Holmenkollbakken in Oslo, Norway, I have been to several times. However, never to the museum, and at the top, once, many, many years ago. Until now. It is popular with tourists for the city views, especially from the platform at the top of the tower. Some come for the 361 meter long zip-line, or 57 meter rappel. For those interested in skiing, the Ski Museum offers 5.000 years of ski history. I’m not, so the whole thing was wasted on me. I guess some of the displays were cool. It is not too big, so you can just do a quick lap. There’s also a cafe and a souvenir shop. If you want to go to the top of the tower, you’ll have to go through the museum – entrance is included in the museum ticket. An elevator / funicular brings you up. First there is a balcony with views of the in-run, jump, and landing slope. Continue up a staircase to the platform, which was surprisingly big. 360 degrees view, of the city and surroundings. In my opinion, the views closer to town are better. Like from Ekebergrestauraten or the city hall roof. The ski jump has been remodelled several times since it was built in 1892. This newest edition came to life in 2010. During the year, many sport events take place. When we visited, there was a junior biathlon event going on.
My friend and her daughter did the ski simulator. A 6 minute ride, which takes you downhill skiing in Kvitfjell (one of the Lillehammer Olympic arenas), and ski jumping in Holmenkollen. They said it was not unforgettable…
Metro line 1 Frognerseteren (running westward) takes you there. A 30 minute ride. Stop is Holmenkollen. From there, it is a 10 minute uphill walk, and you find yourself in front of the ski jump. Then, the shortest option is to take on the stairs, to reach the museum. Not too exhausting.
When you’re already up there, you might want to check out Roseslottet and Frognerseteren restaurant.
Website: skiforeningen.no/holmenkollen
Museum & tower
