Fram Museum

Polar exploration is the inspiration behind the exhibits at the Fram Museum, named after the Norwegian-built vessel that legendary explorer Roald Amundsen used in his 1911 voyage to discover the South Pole.

The Fram, which means “Forward”, also accompanied Amundsen and his compatriots on various other important expeditions between 1893 and 1912, earning it the reputation of having penetrated further north and further south than any other wooden ship. Its sturdy construction was specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures and the pressure of frozen sea around its hull.

Visitors to the museum can stand on the deck and imagine what it must have felt like to steer this doughty craft through all weathers, unaware of what perils lay ahead. Wander through the living quarters, the galley, cargo hold and engine room. Fascinating exhibits range from scientific instruments and essential medical equipment to the gramophone and piano which would have kept the crew entertained on their long and arduous voyages.

Framheim, meaning “home of the Fram”, is a recreation of Amundsen’s Antarctic base, which was constructed at his home in Norway and then painstakingly dismantled for transport to the South Pole. It is incredible to imagine how the men survived the brutal Antarctic conditions in this simple hut. Fortunately they did not have to contend with the hazards you will encounter on the Dark Walk, an immersive experience that mimics a disastrous polar expedition, featuring plummeting temperatures, a ship under attack and an ice tunnel guarded by an unfriendly polar bear!

The museum displays also chronicle the adventures of many other brave Norwegian explorers, including Antarctic pioneer Carsten Borchgrevink and oceanographer Fridtjof Nansen.

The Fram Museum is on the Bygdøy Peninsula and there are regular bus services from the centre of Oslo, as well as a ferry service from the City Hall pier during the summer. The museum is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and there is a small admission charge.