Holmenkollen Ski Museum

The Ski Museum in Oslo (Skimuseet) is the oldest ski museum in the world. It was founded in 1923 and sits at the foot of the Holmenkollbakken ski jump, on the hills above the Norwegian capital. It is a natural stop for anyone who wants to understand why skis mean more in Norway than just a sport.

What will I see at the museum?

The exhibition covers thousands of years of skiing history. It starts with prehistoric rock carvings, which show that people travelled on skis long before the sport as we know it existed. From there the story follows the development of equipment, from simple wooden boards to modern designs, and on to the gear used on polar expeditions. In one place you get everyday life in the old North, sport and exploration side by side.

The museum marked its 100th anniversary in 2023, and the whole building has been renovated. The visit is comfortable and the displays feel contemporary.

Why combine the visit with the ski jump?

The museum stands at the base of Holmenkollbakken, one of the most recognisable ski venues anywhere. The jump tower follows the same opening schedule as the museum, so it is easy to plan a single visit. After the exhibition you can go up the tower and see the city and the Oslo fjord from the athletes' point of view. For many visitors, pairing the history with the place where that history is still being made is the best part of the trip.

How do I get there?

The simplest way is by metro: take line 1 to Holmenkollen station, then walk about 10 minutes uphill. The museum also has its own car park, where you can leave a car for 48 hours free of charge.

Opening hours and tickets

Hours depend on the season. From October to April the museum is open 10:00 to 16:00, and from May to September 10:00 to 17:00. On some days, such as 17 May, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, hours can be shorter. You can buy tickets online or on site, and a ticket bought in advance only needs to be scanned at the entrance. Prices change, so check the current price list on the official website.

Frequently asked questions

Is this really the oldest ski museum in the world? Yes, the museum, founded in 1923, is regarded as the oldest of its kind.

Where exactly is it? At the base of the Holmenkollbakken ski jump, in the northern part of Oslo.

Does the jump tower have different hours from the museum? No, both follow the same schedule.

How much time should I plan? A few hours is usually enough for a relaxed visit to the exhibition, more if you add the tower and the walk from the metro station. Arrive early in winter, when daylight is short.

Can I buy a ticket on site? Yes, tickets are sold both online and at the museum.