Lofoten Museum
Step into the world of Vikings at Lofotr, with a full-scale longhouse, dragon boat rides, and thrilling historical activities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Lofoten Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the world of Vikings at Lofotr, with a full-scale longhouse, dragon boat rides, and thrilling historical activities.
"A great visit, teaching us a lot about the Vikings and their way of life."
Book Dragon Boat Rides Early
Slots for the dragon boat ride fill up fast! Sign up upon arrival or check for advance booking options. :ticket:
Dress for the Weather
Lofoten weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key, and waterproofs are a good idea, even in summer. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Longhouse
Main exhibition hall
Step back in time inside a full-scale reconstruction of a Viking longhouse, filled with artifacts and stories.

Dragon Boat Voyage
Lake near the museum
Experience the thrill of sailing on a traditional Viking ship, offering unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Viking Activities
Outdoor activity area
Test your skills with axe throwing, archery, and other historical Viking games for a fun, interactive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Viking Immersion
Embrace the Hands-On Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Dragon Boat Rides Early
Slots for the dragon boat ride fill up fast! Sign up upon arrival or check for advance booking options. :ticket:
Dress for the Weather
Lofoten weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key, and waterproofs are a good idea, even in summer. :cloud:
Engage with Staff
The staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to deepen your understanding of Viking life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Don't Miss the Lamb Stew
The cafe offers delicious local food, with the lamb stew being a particular highlight. :knifeforkplate:
Things to do in Lofoten
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Dragon Boat Rides Early
Slots for the dragon boat ride fill up fast! Sign up upon arrival or check for advance booking options. :ticket:
Dress for the Weather
Lofoten weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key, and waterproofs are a good idea, even in summer. :cloud:
Engage with Staff
The staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to deepen your understanding of Viking life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Don't Miss the Lamb Stew
The cafe offers delicious local food, with the lamb stew being a particular highlight. :knifeforkplate:
Hands-On Fun for All
Enjoy archery, axe throwing, and other games. Great for teens and adults alike! :dart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lofotr Viking Museum for its immersive longhouse reconstruction and engaging Viking activities like axe throwing and archery. The dragon boat ride is a highlight, and the on-site cafe's lamb stew receives rave reviews. Some adult visitors note that English information can be limited in certain exhibits, and the audio guide could be more concise.
"I liked that everything is included in the price. The beginning of the museum where you listen, is a little short and could have improvement, but the rest is very good. I like the longhouse, axe throwing and arrow shooting. It's also a boat included to top the experience. Unfortunately I was a little too cold to try it this day, but looks fun. It has also a souvenir and taxfree shop."
June Nysted
"Such a disappointment for an adult visitor.
The museum has great potential: the reconstruction of the longhouse is impressive, the artifacts on display are interesting, there's a film intended to immerse you in Viking life, and you can even sail a dragon boat! So what could possibly go wrong?
Well, the longhouse exhibition contains almost no information in English—except for a small panel about mythology. As a result, we simply walked through a beautifully designed exhibit without gaining any real insight.
I teach at a university, so I’m fairly tolerant of dry or academic content. However, the audio guide for the main exhibition has a very poor ratio of useful to irrelevant information. You have to listen to a lot of unnecessary stories just to find a few meaningful facts.
The film offers no historical context—it’s merely an emotional (and slightly melodramatic) visual portrayal of one jarl’s life, again without providing much educational value.
Finally, we wanted to sail the dragon boat. After a 15-minute walk to the lake, we discovered that we could only sign up for a ride an hour later. I really don’t understand why registration isn’t handled at the museum entrance - this would save visitors time and frustration.
To sum up, you can have a nice experience here as an adult visitor - just don’t expect to learn much about Viking history."
Michal Šujan
"A great visit a little quiet as it was out of season. Great exhibits and fun activities like archery and horse shoe throwing. Plenty of hands on exhibits as well. Enjoyed the visit.The lamb stew was amazing from the cafe."
Hayley Carra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to the Lofotr Viking Museum can be a bit tricky. While there are buses, they run infrequently, often only twice a day. Renting a car is a more flexible option, especially if you plan to explore more of Lofoten. Taxis are also available but can be expensive.
