Holmenkollen stands as the spiritual home of ski jumping and Nordic skiing. Located just outside Oslo, this venue has been central to Norwegian skiing culture for over a century.
Historic Significance
The first Holmenkollen ski festival was held in 1892, making this one of the oldest ski competitions in the world. The venue has been rebuilt several times, with the current striking modern design completed in 2010.
For Norwegians, Holmenkollen represents more than a ski hill - it's a national treasure that embodies their deep connection to winter sports.
The Modern Hill
The current structure is an architectural marvel, combining functional excellence with dramatic aesthetics. The steel and concrete design offers athletes ideal conditions while providing spectacular viewing for the thousands of fans who attend events.
Champions like Halvor Egner Granerud, Stefan Kraft, and Maren Lundby have flown down this legendary hill.
Holmenkollen Ski Festival
The annual Holmenkollen Weekend is one of the highlights of the skiing calendar. Cross-country races through the Oslo forests and ski jumping under lights create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the sport.
Norwegian fans are famously passionate, and their support for the home athletes is deafening.
Cross-Country Trails
The venue also features excellent cross-country skiing facilities. The trails wind through the forests above Oslo, providing challenging terrain for World Cup racing.
The View
From the top of the hill, athletes and visitors enjoy panoramic views of Oslo, the Oslofjord, and the surrounding forests. The combination of urban accessibility and natural beauty makes Holmenkollen unique.
Getting There
The venue is easily accessible from central Oslo via the metro (T-bane) Line 1. The journey takes about 30 minutes and offers lovely views of the city.