Norway’s conservative government failed to earmark any additional funding in this year’s state budget to bolster the country’s famed Viking ships. Signs of deterioration were found on both the Gokstad and Oseberg ships last summer, and calls have gone out for immediate repairs.
The hulls of both ships started to sag last summer. Experts at the University of Oslo, which is responsible for the national treasures excavated more than a century ago, fear the ancient vessels’ wood will slowly break down and ultimately collapse without some extra mainenance.
Both vessels have been propped up but more repairs are needed. Viking Ship Museum diretor Håkon Glørstad claims the lack of funding violates terms of the government’s political platform issued in January, which calls for more support for Norwegian museums.
newsinenglish.no staff
