Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
Iconic ski jump with a museum and panoramic Oslo views. Ride the tower for breathtaking vistas!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic ski jump with a museum and panoramic Oslo views. Ride the tower for breathtaking vistas!
"The highlight is definitely the jump tower! Museum admission includes a diagonal elevator ride to the top."
Check the weather first! ☁️
Fog can ruin the tower views. Check forecasts before heading up; clear days are essential for the best Oslo panoramas.
Tower ride is a must-do! ⬆️
The diagonal elevator to the top of the ski jump tower is a highlight, offering incredible city views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower
Top of the ski jump
Ascend to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of Oslo and its surrounding fjords.
Ski History Museum
Museum lobby
Explore the fascinating evolution of skiing and polar expeditions with world-class displays.
Zipline Adventure
Adjacent to the ski jump
Experience an exhilarating zipline ride down the ski jump hill for a unique thrill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Beyond the Museum Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Holmenkollen Ski Museum vs Norsk Folkemuseum
Check the weather first! ☁️
Fog can ruin the tower views. Check forecasts before heading up; clear days are essential for the best Oslo panoramas.
Tower ride is a must-do! ⬆️
The diagonal elevator to the top of the ski jump tower is a highlight, offering incredible city views.
Tips for Oslo Holmenkollen?
Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower
Free exploration of hill base 🚶
You can explore the lower part of the ski jump hill and admire its structure without a museum ticket.
Cafe & gift shop access ☕
Enjoy the cafe or browse the gift shop without needing museum admission. Great for a quick stop.
Holmenkollen or Korketrekkeren
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the weather first! ☁️
Fog can ruin the tower views. Check forecasts before heading up; clear days are essential for the best Oslo panoramas.
Tower ride is a must-do! ⬆️
The diagonal elevator to the top of the ski jump tower is a highlight, offering incredible city views.
Free exploration of hill base 🚶
You can explore the lower part of the ski jump hill and admire its structure without a museum ticket.
Cafe & gift shop access ☕
Enjoy the cafe or browse the gift shop without needing museum admission. Great for a quick stop.
Metro is convenient 🚇
Easily accessible via the Metro with a station nearby, making it a straightforward trip from Oslo city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views from the Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower and the engaging historical exhibits within the Ski Museum. The convenience of the onsite cafe and gift shop, along with the easy Metro access, are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors note that fog can significantly impact the tower's visibility, making a weather check crucial before ascending.
"Good:
✅ The highlight is definitely the jump tower! Museum admission includes a diagonal elevator ride to the top of the ski jump tower.
✅ Great cafe located in museum lobby—admission not required.
✅ Excellent gift shop adjacent to museum lobby—admission not required.
✅ The lower portion of the ski jump hill is an amazing piece of infrastructure—admission not required to view and/or explore.
✅ Friendly staff at museum front desk.
✅ The museum displays are first class. I’m not particularly a fan of skiing, but it was still an interesting museum to explore.
In summary, there is nothing bad to report. For me, the appeal was certainly the free exploration of the lower portion of the jump hill and the (paid) trip to the tower top. I likely would not have visited the museum on its own, but that’s not to say it’s not a great museum—because it truly is. It simply depends on one’s interest."
Troy Windhorst
"Great place to visit and easy to get to on Metro with a station in the town. Check weather first though as there was a lot of hanging fog (especially as it is very high up) when we visited so disappointingly we had no view from the top. Jump is impressive though."
mark finney
"Very historic site but our purpose to go there was to do the Zipline. The museum is very nice and you learn a lot about the first expeditions to the artic and what it took to get there plus the Olympics as two events took place here sky jump and biathalon. After we looked around we made our to the top for the best view of Oslo there is and the Zipline. It's a short but fun Zipline and is worth the price we paid. All the staff were very nice and we had a fun time. We were on a cruise and the excursion come here but you don't get to go inside and do anything so we did it on our own and would recommend"
keith beekie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Holmenkollen is by taking the Oslo Metro (T-bane) Line 1 towards Frognerseteren. Get off at the Holmenkollen station, which is just a short walk from the museum and tower. This is a popular and convenient option for visitors.
Yes, Holmenkollen is very well-connected by public transport. The Metro Line 1 stops directly at Holmenkollen station, making it simple to reach from Oslo's city center.
Driving is possible, but parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Public transport is generally recommended for a smoother experience.
The Metro ride from the city center (e.g., Nationaltheatret station) to Holmenkollen typically takes around 20-25 minutes.
Yes, Holmenkollen can be a great addition to a short Oslo itinerary, especially if you have about 6 hours and are interested in the ski jump and museum. It offers a different perspective of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower has an admission fee. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most current 'holmenkollen museum price'. Admission typically includes access to the museum and the ski jump tower.
