Skiing is a much-loved activity here in Norway, and you’ll find that the sport’s most prestigious events will take place at Holmenkollen. Holmenkollen has almost become the epicenter of skiing in Norway. But this didn’t happen overnight, and Holmenkollen went from humble ski beginnings to being internationally revered.
This article explores the journey of Holmenkollen, from when it first opened its doors to where it holds such a stellar ski reputation today. We also give you the ins and outs of how to experience this historic site, commemorating 5,000 years of skiing in Norway, for yourself.
The History of Holmenkollen
1892 marked the first skiing event at Holmenkollen. A ski jumping competition was held at, what was then, just a hill with a ramp made of twigs and snow. Soon, these events at Holmenkollen proved to be quite popular, and as the events got bigger, drawing more crowds, so did the ski jump, and by the 1900s, the ski jump was already much taller with wooden scaffolding.
When the Winter Olympics were set to be held in Oslo in 1952, even more improvements were made to the ramp, which included a lift, permanent spectator seating, and VIP seating for the royal family and judges. From where Holmenkollen started out with ski events drawing roughly 12,000, it now began hosting international events that drew up to 150,000!
For the World Championships of 1966 and 1982, additional revamps were done to the structure, but it was ultimately the World Championship of 2011 that led to the unique aesthetic that Holmenkollen is known for today. An architectural competition was held, and JDS managed to modernize the ski jump while maintaining its historical and characteristic profile.
Where Holmenkollen was once a hill where skiers could jump up to 20 meters, all the various additions and improvements over the years have led to the impressive Holmenkollen we know and love today, where skiers can easily reach 140-meter jumps regularly.
The Holmenkollen of Today
The Holmenkollen of today holds quite a few interesting things for visitors to do and see:
The Holmenkollen Tower
The Holmenkollen Tower acts as a viewpoint on top of the ski jump hill, offering panoramic views across the city and the rest of the Norwegian landscape. It won’t give you access to the Ski Jump but it will give you a pretty good idea as to what the skiers get to see from 60 meters up in the air. This is something that anyone can experience, irrespective of age, since the observation deck can be reached via an elevator.
The Holmenkollen Ski Jump Simulator
If, however, you really do want to know what a ski jump at Holmenkollen feels like, you’ll be able to experience it in the simulator. The simulator can take up to 12 people at a time, and the experience lasts about 5 minutes. You’ll find the simulator at the Ski Museum, underneath the Ski Jump.
Holmenkollen Zipline
Still want the thrill of going down the Holmenkollen Ski Jump yourself? Then another alternative is the Holmenkollen Zipline. This zipline is 361 meters long and runs all the way from the jumping tower, literally giving you a front-row seat and first-hand experience of what it’s like skiing down the Ski Jump.
Holmenkollen Abseiling
This won’t give you the experience of the skiers going down the Jump Ski, but it’s still a pretty thrilling experience, and abseiling down the Tower is guaranteed to get the blood pumping and the heart rate up.
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum has been situated at Holmenkollen since 1951 and boasts the world’s largest ski collection. After a massive revamp in 2023, the ski museum is more impressive than ever, with everything from thousand-year-old skis being showcased to exhibits where you can learn all about the polar explorers. This museum will give you the most comprehensive and in-depth experience of skiing in Norwegian you can possibly get.
Where is Holmenkollen?
Holmenkollen can be found in Kongeveien, on the northwestern side of Oslo. Oslo is the capital city of Norway, so Holmenkollen is an impressive Norwegian landmark in a very impressive and vibrant city.
How to Get to Holmenkollen
If you are already in Oslo, the best way to get to Holmenkollen is by using public transport. But if you’re busy touring the country via road trip, you’ll obviously need some directions to the ski jump. Below, we’ve given guidance for both:
Via the Public Transport
Line 1 Frognerseterbanen almost takes you directly to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. It stops at Holmenkollen Station, from where it’s just a quick 10-minute walk away (just follow the signs). The entire trip will take roughly 25 minutes. You can budget about $5 for this train ride if you’re an adult and about $2.50 for a child between the ages of 6 and 17.
Via Self-drive
For most, it will be easiest to just type the address into the GPS: Kongeveien 40. It will take roughly half an hour to get there from the city center, and, to be honest, the Ski Jump on the hill is such a prominent landmark that you’ll probably see it for a large part of your journey there (unless it hides behind a building, of course). So, if all else fails, your own eyes can act as GPS.
When is the Best Time to Visit Holmenkollen?
Holmenkollen is open to the public all year round, and when you come to visit, will completely depend on your own personal preferences. Many prefer visiting during the winter (it’s a ski jump, after all), but others say that many winter days don’t allow for great views on top of the Tower due to bad weather and visibility.
So, it very much is a case of personal preference (and a bit of luck!). Just take note of the fact that operating hours of the museum, simulator, café, and shop change throughout the year:
May to September = 10:00 – 17:00 (7 days a week, except Thursdays, 17 May, Christmas Eve, and New Years)
October to December = 10:00 – 16:00 (7 days a week, except Thursdays, 17 May, Christmas Eve, and New Years)
All Thursdays: 10:00 – 20:00
17 May, Christmas Eve, New Years = 10:00 – 14:00
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Holmenkollen?
Visiting Holmenkollen and walking around the impressive Ski Jump won’t cost you a cent (making it a great outing if you’re on a tight budget). But if you would like to visit the Ski Museum, the observation deck at the Tower, or partake in any of the activities, there will be fees:
To Visit the Ski Museum and Jump Tower
Adults = NOK 190
Children = NOK 95
Students (will require a valid student card) = NOK 170
A Family Pass ( for 2 adults and 2 children) = NOK 475
To Experience the Ski Jump Simulator
Adults = NOK 130
Children = NOK 75
Group Booking of 10 Adults = NOK 110 (per person)
Group Booking of 10 Children = NOK 70 (per person)
To Go Ziplining
Adult = NOK 750
Children (anyone under 18) = NOK 650
Students (will require a valid student card) = NOK 650
Pensioners & the Disabled = NOK 650
To Go Abseiling
Prices start from NOK 450. Please contact booking@kollensvevet.co for detailed pricing.
Places to Stay Near Holmenkollen
You’ll find plenty of accommodation options near Holmenkollen. For a luxury stay, you can book a spot at the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel or Lysebu. For the ultimate in affordability and comfort, you can opt to go to Topcamp where you can find self-catering chalets as well as camping spots where you can easily park a motorhome.
These are just the options closest to Holmenkollen. You will literally find 100s more if you look closer to the city center. Accommodation in Oslo ranges from hostels and guesthouses to B&Bs, Airbnbs, and hotels. So, irrespective of your personal preferences or budget, you’ll find suitable accommodation in Oslo.
Other Things to Do Near Holmenkollen
Since Holmenkollen is located in the capital city, you’ll find plenty of other things to see and do in the surrounding area. These are just a few that you can add to your day outing to Holmenkollen:
Vigeland Park (inside Frognerparken)
Holmenkollen Chapel (a beautiful piece of architecture)
Fangene pa Fortet (a type of escape room game)
Kickstart Your Norwegian Adventure with Holmenkollen
If you’ve been following our articles for a while now, you’ll know that Norway has plenty of exciting things for visitors to see and do. So, why not rent a motorhome in Norway, start your road trip off with an affordable stay at Topcamp while exploring Holmenkollen and the capital, and then continue on to discover the rest of the country and its highlights?
Let the Holmenkollen Ski Jump jumpstart your Norwegian adventure, and may it be merely the beginning of all the once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll have here in the country.
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