture, and the human stories behind the Shetland Bus operation. Capturing the scale of the ship is also a common theme.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the exhibits are informative, consider focusing on the visual aspects of the ship – the large cannons,
⚓ Maritime History Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the details of the exhibits and the ship's structure. The opportunity to explore freely allows for a deeper appreciation of the engineering and the human stories behind this historic vessel. Comparing its features to other maritime museums you've visited can be a rewarding exercise.
📚 Educational Visitors
Consider researching the Shetland Bus and Norwegian maritime history prior to your visit to enhance your understanding. The museum's accessible layout allows for focused study of specific aspects of the ship and its wartime service. It's an excellent opportunity to gain a nuanced perspective on the contributions of Norwegian sailors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Shetland Bus
Visitors can delve into the details of this operation through the museum's exhibits. These displays often highlight the risks involved, the types of missions undertaken, and the profound impact the Shetland Bus had on the Norwegian resistance and the broader Allied war effort. The ship itself, a testament to maritime endurance, allows visitors to feel the environment in which these sailors operated.
It's important to note that the museum aims to preserve and share this history. While some visitors have expressed a desire for more modern interactive elements, the core narrative of the Shetland Bus and the sailors' experiences is powerfully conveyed through the ship and its existing displays.
Exploring the D/S Hestmanden: A Sailor's Perspective
The ship's restoration is a key highlight, preserving its authentic character. Visitors can examine the engine room, navigate the decks, and imagine the daily lives of the brave sailors who served aboard. The exhibits, presented in both Norwegian and English, provide context for the ship's role as a convoy vessel and its involvement in critical wartime operations.
Many visitors are surprised by how much time they spend on board, often exceeding initial expectations. The ability to freely roam and the depth of the historical narrative make it a truly engaging experience. The shop, also open to visitors, adds another layer to the onsite experience.
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