The first very short leg of my 3-week Arctic trip took place in Oslo, Norway. A flight delay meant my co-traveler Trish and I only had one afternoon. We chose to spend it at the Viking Ship Museum, and were not disappointed.

The museum building is laid out like a cross. Each of its four wings is a high-ceilinged, unadorned chamber. In three of those, every detail from the lighting to the wrought-iron chains around the exhibits focuses a visitor’s attention on the magnificent age-blackened wooden boats on display.

Laden with grave goods, the large boats were used in burials of high-ranking Vikings in three locations: Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune. You can walk around the boats, and view them from above via a corner balcony. The viewing angles and close proximity give you a chance to appreciate the decorative carvings and functional details, such as the covers that slid into place over one of the boat’s oar holes when the sail was raised.

The grave goods in the display cases of the fourth chamber came from the Viking ship burials and other Viking tombs. Objects range from large and ornately carved sledges drawn by dogs; to everyday items such as buckets and weapons; to decorative finery including embroidery done with gold thread. Interpretive signage in several languages explains the origins and uses of the items.

I was surprised by the intricate decorative carving displayed by many of the wooden objects, including the heads of several mythological beasts. Researchers aren’t sure what purpose the fantastical animal heads may have served for the Vikings; they are too small to have been mounted on the prows of Viking ships.

If you’re ever in Olso, put a trip to the Viking Ship Museum at the top of your must-see list.