KNM Narvik is a former Norwegian naval frigate, now preserved as a museum ship beside the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum at Karljohansvern in Horten. Step aboard a Cold War warship and discover Norway's naval history.
Life on board a naval frigate
What was everyday life like aboard a warship, with cramped cabins, long watches and a large crew sharing limited space? Explore narrow corridors, sleeping quarters, command rooms and mess areas where the crew lived and worked. On a guided tour, hear stories about the men and women who served aboard, their missions and daily life at sea.
Over 40 years of naval history
KNM Narvik (F304) was delivered from the Royal Norwegian Navy's main shipyard in Horten in 1966. One of five Oslo-class frigates, it served in convoy protection, coastal defence and NATO operations. By the time it was decommissioned in 2007, the ship had travelled around 850,000 nautical miles, and more than 5,000 men and women had served aboard. The vessel was granted protected heritage status in 2016 and opened as a museum ship in 2017.
Take a break in the crew's mess
The onboard kiosk sells coffee, waffles, toast and sweet treats. Enjoy your refreshments in the original crew's mess, where sailors once gathered between watches. Souvenirs and other merchandise are also available.
Explore more at Karljohansvern
Combine your visit with the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum, which explores Norway's naval history through ships, exhibitions and maritime objects. Nearby is Preus Museum, Norway's national museum of photography. You can also follow the historic walking route around Karljohansvern, passing former naval buildings, tree-lined avenues, the Horten Canal and coastal green spaces.
Guided tours and group dining
School classes, businesses and other groups can book guided tours aboard KNM Narvik. Visits can be combined with lunch or dinner in the ship's historic mess rooms. Guided tours and dining must be arranged in advance with Marinens Veteranskip.
A trip aboard the Royal Launch
Marinens Veteranskip also offers trips aboard the Royal Launch of 1976, originally built for the Norwegian Royal Family for use aboard the Royal Yacht Norge. The restored electric launch accommodates up to ten passengers and can be chartered with a crew from May to September. Trips can be combined with a visit to KNM Narvik. Read more about the Royal Launch and charter bookings.
Plan your visit
KNM Narvik is moored beside the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum at Karljohansvern, Nedre vei 8, Horten. Free parking is available in designated areas nearby. The museum ship is normally open from May to September. In May and September, it opens on Sundays, while in June, July and August it is open Friday to Sunday, usually from noon to 4 pm.
Tickets can be purchased on board. During summer, combined museum tickets are available from the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum. Group visits can be arranged from mid-May to the end of October.
The ship has narrow passageways and changes in floor level. Visitors with accessibility requirements should contact the operator before visiting. Check current opening hours, admission prices and guided tour bookings.