You do not need a ticket to view and explore the lower portion of the ski jump hill. However, to ride the elevator to the top of the jump tower and enter the museum, a ticket is required.
Yes, the cafe and gift shop are located in the museum lobby and are accessible without purchasing an admission ticket.
Admission typically covers both the museum and the tower. It's advisable to check for any special packages or combo deals on their official website.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Holmenkollen, you can explore the Ski Museum, ride the elevator to the top of the ski jump tower for panoramic views, and even try the zipline. The lower part of the hill is also explorable.
The views from the top of the Holmenkollen jump tower are spectacular, offering a 360-degree panorama of Oslo, the surrounding forests, and the Oslofjord. On a clear day, it's truly breathtaking.
The ski simulator is often mentioned as a fun activity within the museum, allowing visitors to experience what it's like to ski down a slope.
Many visitors find the zipline a fun and worthwhile experience, offering a unique thrill and a different perspective of the ski jump. It's a short but exciting ride.
Absolutely! The museum provides a rich history of skiing and polar expeditions, and the tower offers incredible views, making it enjoyable for everyone regardless of their skiing interest.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located in the museum lobby. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy refreshments, and you don't need an admission ticket to access it.
The cafe typically offers a selection of coffee, pastries, light snacks, and some meals. It's a convenient place to grab a bite while visiting.
While the onsite cafe is convenient, there are also dining options in the Frognerseteren area, which is a short Metro ride away and offers more traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Picnicking is generally not encouraged inside the museum or tower. It's best to enjoy your meals at the designated cafe area or find a spot outdoors if weather permits.
Prices at the cafe are typical for tourist attractions in Oslo. It's a good option for convenience, but for more budget-friendly meals, consider dining elsewhere in the city.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the ski jump tower offers unparalleled panoramic shots of Oslo and the fjord. The ski jump itself, from various angles on the hill, also makes for dramatic photos.
Yes, photography is highly encouraged from the ski jump tower. The expansive views provide fantastic opportunities for memorable pictures.
For the best light, aim for clear mornings or late afternoons. The 'golden hour' before sunset can provide beautiful, warm lighting over the city.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain exhibits.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views from the tower. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the ski jump structure. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The tower ride itself is an adventure, and the expansive views from the top are sure to impress younger visitors. For the truly adventurous, the zipline offers an unforgettable thrill. Remember to check the weather, as fog can limit the views, which might disappoint younger children expecting clear vistas. The cafe also provides a convenient spot for snacks and breaks.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss opportunities to photograph the impressive ski jump structure itself from various angles on the hill. The unique architecture and scale are visually striking. For an added element of action, consider capturing the zipline in motion. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for dramatic and atmospheric photos.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Cruise Ships
Many cruise excursions include Holmenkollen, but doing it independently allows for more flexibility. Prioritize checking the weather for clear views from the tower. Even if the weather is poor, the museum and the impressive structure of the ski jump are still worth seeing. The cafe and gift shop are also accessible without an admission ticket for a quick visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Visitors can experience the thrill of standing at the top of the jump tower, imagining the courage it takes for athletes to launch themselves into the air. The diagonal elevator provides a unique and smooth ascent, offering increasingly impressive views of Oslo as you climb. From the summit, the panoramic vistas stretch across the city, the Oslofjord, and the surrounding forests, making it a prime spot for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Beyond the jump itself, the lower portion of the ski jump hill is accessible and offers a fascinating perspective on the scale and engineering of the structure. Many visitors appreciate being able to explore this area even without a museum ticket, providing a tangible connection to the site's history and grandeur.
A Journey Through Skiing History
Beyond traditional skiing, the museum also highlights polar expeditions, showcasing the vital role skis played in exploration. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by adventurers in the Arctic and Antarctic, and the ingenuity required to survive in extreme conditions. This aspect adds a unique dimension to the museum, connecting the thrill of sport with the spirit of adventure.
Interactive exhibits and displays make the museum engaging for all ages. While not as visually dramatic as the tower, the museum provides crucial context and a rich narrative that enhances the overall Holmenkollen experience. It's a testament to Norway's enduring relationship with winter sports and exploration.
Thrill-Seeking at Holmenkollen
While the zipline is a paid activity separate from museum admission, many find it well worth the cost for the sheer fun and excitement. It adds an element of adventure that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from thrill-seekers to families looking for a unique activity.
It's worth noting that the zipline operates seasonally and weather permitting, so it's advisable to check availability and book in advance if possible, especially during peak tourist times.
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