As one of the most stunning suburbs of Oslo, it is easy to write Holmenkollen off as just one of the many places you can stay cheaply when on a city break in the capital. But there is no doubt that it is a destination in itself, with a very broad range of activities and attractions. Without even stepping foot in Oslo, you can easily enjoy a weekend trip to Holmenkollen without running out of things to do.
Start by visiting Holmenkollen's best known tourist attraction, the Holmenkollbakken ski jump and its ski facilities, which are among the most popular sporting venues in the country. There are also plenty of other winter sports facilities nearby, including the Tryvann Winter Park, which boasts 14 slopes and 7 different routes to the top.
The woods surrounding Holmenkollen have a network of trails that is well maintained and unusually extensive. Few global cities can boast such rich access to nature, and Holmenkollen is the natural gateway in both summer and winter. If you visit during the summer, the Nordmarka Forest will be just as inviting and accessible on foot as on bike, and you will find everything from demanding, boggy and uneven terrain to open, light forest roads.
If the weather fails to meet your expectations, you can also find many exciting indoor activities in Holmenkollen. Why not visit the Skiing Museum, which is located deep inside the mountain under the ski jump? The breathtaking Holmenkollen Chapel, built in 1996 and inspired by stave churches, is also worth visiting. And if you do run out of things to do, the centre of Oslo is only 20 minutes away on the underground.
Few places showcase the Norwegian diversity and history in a better and more consistent way than Holmenkollen. A holiday here is perfect for both adults and children alike, and the activities on offer will suit any budget, skill level or interests.