If you’re in Oslo and feel like swapping city streets for fresh mountain air, Holmenkollen is the perfect little escape. Just a quick metro ride away, it’s where locals head for skiing, hiking, or simply soaking up some of the best views over the city and fjord.
This charming little neighbourhood is just a short and scenic ride away on the metro. Hop on Line 1 from downtown Oslo and before you know it, you’ll be gliding up the rolling hills. As the train climbs higher, the city slowly falls away, and you’re treated to sweeping views of the fjord that only get better with every stop. It’s a ride that feels more like a mini adventure than public transport, and honestly, it sure beats the grim underground commute in London!
Holmenkollen might not immediately ring a bell, but you’ve probably seen the Holmenkollbakken ski jump in photos or videos. Towering over 100 meters high, it’s impossible to miss, and standing at the base makes your jaw drop. When it’s not hosting competitions, the jump doubles as a spectacular viewpoint, offering sweeping panoramas of Oslo’s cityscape, dense pine forests, and the sparkling fjord beyond.
The walk up to the ski jump is a gentle climb through the hills, but don’t underestimate it, you’ll want sturdy shoes and maybe a light jacket if the breeze picks up. About 20 minutes later, the jump towers above you even more dramatically, and I’ll admit, finding the entrance took me a little detective work, but it was worth it.
Inside, the small museum exhibition is packed with fascinating history: Norway’s skiing legends, the story of the jump itself, and old photographs that make you feel connected to decades of winter sports tradition. Then comes the real treat, take the elevator to the top, and suddenly the world spreads out below you. Rolling valleys blanketed in green conifers, frozen lakes catching the sunlight, and distant mountains rising majestically on the horizon, it’s a view that makes you want to pause and just breathe.
Feeling daring? The zip line lets you soar all the way back down. The wind in your face, your heart racing, and the forest whizzing by, it’s a thrilling, slightly terrifying way to see it all from a completely new perspective.
The surrounding area has charming parks and little attractions, perfect for a longer exploration of Norway’s countryside. I kept it simple with a cozy coffee break, savouring the forest scents and the distant city sounds before heading back to Oslo.
This trip into the hills was a little escape from the city, a mix of adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and quiet moments of reflection. Holmenkollen is one of those spots that deserves a place on your Oslo itinerary,.
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