Nordisk Bibelmuseum — Attraction in Oslo

I would recommend everyone to visit the Oslo Bible Museum.

We were recently in Oslo and our hotel was a few minutes away from the museum. It's not somewhere we would necessarily have visited, but it was included in the Oslo pass and it was close, so we decided to investigate.

The first thing to say is that this museum is secular. No one will try to sell you a bible or expect you to pray. The museum takes a historical perspective on how religion and the printing of bibles were used as a vehicle to affect change and exert power over time.

I learned a lot about the history of Norway, Europe and Christianity. The impact of religion and the dissemination of religious teachings is something I had never previously had the space or opportunity to consider. The museum provided a good space for respectful and educated discusion.

We were guided around the museum by an English speaking guide, Simen. He was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the museum and it's collection. We saw some incredibly rare and beautiful books, manuscripts and works of art.

The museum is small, but it packs a punch. I would recommend setting aside 60-90 minutes to explore it's offerings. Also the gift shop is a dream for anyone who enjoys stationery and...

The Nordic Bible Museum is truly one of Oslo’s hidden gems. While it may not be as well-known as other mainstream museums often featured on YouTube or travel blogs, it offers a uniquely enriching experience—especially for Christians or anyone interested in the deep historical context of the Bible.

This museum provides a rare glimpse into how the Bible has developed over time, including its journey and influence in Norway. What makes the visit even more meaningful is the presence of passionate volunteer tour guides. I had the pleasure of joining a guided tour with Jael, who was absolutely fantastic. Her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge brought the exhibits to life and helped me appreciate how the Bible is intertwined with both history and culture.

Do note that the volunteer tours are free, but it’s highly recommended to book an appointment at least a day in advance to ensure a guide is available. If you go without a guide, there’s still plenty to see and learn—but since some of the exhibit descriptions are in Norwegian, having a translation app or using ChatGPT will be helpful.

There are many fascinating facts I could share, but honestly, it’s best discovered firsthand....

I found the museum through Oslo pass. And I reached out to them for an English tour (which is included in admission). I’m so thankful for our guide, Simen!

There’s a wide array of collections of the Bible like the mini Bible from Oxford, the ones with pictures illustrated, and the ones with translation.

I am so glad Simen not only showed us and explained what they are; he also told us why - which really helps us appreciate them even more!

This is our first stop in Northern Europe trip and with my limited knowledge on European history and culture, Simen is very patient in explaining and our tour lasted for 90 minutes (I think the tour is supposed to be 75 minutes - we asked a lot of questions!)

Strongly encouraged you to stop by! And if you don’t understand Norwegian, don’t forget to go for a tour. In summer, some volunteers are out certain time; so I would recommend email them to check availability. If not, I believe the illustration board has QR code that provided English translation (and there’s...