During the days in Oslo, a visit to the Holmenkollen ski resort was of course a must. Already from afar, the world-famous sports facility on the mountain is recognizable, with a clear view also from the room in the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Oslo, where I was allowed to stay during the days.
Due to the perfect location at the central station of Oslo, it was relatively easy to reach the Holmenkolmen. With the Visit-Oslo Card, public transportation is already included, so you could comfortably choose the subway (Tunnelbana – line T1) and after a short time you could already enjoy the nature around Oslo (travel time about 25 minutes).
Holmenkollen Ski Area
The train station at the edge of the ski area is also called “Holmenkollen” and the stadium can be reached afterwards by foot in about 10 minutes. I can definitely recommend you to wear sturdy shoes, because the footpaths are also not completely gritted and offer a nice mixture of snow and ice 🙂
Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Holmenkollen is considered the oldest ski jump in the world and was built in 1892 and while the first jump from the chance still ended at about 21 meters, jumpers now land in the repeatedly rebuilt jump at over 130 meters. At the same time, the facility, as well as the attached biathlon stadium, as well as the Nordic ski center, has been the venue for Olympic Games and various World Ski Championships.
As you ascend to the Holmenkollen facility, you will first have the opportunity to view the spectator area in the landing area (at about 110 meters) and get a good look at the slope of the jumping hill. Here the entrance is free, only the connected parking lot is a bit “slippery”.
Museum Holmenkollen
If you then, like me, continue the climb and follow the next fifty meters of altitude over the road, you come to the museum in Holmenkollen, which offers you a review of the history of the ski facility, as well as the Nordic and Norwegian skiing. On the intermediate floor you also have the opportunity to get a great view over Oslo, as well as over the entire facility.
With the entrance to the museum is also connected the possibility to go up by elevator to the ski jump and stand there, where the ski jumpers go down through the inrun track. Really impressive and you take care several times not to “accidentally” get into the slide.
Another highlight is the Holmenkollen viewing platform above the drop zone, where you have the opportunity to get a 360° view over all of Oslo. In my opinion, the most beautiful view over all of Oslo, the offshore islands, as well as the various skyscrapers (including City Hall and the Radisson SAS Oslo Hotel).
Conclusion – Holmenkollen ski jumping hill
Admission to the Holmenkollen Museum and viewing platform is about 110 NOK (about 12.50 EUR) per person and is already included in the price, depending on the VisitOslo Card. In my opinion, an absolute must-visit for Oslo – not only in summer, but also in the few hours of daylight in winter.
