KNM Narvik

KNM Narvik is a former Norwegian Navy frigate, now preserved as a museum ship at Karljohansvern in Horten, next to the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum. Step aboard a real Cold War warship and explore cabins, command areas and spaces where the crew once lived and worked. Preserved as a floating maritime heritage vessel, KNM Narvik offers a close look at Norway's naval history.

Discover life on board
What was everyday life like on a warship, with narrow cabins, long watches and a large crew sharing limited space? On KNM Narvik, you can walk through narrow corridors, see where the sailors slept and ate, and discover what life was like aboard a Norwegian naval frigate.
During a guided tour, you will hear stories about the people who served aboard, the missions they took part in and the routines of life at sea. The museum ship is an interesting experience for history enthusiasts and families with children curious about naval vessels and life on the water.

More than 40 years of naval history
KNM Narvik (F304) was built at the Royal Norwegian Navy's main shipyard in Horten and delivered to the Navy in 1966. One of five Oslo-class frigates, the ship served in convoy protection, coastal defence and NATO operations. By the time she was decommissioned in 2007, KNM Narvik had travelled approximately 850,000 nautical miles. More than 5,000 men and women had served aboard. The frigate opened as a museum ship at Karljohansvern in 2017. Officially protected by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage in 2016, the vessel is now preserved as part of Norway's maritime heritage.

Take a break in the crew's mess
After exploring the ship, stop by the onboard kiosk for coffee, something sweet or a light meal. You can enjoy your refreshments in the original crew's mess, where sailors once gathered between watches. Souvenirs and merchandise are also available.

Explore more of Karljohansvern
KNM Narvik is moored in the historic naval area of Karljohansvern. Nearby, the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum tells the story of Norway's naval forces through historic vessels, artefacts and exhibitions. You can also visit Preus Museum, Norway's national museum of photography, in the same area. If you would like to stretch your legs after visiting the museums, follow the walking route through Karljohansvern. The route takes you past historic naval buildings, old avenues, the Horten Canal and green spaces along the waterfront.

Guided tours and dining for groups
KNM Narvik also welcomes schools, companies and other groups for guided tours. Visits can be combined with lunch or dinner in the ship's historic mess rooms, which are available for private gatherings of different sizes. Group visits and dining must be arranged in advance with Marinens Veteranskip.

Take a trip aboard the Royal Launch
Marinens Veteranskip also offers trips aboard the Royal Launch of 1976, a restored electric launch originally built for the Norwegian Royal Family. The vessel is available for private charter with a crew from May to September and accommodates up to ten passengers. This is a separate experience that must be booked in advance and can be combined with a visit to KNM Narvik.

Plan your visit
KNM Narvik is moored beside the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum at Karljohansvern, north of Horten town centre. The visiting address is Nedre vei 8, 3183 Horten. Free parking is available in designated areas at Karljohansvern, including near Kulturverftet.

The museum ship is normally open to individual visitors from May to September. In May, it is open on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm, with guided tours at 12 noon and 2 pm. During June, July and August, it is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm. In September, it is open on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm. The ship is closed on movable public holidays.

Tickets can be purchased on board. During June, July and August, combined tickets for the museums at Karljohansvern are also available from the reception at the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum. Group visits, guided tours and dining can be arranged in advance from mid-May until 31 October. The visit takes place aboard a former warship with narrow passageways and changes in level. Visitors who require accessibility arrangements should contact the operator before visiting.

Check the Marinens Veteranskip website for current opening hours, admission prices and guided tour bookings.