Public transport to the Lofotr Viking Museum is limited. Buses are infrequent, so it's essential to check schedules carefully. Many visitors find it easier to drive or join a guided tour that includes transportation.
Parking at the Lofotr Viking Museum is free and generally ample, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, it's possible to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum as a day trip, especially if you have a car. It's well-situated for exploring the surrounding areas of Lofoten.
While not widely advertised, some local tour operators might offer shuttle services or include transport in their packages. It's worth checking with local tourism providers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission price typically includes access to all exhibits and many activities. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
The museum often bundles activities like the longhouse tour, boat ride, and historical games into a single admission price, offering good value.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance can be beneficial during peak season to secure your spot, especially for popular activities like the dragon boat ride.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to consult the Lofotr Viking Museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Typically, the dragon boat ride is included in the general admission price, but it's wise to confirm this upon arrival or when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features archaeological finds, a reconstructed Viking longhouse, and information about Viking life. Some visitors note that English information can be limited in certain areas.
Yes, the museum offers hands-on activities like archery and axe throwing, which are great fun for older children and teens.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits and participating in the activities. You could easily spend longer if you enjoy the immersive experience.
The main longhouse and outdoor areas are generally accessible. However, some historical reconstructions might have uneven terrain. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility details.
Take your time to explore the longhouse and imagine life as a Viking. While some find the information limited in English, the atmosphere is incredibly immersive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Lofotr Viking Museum has a cafe that serves meals and refreshments. It's a popular spot for visitors to relax and refuel.
The cafe offers traditional Norwegian dishes, with the lamb stew being highly recommended. They also have lighter options and drinks.
While there are no specific restrictions mentioned, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated picnic areas if available, or to support the on-site cafe.
It's advisable to check the current menu at the cafe for specific dietary options. Menus can change seasonally.
Prices are generally in line with typical tourist attractions in Norway. The quality of the food, like the lamb stew, is often praised.
📸 📸 Photography
The reconstructed longhouse interior, the dragon boat, the surrounding scenic landscape, and the Viking reenactors (if present) offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always good to check for any specific signage indicating 'no photo' zones, especially for sensitive artifacts.
Yes, you can take photos during the dragon boat ride, but be mindful of keeping your camera or phone secure, as there will be movement on the water.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and museums to protect the integrity of the site and for visitor safety. Check local regulations and museum policies.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for your photos, especially for the exterior shots of the longhouse and landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some exhibits might have limited English text, the immersive nature of the longhouse and the engaging activities ensure that children remain captivated. The open spaces and the presence of horses roaming the grounds also add to the charm for younger visitors. Remember to dress warmly, as Lofoten weather can be unpredictable, and pack snacks or plan to dine at the on-site cafe.
🎒 Budget Travelers
To save on food costs, consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings. While the on-site cafe is praised for its food, bringing your own provisions can help manage expenses. Planning your visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) might also mean fewer crowds and potentially more relaxed pricing on accommodation in the Lofoten area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lofotr Viking Museum Experience
Beyond the longhouse, the museum provides a truly immersive experience. Visitors can participate in hands-on Viking activities such as archery, axe throwing, and even a thrilling dragon boat ride on the nearby lake. These activities are designed to be engaging for all ages, allowing you to feel like a true Viking for a day.
While the museum is rich in potential, some visitors, particularly adults seeking in-depth historical context, have noted that information, especially in English, can be limited in certain exhibits. However, the enthusiasm of the staff and the sheer scale of the reconstruction often make up for this, providing a memorable and educational visit.
Navigating Lofoten to Reach the Museum
For greater flexibility and to fully explore the stunning Lofoten Islands, renting a car is highly recommended. This allows you to set your own pace and easily combine a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum with other attractions in the region. Parking at the museum is free and readily available.
If driving isn't an option, consider joining a guided tour that includes transportation to the museum. This can be a convenient way to ensure you reach your destination without the stress of navigating public transport schedules.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit