Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower
Oslo
Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower in Oslo, Norway, is the world's oldest ski museum, located beneath the famous Holmenkollbakken ski jumping hill. Established in 1923, the museum offers a comprehensive history of skiing and winter sports, showcasing ancient skis, equipment, and exhibits tracing skiing's evolution from prehistoric times to modern competitive sports. The adjacent ski jumping hill, Holmenkollbakken, has been a central venue for ski jumping since 1892 and has hosted numerous prestigious events including the 1952 Winter Olympics and multiple FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. The hill has undergone numerous renovations, the latest rebuilding completed between 2008 and 2010, featuring a modern tower that provides panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding fjords. Visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits and then ascend the tower for spectacular vistas, making Holmenkollen both a cultural landmark and a thrilling experience for winter sports enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Plan your trip to Norway with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit during the winter ski season or summer months for the best experience. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The site offers discounts for children, seniors, and groups. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the tower's viewing platform. Check opening hours on the official website as they vary seasonally.
Interesting facts
- •Holmenkollbakken can accommodate up to 70,000 spectators, making it one of the largest ski jumping venues in the world.
- •The ski jump hill record is held by Robert Johansson, with a jump of 144.0 meters.
- •The museum beneath the hill is the world's oldest dedicated to skiing, established in 1923.
- •During World War II, the ski jump was repurposed as a military installation.
- •The lake Besserudtjernet at the base of the hill was originally created by damming to supply water to nearby hotels and was once used as a skating rink.
- •Holmenkollen has hosted the Holmenkollen Ski Festival since 1892, a key event in Nordic skiing history.
History
The Holmenkollbakken ski jump was first constructed in 1892 after relocating from the previous Husebybakken hill due to snow issues and lease negotiations.
Over the years, the hill has been rebuilt 19 times, with major upgrades including a stone take-off in 1910 and steel superstructures in 1914 and 1928.
The venue was used as a military installation during World War II but was restored and expanded for several World Championships and the 1952 Winter Olympics.
The entire structure was demolished and rebuilt between 2008 and 2010 to modern standards, preserving its legacy as a historic and iconic ski jumping site.
Place Guide
Holmenkollen Ski Museum1923
The world's oldest ski museum featuring exhibits on the history of skiing from ancient times to modern competitions, including historic skis, equipment, and interactive displays.
Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump1892 (original construction)
A historic ski jumping hill with a hill size of HS134 and a K-point of 120 meters, hosting major international ski jumping and Nordic combined events since 1892.
Holmenkollen Tower2010
A modern tower rebuilt between 2008 and 2010 offering panoramic views over Oslo, the fjords, and surrounding landscapes, accessible to visitors after exploring the museum.
Contact
Phone: 91 67 19 47
