Photo: Holmenkollen360.comHolmenkollen, situated at the top of Oslo, serves as a natural gateway to the forested recreational area known as Marka. For over a century, it has been a beloved destination for outdoor activities, offering hiking, fishing, cycling, and canoeing during the summer, while transforming into a highly popular excursion spot for winter sports. Today, it stands as one of Norway's most famous tourist attractions, drawing over a million visitors each year. The centerpiece of the area is the iconic Holmenkollbakken ski jump, which originally opened in 1892 with a modest hill record of 21.5 meters. Over the decades, it evolved significantly, hosting major international competitions such as the 1952 Winter Olympics and the World Ski Championships in 1966 and 1982. The historic jump, which once featured the Besserudtjernet lake at its base for summer events like "Ta Sjansen", was demolished in 2008. In its place, a state-of-the-art ski jump was inaugurated in 2010 for the 2011 World Championships, featuring a K-point of 136 meters, a permanent wind screen, and an arena capable of holding around 50,000 spectators. In addition to the spectacular ski jump, the area boasts the world's oldest ski museum, located inside the mountain since 1983, and the historic Holmenkollen Chapel, originally built in 1903 and later reconstructed in 1996, which remains a traditional holiday destination for the Norwegian Royal Family.
Photo: Holmenkollen360.comGratishaugen, which translates literally to "The Free Hill," is an iconic and culturally significant area located just outside the formal perimeter of the Holmenkollen National Ski Arena in Oslo, Norway. For over a century, it has served as the soul of the "folkefest"—the massive public celebration that accompanies the annual Holmenkollen Ski Festival. Historically, the hill earned its name because it offered a vantage point where spectators could watch the world’s elite ski jumpers soar through the air without having to purchase a ticket for the grandstands. However, Gratishaugen is much more than just a budget-friendly viewing spot; it represents the egalitarian heart of Norwegian skiing culture. It is famous for its vibrant, almost chaotic atmosphere, where thousands of fans camp out in the snow, light bonfires, grill sausages, and wave Norwegian flags in a sea of red, white, and blue. This tradition emphasizes that skiing in Norway is a shared heritage accessible to everyone, rather than an exclusive event for the elite. Even as the Holmenkollen facility has undergone modern upgrades, Gratishaugen remains a vital symbol of the deep-seated connection between the Norwegian people and their national sport, maintaining a festive spirit that is as much about the community in the woods as it is about the athletes on the jump.Address: Kongeveien 5Zip: 0787 City: Oslo
Photo: Holmenkollen360.comThe Kollentrollet is a monumental, 107-ton sculpture located at Gratishaugen in Holmenkollen. Designed by the renowned artist Nils Aas and constructed by the contractor Selmer Skanska, the 6.5-meter-tall troll was built over four months using a styrofoam core, an 8 mm steel reinforcement net, and sprayed concrete. Its massive 10-ton face and the accompanying baby troll were cast from molds based on a 60-centimeter original model that was digitally magnified ten times. The sculpture was generously gifted by publisher Johan H. Stenersen. Originally planned for completion in the autumn of 2001, the unveiling was delayed to coincide with Children's Holmenkollen Day. Tragically, Stenersen passed away just two days before the ceremony on March 7th, turning the unveiling into a respectful and subdued memorial attended by family, friends, and notable public figures.
Photo: Bjørn Erik Pedersen / Own work, CC BY 2.5Holmenkollen Chapel is a wooden church located near the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, Norway. The chapel was originally built in 1903 but was tragically destroyed by arson in 1992. A new chapel, designed in traditional stave church style, was completed in 1996 and has since become a beloved landmark. Surrounded by forest with panoramic views over Oslo and the Oslofjord, it is a popular place for weddings, ceremonies, and quiet reflection, combining cultural heritage with natural beauty.Address: Holmenkollveien 142Zip: 0791 City: Oslo
Photo: Leif-Harald Ruud / CC BY-SA 3.0Peisestuen is a historic building in the Holmenkollen area of Oslo, Norway. It was built in 1889 in the traditional Norwegian Dragon Style and designed by architect Holm Hansen Munthe. The building was originally called Holmensæteren but later became known as Peisestuen. It was constructed as one of the earliest ski lodges in the forest areas surrounding Oslo and played an important role in the early development of Holmenkollen as a destination for outdoor recreation and skiing. The lodge was located near the artificial pond Besserudtjernet and provided shelter and simple refreshments for visitors. In 1997, due to redevelopment of the Holmenkollen ski facilities, Peisestuen was moved to a new location along Holmenkollveien. Today, the building is municipally owned and protected as a cultural heritage site because of its historical and architectural significance.