GREAT NORWEGIAN EXPLORERS PAVILION -- Expo 86

This pavilion marked the anniversary of the first European sighting of North America made by Norwegian Viking Bjarni Herjolfsson. The extraordinary voyages of the Vikings throughout the North Atlantic 1000 years ago were represented by displays of their ships and equipment.

The exhibit also showed the vessels and tools employed by Norway's hardy Polar explorers who seeked to conquer the North pole and sail the Northwest and Northeast passages.

FROM THE BEST OF EXPO GUIDE

If you are wary of the modern technological displays of the exposition, you might find this peaceful museum and ideal contrast. This pavilion is a tribute to Norwegian maritime explorers, from the Norse Viking who first sighted North America 1000 years ago to the modern-day explorer, Thor Heyerdahl. You'll be brought in touch with these heros by life-size models of their vehicles and vessels.

HIGHLIGHTS

-- The flag which Roald Amundsen used to mark his historic voyages is displayed.
-- A replica of a ship found at a Viking burial ground seems to be coming through the rear wall.
-- You can study the design of the Fram -- a vessel used by three explorers to navigate ice-filled waters.
-- Follow a dogsled team over icy terrain.