VR Viking Ship Ride

Overview

The Viking Planet in Oslo, Norway, is an innovative digital museum that transports visitors back to the Viking Age through cutting-edge technology. Opened in June 2019, it stands as the world's first interactive Viking museum, aiming to connect guests with this pivotal historical era in an immersive and engaging manner. Central to its offerings is the VR Viking Ship Ride, an experience designed to place you directly into the heart of Viking life and voyages.

This sub-spot primarily refers to two distinct virtual reality experiences: the VR film 'The Ambush' and the VR game 'Ferd.' Both experiences leverage advanced virtual reality to simulate being on a Viking ship. Visitors can find The Viking Planet conveniently located at Fridtjof Nansens Plass 4 in Oslo.

History & Cultural Background

The Viking Age, spanning from approximately 800 to 1050 CE, was a transformative period profoundly shaped by the Norse people who originated from Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Vikings were not solely warriors; they were also adept farmers, skilled traders, and master seafarers. The iconic Viking longships were crucial to their expansion, enabling them to explore distant lands, establish trade routes, and undertake raids across Europe and beyond. Their exceptional shipbuilding and navigation skills allowed them to reach territories as far as North America.

The VR Viking Ship Ride at The Viking Planet is crafted with a deep commitment to historical accuracy. The museum has collaborated with historian Kim Hjardar to ensure that the depictions of Viking life, including their ships, weaponry, and clothing, are as faithful to archaeological findings and Old Norse literature as possible. This dedication allows visitors to grasp the true essence of Viking culture, moving beyond common myths to understand their multifaceted society.

What Makes It Special

The VR Viking Ship Ride is distinguished by its unparalleled immersion, achieved through a combination of advanced virtual reality technology and sensory enhancements. In the VR film 'The Ambush,' visitors wear VR headsets while seated in specially designed chairs that move, creating a '4D experience.' This multi-sensory setup, combined with cinematic sound, plunges you into a Viking raid. The experience was created in collaboration with Ridley Scott Associates and Dimension Studio, utilizing volumetric capture virtual reality – a groundbreaking technique that results in a highly realistic and interactive scripted drama, a world first of its kind.

Unlike traditional museum exhibits, this experience is not merely passive viewing; it places you directly within the narrative. You are not just observing a Viking ship; you are on board, navigating the seas alongside Norse warriors. The VR game 'Ferd' further enhances this by allowing players to actively participate, engaging in combat like a Viking with bows, arrows, or swords, all within environments inspired by real Norwegian mountain landscapes. The meticulous attention to detail and the high-fidelity production make this VR experience a unique gateway to the Viking Age.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Imagine being on a longship, the rhythmic splash of oars accompanying your journey, when suddenly an arrow strikes your oar mate. This intense narrative, part of the 12-minute VR film 'The Ambush,' exemplifies the vivid storytelling employed. You will witness Viking warriors attacking and find yourself caught in the midst of a battle, all through the immersive VR headset. For those seeking more interaction, the 15-minute 'Ferd' VR game subtly moves the player through the environment, including being on a Viking ship, and is specifically designed to minimize VR-nausea, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Beyond the excitement of raids, the content touches upon lesser-known aspects of Viking life. For instance, Vikings were known for burying their dead in boats, believing these vessels provided safe passage to the afterlife. The museum also features digital walkthroughs of famous Viking artifacts, such as the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, allowing visitors to explore them in intricate 3D detail. These digital reproductions offer a unique opportunity to interact with historically significant objects that are otherwise inaccessible.

Visitor Perspective

Travelers consistently highlight the VR Viking Ship Ride as a captivating and memorable part of their visit to The Viking Planet. Many describe the VR experience as unique and engaging, noting how the moving seats and realistic visuals contribute to a truly immersive '4D' adventure. Visitors appreciate that it offers an insightful and dynamic way to learn about Viking history, dispelling some common misconceptions while providing a deeper understanding of their culture.

While the VR film is typically included with the museum ticket, the 'Ferd' VR game is available at an additional cost, offering an extended interactive experience. It is recommended that visitors be at least 12 years old for the VR experiences, due to both the realistic depictions of violence and the proper fit of the VR headsets. The entire museum, including the VR experiences, is available in multiple languages, ensuring that a diverse international audience can fully engage with the rich history of the Vikings.