Holmenkollen Ski Museum
Introduction
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum, located at Kongeveien 5 in the Holmenkollen district of Oslo, Norway, is a compelling destination for anyone interested in the heritage of skiing and Norwegian winter sports. Situated at the very base of the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump, the museum immerses visitors in the sweeping panorama of Oslo and the vast forested hills beyond. Rich in history and full of engaging storytelling, this museum invites guests to explore the world of skis through thousands of years of human ingenuity and adventure.
About the Museum
Founded in 1923 under the guidance of architect Hjalmar Welhaven, who generously contributed his own collection, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum is recognized as the world’s first museum dedicated to skiing. Initially located at Frognerseteren, it was relocated to its current site beneath the modern Holmenkollbakken ski jump in 1951.
Covering more than 5,000 years of skiing history, the museum’s extensive collection includes ancient rock carvings, Bronze Age skis, Viking Age equipment, and items dating from the evolution of modern competition and polar exploration. Among its prized exhibits is the Drevja ski—over five thousand years old—highlighting the deep roots of skiing in Norway.
In its most recent renewal, completed in December 2023 ahead of its centenary, the museum reopened with a spectacular redesign by the acclaimed Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta. This renovation brought a new, spacious entrance, a café, an expanded gift shop with special souvenirs such as a historic Holmenkollen scarf, and updated exhibitions focusing on both ski history and polar expeditions.
Beyond static exhibits, visitors can experience interactive features such as Blåkollen, an indoor play zone for children inspired by a literary world of forest gnomes and trolls, and a ski-jump simulator offering an exhilarating virtual leap from the famous hill. A museum ticket also grants access to the ski jump tower, where a high-speed elevator delivers guests to a panoramic observation deck with sweeping views of Oslo city, fjord, and forests.
Interesting Facts
- World’s Oldest Ski Museum – Established in 1923, founded on Hjalmar Welhaven’s private collection
- Under the Iconic Jump – The museum is located beneath the ski jump that has hosted Winter Olympics and world championships
- Polar Explorer Treasures – Contains gear from legendary figures like Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen
- Family Fun Zone – Blåkollen interactive area engages younger visitors with slides and imaginative play
- Ski-Jump Simulator – Offers a thrilling virtual experience of jumping from Holmenkollbakken
- Spectacular Views – Observation deck atop the jump tower provides 360-degree views over Oslo and beyond
- Architectural Renewal – Redesigned by Snøhetta and reopened December 3, 2023
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +479 167 1947
Website: skiforeningen.no/holmenkollen
Facebook: facebook.com/Skiforeningen
Conclusion
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum offers a vivid and vibrant tribute to the history of skiing and polar exploration in Norway. Its rich collection, spanning millennia, pairs brilliantly with modern, interactive displays and family-friendly features. Whether you arrive to appreciate ancient skis, trace the footsteps of explorers like Nansen and Amundsen, or simply catch your breath on the panoramic deck, the visit will leave you both informed and inspired.
Located beneath the legendary Holmenkollen ski jump, the museum’s recent renovation has made it more inviting than ever—with improved entrances, a café, and new exhibitions. This makes it not only a historical treasure trove but also a comfortable and engaging day out.
Ideal for history lovers, sports fans, families, and architectural design enthusiasts alike, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum is a must-see on any Oslo itinerary. It stands as a proud celebration of Norway’s winter heritage, firmly rooted in tradition yet soaring with vision.
