Visit Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum in Oslo
Holmenkollen Ski Jump stands as Norway's most visited tourist attraction, drawing roughly one million visitors each year. This iconic venue combines Olympic history with modern engineering - a 60-meter steel structure offering panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord. The world's oldest ski museum sits at its base, showcasing 4,000 years of skiing heritage.
TL;DR
- Holmenkollen attracts one million visitors annually, making it Norway's top tourist destination
- The ski jump hosts major international competitions including Winter Olympics and World Championships
- Take an elevator plus 114 steps to reach the viewing platform for stunning Oslo views
- The world's oldest ski museum displays 4,000 years of skiing history at the jump's base
- Admission costs 190 NOK for adults, free with Oslo Pass
- Accessible via Metro Line 1 to Holmenkollen station (25 minutes from city center)
Olympic Legacy and International Competition
Holmenkollen has hosted world-class skiing events since 1892, establishing itself as a premier destination for winter sports. The venue welcomed the 1952 Winter Olympics and has staged the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships four times - in 1930, 1966, 1982, and 2011.
The facility serves as a regular stop on the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit since 1980 and the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup since 1983. Each March, the annual Holmenkollen Ski Festival draws the world's best ski jumpers to compete on this historic hill.
With a capacity for 30,000 spectators and technical specifications of HS134 with a construction point of K-120, Holmenkollen ranks among the world's major large hill ski jumping venues. The current structure, completed in 2010 by Danish firm JDS Architects, uses 1,000 tonnes of steel in its modern design.
The Viewing Experience
Reaching the top of Holmenkollen requires both an elevator ride and some physical effort. Visitors take the elevator partway up, then climb 114 steep steps to reach the viewing platform at the jump's peak.
The panoramic views from the top showcase Oslo's cityscape, the surrounding fjord, and the forested landscape of Nordmarka. On clear days, you can see across the entire Oslo region from this 60-meter-high vantage point.
Visit Oslo's official tourism site provides additional details about the viewing experience and what to expect during your climb to the top.
World's Oldest Ski Museum
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum, located at the base of the ski jump, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest ski museum. Its collection spans over 4,000 years of skiing history, featuring ancient skis, equipment evolution, and Norway's rich skiing heritage.
Interactive displays tell the stories of polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, who used skiing techniques in their Arctic expeditions. The museum also chronicles Norway's dominance in ski jumping and cross-country skiing through artifacts and multimedia presentations.
Admission to the museum comes included with your ski jump ticket, making it an excellent value for visitors interested in winter sports history. The exhibits provide context for understanding Norway's deep cultural connection to skiing.
Modern Facilities and Activities
Beyond the historic ski jump and museum, Holmenkollen offers several modern attractions for visitors. A ski jump simulator lets you experience the sensation of launching from the jump without the physical risk. Ziplines provide another way to enjoy the elevated views while adding an element of adventure.
The broader Holmenkollen National Arena includes facilities for cross-country skiing, biathlon, and additional ski jumping hills. Five smaller recruitment slopes help train the next generation of ski jumpers, while cross-country trails wind through the surrounding forest.
Summer visitors can explore hiking and mountain biking trails in Nordmarka, the recreational area that begins at Holmenkollen. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and sledding in the same terrain.
Practical Visit Information
Getting to Holmenkollen from Oslo city center takes about 25 minutes via Metro Line 1. Take the train toward Frognerseteren and exit at Holmenkollen station. The metro journey itself offers scenic views as you climb from the city into the forested hills.
Admission costs 190 NOK for adults, with discounts available for seniors (170 NOK), students (170 NOK), and children ages 6-18 (95 NOK). Children under 5 enter free. The Oslo Pass provides free admission, making it worthwhile for visitors planning to see multiple attractions.
Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring both the ski jump tower and museum thoroughly. The climb to the viewing platform requires moderate physical fitness due to the steep steps at the end.
Holmenkollen Experience
FAQ
How long does it take to visit Holmenkollen? Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours to fully explore the ski jump tower, viewing platform, and museum. The climb to the top requires moderate physical effort due to the 114 steep steps.
Is Holmenkollen accessible for people with mobility issues? The elevator takes you partway up, but the final 114 steps to the viewing platform must be climbed. The museum at ground level is fully accessible.
What's the best time to visit Holmenkollen? Clear days offer the best views from the top. The annual Ski Festival in March provides the most exciting atmosphere, while summer offers hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
Can you visit Holmenkollen year-round? Yes, Holmenkollen operates throughout the year. Winter visits may include active skiing events, while summer focuses on the museum, views, and outdoor activities in Nordmarka.
What other Oslo attractions pair well with Holmenkollen? Consider visiting the Munch Museum or Viking Ship Museum for more of Oslo's cultural offerings, or explore our guide to perfect summer spots in Oslo.