Holmenkollbakken — Attraction in Oslo

Summertime offers a lovely view of the area as well as a view that lends one an entirely new level of respect for the people that stand at the top of that ski jump and actually hurl themselves down it- and not to the comfort of level ground, but back up into the sky and finally all the way down again to the ground at the mercy of gravity.

There is a little museum too, but standing at the top looking down at the jump is a real trip.

When I went, it was a gorgeous, perfect 77°F sunny day with a beautiful view of lush green that stretched for miles around. There were no lines (no queues). We practically had the place to ourselves.

It wasn't expensive either because I visited it as part of a day-long small-group charter bus tour which took us to see a handful of Oslo's highlights at a perfectly leisurely pace. The tour was guided by a young woman who would briefly explain th significance of each site we visited- first in English. Then in Norwegian. Then in German, followed by Italian, and finally, Japanese- for our group was composed of Anglophones, a couple Norwegians and a small group of Germans (who likely understood the English, Norwegian, and German versions), an Italian family, and two Japanese couples. Evidently our talented tour guide was prepared to accommodate just about anyone from anywhere.

I think the small group charter bus tour is probably the way to do it. You get to see several places around Oslo, it wasn't rushed nor tedious, you don't have to worry about transportation or figuring out directions, it wasn't expensive because we were a small group of people rather than paying as individuals, and at the end of the day I really enjoyed collapsing into a big, luxuriously comfortable bus seat and zoning out for the return journey.

I'll note this too: There is a gift shop at the top of the ski jump. They sell (what else?) Norway-themed clothing & accessories, including winter-wear all year round (it is a ski jump, after all). I bought two things when I was there: a Norwegian jersey and one of those sort of Peruvian-style knit winter hats that cover your ears and have a little poufy thing on top. The hat is dark navy blue & encircled with a row of crisp, blocky Norwegian flags.

I think that is worth mentioning, because for whatever reason, I constantly receive compliments from friends, strangers, men, women, the young and old, every single time I wear either of those items. Basically, my point is, if you visit the Homenkollbakken, you may to be aware that there is a small gift shop at the top so saturated with Scandi magic, the basic items sold there will automatically make you look like you have excellent taste in style- as well as sensibility, and the impossible gift of being able to make a fashion statement modestly.

When people ask you where you got that wonderful such-and-such, you then have the pleasure of responding, "The Holmenkollbaken... Oh you know, right near Oslo, where the Scandinavian Olympic ski jumpers train."

P.S. There's no such thing as a "Norg," and that Keller fellow was clearly confused & mistaken about what country he...

Holmenkollbakken is a famous ski-jumping hill located in Oslo, Norway. Here are some critical points about Holmenkollbakken:

Location: Holmenkollbakken is in the Holmenkollen neighbourhood of Oslo, the capital city of Norway. It is part of the enormous Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower complex, which includes the ski jump, a museum, and an observation tower.

History: The first ski jumping competition at Holmenkollbakken took place in 1892, making it one of the oldest ski jumping venues in the world. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions to modernise the facilities and improve safety standards.

Ski Jumping Events: Holmenkollbakken has hosted numerous ski jumping events, including World Cup competitions, World Championships, and the Winter Olympics. It is renowned for its challenging design and scenic location, offering breathtaking views of Oslo and the surrounding fjords.

Architecture: The ski jump at Holmenkollbakken is an architectural marvel featuring a towering wooden structure with a steep slope and a large outrun area. It has a K-point (critical point) of 120 meters for men's ski jumping events and 106 meters for women's events.

Spectator Facilities: The ski jump has spectator seating areas, allowing fans to watch the competitions live and cheer on the athletes as they soar. The Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower complex offers additional amenities, including restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum: The adjacent Holmenkollen Ski Museum is one of the world's oldest ski museums, showcasing the history of skiing and winter sports through interactive exhibits, artefacts, and multimedia displays. Visitors can learn about the evolution of ski jumping and explore the achievements of legendary athletes.

Observation Tower: The Holmenkollen Tower offers panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding area from its observation deck, located at the top of the ski jump. It is a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of the Norwegian landscape from a unique vantage point.

Cultural Landmark: Holmenkollbakken is not only a world-class sports venue but also a cultural landmark in Oslo, symbolising Norway's rich skiing heritage and its love for winter sports. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, both for sporting events and tourism purposes.

Overall, Holmenkollbakken is an iconic symbol of Norwegian skiing excellence, offering thrilling competitions, stunning views, and a fascinating glimpse into the history of...

Iconic Oslo landmark with great, panoramic views. I visited in August and was fortunate to have nice weather for my trip to the top of the jump. The ride up is crowded and we were told by the lift attendant that they only operate for 3 hours/day. Arriving just past open, we only waited for one group which was nice. I can see this becoming a long wait Once the tour buses start unloading.

Once at the top, you can climb a set of stairs to reach the viewing platform. You can also stay in the enclosed area to view the area through glass. Even if you have a fear of heights like one person in our group, the barriers keep you so far from the edge, you probably won't have a problem.

Our museum entrance (required for the lift) was included in our Oslo Pass. I would have loved to ride the zip line, but at 750 kr, I couldn't justify the extra cost. On its own, the entrance fee was 195 kr in Aug 2025.

Worth a visit if you're staying in the area but I wouldn't necessarily suggest the trip out unless you're a...