A guide to visiting the Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo

Standing on top of a mountain north of Oslo in Norway is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. A trip up here should definitely be on your list of things to do in Oslo. Oh, and don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you should jump it!

As you’ll see visiting the Holmenkollen Ski Jump is a chance to get great views of Oslo, enjoy some traditional Norwegian dishes and learn more about the history of ski jumping.

If you’re planning a trip to Oslo, make sure you read this guide to visiting the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for everything you need to know.

A guide to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, Oslo

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump is a massive ski jump with a history stretching for over 100 years.

The first ski jumping event at Holmenkollen took place in 1892 with a crowd of 12,000 people. For the first few years of this event, there was no ski jump like you’ll see today.

The jump was simply off a natural hill with a take-off ramp made from snow and twigs.

In the 1900s the sport became more popular and a run was built. Over time this was made taller and taller with wooden scaffolding that helped ski jumpers to go even further.

For the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, a taller tower with an elevator for competitors was built. Then, in 2011 an architectural competition took place for the design of the ski jump. The winner created the Holmenkollen ski jump that you see to this day.

What else is there to do nearby?

There’s quite a lot to see and do in the area, more than you’d first think anyway!

The Holmenkollen Ski Museum

Under the ski jump, there’s a museum which is the oldest of its kind in the world! It looks into more than 4,000 years of skiing history, has Norwegian polar exploration artefacts and has an exhibition on modern snow sports too.

If you like skiing or find polar exploration interesting then you’ll find this museum worthwhile.

Observation deck

Whilst you can visit the ski jump and just gaze up at it from halfway, or the bottom, it’s worthwhile queueing for the observation deck (and you almost definitely will have to queue!).

The deck sits on top of the jump tower and has panoramic views of Oslo and the fjords.

It’s quite possibly the best view you’ll find of Oslo. Also, you’ll realise just how terrifying a sport ski jumping must be once you’re at the top.

The Toboggan Run

In the winter there’s also a toboggan run which starts at Frognerseteren and ends at the Midtstuen metro station. The run is 2km long and drops 255m in elevation.

The whole thing takes 8-10 minutes so it’s great fun! Riding the Korketrekkeren run is free but it costs 100-150NOK (£15-£25) per day to rent a sledge.

The Holmenkollen zipline

If you’re not up for jumping the Holmenkollen Ski Jump you can zipline it instead! The Kollensvevet zipline is 361m from top to bottom dropping 107m in elevation.

The zipline is open from Spring – Autumn and your ticket also includes entrance to the museum.

Hike to Vettakollen

Vettakollen is a peak between Holmenkollen and Sognsvann with some of the best views of Oslo. It’s a fairly easy hike with a total distance of 2.4km there and backs which will take you just a couple of hours. To do the hike simply take the metro 1 from downtown towards Frognerseteren and get off at Vettakollen. You should see signs from there.

The Holmenkollen Troll

A slightly different attraction in the Holmenkollen area is the Kollentrollet; a 6.7m tall troll sculpture that looks across to the Ski Jump. It sits at Gratishaugen.

At Gratishaugen sits Kollentrollet, a 6,7-metre troll sculpture that looks across to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You can get there by getting of Tram 1 at Holmenkollen and then it’s just south of the ski jump.

Kragstøtten viewpoint

At the Kragstøtten viewpoint is a statue of Hans Hagerup Krag who was partly responsible for building the roads in Vosksenkollen and Holmenkollen. There’s also a great view point here of southern and western Oslo making it worth a visit.

Bogstad Lake

Bogstad Lake is on the border of Oslo and Bærum and has a beach on both sides of it. It’s a popular fishing spot thanks to the perch, whitefish and trout that live there so you’ll probably see some fishermen when you visit.

In winter there are ski trails to the west of the lake and in the summer it’s great for hiking, boating and swimming.

How much does it cost to visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump?

You can visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for free. However, if you want to visit the museum and climb up the tower to the top of the jump then there is a cost.

If you’ve bought the Oslo Pass (which I highly recommend!) then the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower (and your transport up there) are completely free.

Otherwise, entrance to the tower and museum is 140NOK (about £12) for adults, and 70NOK (about £6) for children under 18.

What facilities are there nearby?

The museum has a cafe where you can get some food, a small shop, and restrooms. However, if you’re looking for some more substantial food then head over to the Frognerseteren Cafe www.frognerseteren.no near the station you got off at.

When is Oslo’s Holmenkollen Ski Jump open?

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump is open 365 days a year and from 9am-8pm in June, July and August. During the rest of the year the timings change slightly (usually 10am-5pm).

You can see the full opening hours here. 

Getting to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump

To get to Holmenkollen take Metro 1 towards Frognerseteren and get off at the Holmenkollen stop. From here, follow signs to the Ski Museum and Ski Jump which is about a 10-minute walk.

Remember, you can use your Oslo Pass to pay for public transport!

Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Hannah