Marinemuseet - Navy Museum

The Norwegian Naval Museum is located at historic Karljohansvern in Horten and is one of the world's oldest naval museums. Explore Norway's naval history through ship models, cannons, maritime equipment and stories of life at sea. The museum features more than 150 ship models and exhibitions tracing the development of the Royal Norwegian Navy through times of war and peace.

Discover Norway's naval history

Founded in 1853, the museum has been located at Karljohansvern since 1864. Its exhibitions take you from the era of the joint Danish-Norwegian navy through the Gunboat War and the establishment of an independent Norwegian navy after 1814, to the two World Wars and the Cold War. The historic gallery occupies its original exhibition hall from 1864. Here, models, weapons, maritime artefacts and equipment reveal how naval technology, warfare and everyday life at sea have changed over time.

Step aboard a submarine and a gunboat

Outside the museum, you can explore the submarine KNM Utstein and the gunboat KNM Blink. These historic naval vessels offer a closer look at the equipment, confined spaces and working conditions experienced by their crews. KNM Utstein provides a glimpse into submarine service during the Cold War, while KNM Blink represents another part of Norway's naval history.

Access aboard may be restricted. The vessels have narrow passages and changes in floor level, so check the museum's visitor information before your visit.

Guided tours and family experiences

With its ship models, historic equipment and naval vessels, the museum offers plenty to discover for both adults and children. Short themed guided tours are offered at weekends and are included in the regular admission ticket. Groups and school classes can also book guided visits, both inside the museum and around Karljohansvern.

Explore historic Karljohansvern

The museum is located within Karljohansvern, a former naval base that is now a cultural heritage and recreation area. Explore historic military buildings, tree-lined paths and the Horten Canal. In the same building, you will find Preus Museum, Norway's National Museum of Photography. Nearby, you can also visit KNM Narvik, a former Norwegian frigate preserved as a museum ship. KNM Narvik is operated independently and has its own opening hours and admission arrangements.

Plan your visit

The Norwegian Naval Museum is located at Kommandørkaptein Klincks vei 9 in Horten, approximately a 20-minute walk from the town centre. From September to May, the museum is normally open Wednesday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. From June to August, it is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm. The museum is closed on 1 May, 17 May and from 21 December to 5 January.

Children under six enter free of charge. Admission prices are available for adults, children, seniors, students and families. The main exhibition is on the second floor, with lift access available by arrangement with museum staff. The historic naval vessels and parts of the ground floor are not wheelchair accessible.

Free parking is available in designated areas at Karljohansvern. Check the museum's official website for current opening hours, admission prices and guided tour information before visiting.