Holmenkollen, Oslo

Holmenkollen Skijump and skimuseum.

One of the world's greatest ski jump. Great views from the observation tower on Oslo and surroundings areas. Ski museum. Shop/cafetaria. Downhill skiing simulator (preferably to test before lunch?)

The ski jump is on a hill overlooking Oslo & while the museum at the ski jump isn't much good unless you speak fluent Norwegian and have a great interest in Norwegian sporting history the view from the top of the tower over Oslo & the fjord is worth the entrance fee. Looking down the jump is pretty scary - think I'd need a pint or ten before I'd be willing to try it!!!

Cost - 50NOK for adults & 25 NOK for children

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I'd been before and seen the old 1952 Winter Olympics ski-jump. It was impressive then but needed a lot of TLC and so I was not surprised to learn that a new jump was being put in its place.

The coach trip up the hillside was interesting ---have you camera ready! Lots of great shots to be had from the coach on such windy roads.

There is a visitors centre, toilets, a museum, a lift (elevator) to take you up to the top of the jump and a fantastic view to be had.

The quality of air is superb. Even on a hot and fairly humid day the air up at the top was cool and..em..crisp.

There are cafes and restaurants on the way up the hillside and there is also a tramway (?)being constructed.

Why don't you try the ski-simulator near the visitors shop?

Would I go again? Mmm...as a one off no but I wouldn't be upset if it was part of a whole day tour around the Oslo area, as this was.

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The Holmenkollen Ski Jump was the main arena for the 1952 winter Olympic Games, and plays an important part in the Norwegian skiing tradition.

The jump is a national and international symbol of the sport of ski jumping, and skiing in general.

You can find models of various types of skis, and how they were developed over the years. A lot of data is available for those with an interest in skiing & it's origins. Norway is credited for inventing cross-country skiing, a very practical way of getting about, given their climate & terrain.

There is a gift shop with some stuffed animals, like elks and polar bears (not for sale!).

And then there's the jump platform. You take a lift up & then climb some stairs to reach the top.

In the terrace, they have these bizarre wooden 'stilts' to have some fun on. Managing to balance & walk on them is not as easy as one may think!!

NB!!!!!2010: HOLMENKOLLEN SKI JUMPS AND SPORTS ARENAS NEARBY REMAINS UNDER RECONSTRUCTION FOR THE 2011 SKI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. CHECK THE WEB LINK PROVIDED BELOW FOR PROGRESS.

Holmenkollen is a "kolle" ( a knoll, or more appropriate a hillock) just above Oslo's western edge. It has reached fame as a 1) good viewpoint over Oslo and the Oslo Fjord, 2) a prime skiing and foot trail starting point in Oslo, 3) a ski jumping hill with a tower you can climb up in, 4) Oslo's most upper crust housing area (huge villas), and 5) a good place to eat (several places). Personally, I am not too impressed with things up there, but it is an easy outing to do and it gives you a bird's eye view of Oslo, so why not after all?
The easiest way is by the T-bane (subway/tram) on the Holmenkollen line accessible from any central subway station in Oslo.
Do try to sort out what you want to do beforehand if on your own (not an organised tour group) as things are located quite far apart. It's a good idea to look up at "Destination Holmankollen's" web pages for closer inspection. It may be that the Holmenkollen web site has been stolen by an opportunistic company, just check similar search names if you are put in the wrong direction.
They also give out a nifty map that shows ski trails and foot paths if you want to get away from the crowds. Some nice lakes, hikes and also ski runs within striking distance from the subway/tram station Holmenkollen, Voksenkollen and Frognerseteren. You can escape through the forest to Sognsvann and take another subway line back to the city centre.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump is Norway's most visited attraction. Holmenkollen has held several world championship competitions and even an Olympic competition. The site of the ski jump is high on a hill overlooking Olso. Normally you have wonderful views. Unfortunately the sky was overcast while we visited.

Holmenkollen is the perfect starting point for cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter and bicycling and hiking in the summer.

The world's oldest ski museum and a ski jump simulator are also located by the ski jump.

**Holmenkollen was awarded the World Ski Championships for 2011**

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At the base of the Holmenkollen ski jump is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum. The Ski Museum illustrates 4000 years of skiing history with rock carvings, skis from the time of the Vikings, and skis from all various parts of Norway that show local handicraft skills and traditions. You will also be able to see modern racing skis, as well as skis used by athletes throughout the last century. A brand new snow-board exhibition shows this new trend in skiing.

The polar equipment used in the historic expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen show the great contrast to the equipment used by todays expeditions. Historic glimpses from the Winter Olympics at Lillehammer in 1994 and in Oslo in 1952 can be seen, as well as many other exiting and aspects of skiing history.

We found the shop at the ski museum to be the best place in all of Oslo to buy tourist souveniers, hundreds of items and clothes are on display and put shame to every other shop we saw in Oslo and at the other museums. Tourists looking for things to take home will be waiting for this shop to open again.

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We were lucky to see the ski jump at Holmenkollen. In October 2008 it closed and the long demolition started, it will be a few years before the new ski jump opens. This is because Norway and Oslo were awarded the World Championships in 2011 under the FIS Congress in Vilamoura Portuguese in May and the old ski jump was not suitable. The site has been renovated 18 times since the first ski jump there built in 1892, mainly in 1952, last time in 1982.

Today's tower extends 60 meters above ground, and 417 metres above sea level. Seemy video for a view from the top. An elevator took us up a few floors from the ski museum and then another few floors of steps up to the top, which in size is nothing more than garden shed size. I read the new ski jump will have an elevator to whisk competitors and visitors straight to the top.