Few experiences in Oslo match the jolt of stepping off the Holmenkollen Ski Jump tower and flying the line that ski jumpers dream about. The Holmenkollen zipline sends you out over the world-famous arena with Oslo spread below, the fjord in the distance, and forest all around. It is quick, safe, and wildly memorable. As a local who grew up visiting Holmenkollen in every season, I can tell you this is one of those “only in Oslo” moments that sticks.
If you are wondering whether the Holmenkollen zipline is worth it, the short answer is yes. If heights make you uneasy, you can still enjoy the tower viewpoint and the ski museum, but anyone with even a spark of thrill in them will love the ride. Plan about 1.5 to 3 hours door to door from central Oslo, including the metro up the hill, the walk to the tower, check-in, and the ride itself. Booking ahead is smart in summer and school holidays.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of the Holmenkollen zipline, from how to get there and what to expect to little local tips that make your day smoother.
What and where is the Holmenkollen zipline
Holmenkollen sits in the hills above Oslo, part of a large recreation area called Marka. The arena here is Norway’s cathedral of ski jumping. The zipline runs from near the top of the jump tower down into the landing area, giving you the same line of sight as a jumper without the skis or the freefall. Below the tower you will find the Ski Museum, exhibitions on snow culture, and viewing platforms with sweeping city and fjord views.
This is not a lengthy mountain zipline course with multiple spans. It is one focused, iconic ride. That is the charm. It is all about the moment you step out, the view that opens, and the clean glide to the outrun.
How the ride works
You check in, get a briefing, harness, and helmet, then follow staff to the start platform. The walk through the tower is part of the experience. You climb stairs with steel under your feet and sky all around. At the platform, staff will clip you in, double-check everything, and talk you through the launch. The start is gentle. You sit into the harness, the gate opens, and suddenly you are floating with the city laid out like a map.
The ride itself is over in less than a minute, but it does not feel rushed. You have time to look left toward the fjord and right toward the forest. You will pick up speed, though it is the exposure that makes your heart race more than any numbers. At the bottom, staff will catch you and unclip you. There is usually a short walk back up to the arena level.
Important: large bags do not go on the line. Keep hands free, wear closed shoes, and secure phones or cameras with a proper strap or mount. Policies about filming can change, so ask staff on the day if handheld recording is allowed.
Getting to Holmenkollen from central Oslo
The easiest way is by metro. Take Line 1 toward Frognerseteren and get off at Holmenkollen. Trains run frequently and the ride from the center takes around 25 minutes. When you step off the train, the view is already good. From the station, follow signs uphill to the arena. The walk takes 10 to 15 minutes at a normal pace, but it is steep in places. In winter the path can be icy, and in summer you may feel the sun more up here, so bring water and good footwear. If you prefer to avoid the climb, there are occasional local buses that stop closer, and taxis or ride-shares can drop you near the arena entrance, though drivers may not be able to enter during events.
Driving is possible, though parking is limited and often paid. On busy weekends and during competitions, access can be restricted. Public transport is simpler. Holmenkollen is in Zone 1 on the Ruter network, which keeps tickets straightforward for visitors staying in the city.
Tickets, booking, and opening times
The zipline operates most of the year with seasonal schedules. In summer it is open more days and later into the afternoon, while in winter it can be more limited and weather dependent. You can often buy tickets on site when it is quiet, but book online in advance for summer weekends, school holidays, and cruise ship days. There is usually a time slot system to manage flow. If the wind picks up or there are safety concerns, rides can be paused or rescheduled.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your slot to allow for check-in, the walk up the tower, and the briefing. Bring a payment card and a photo ID, and be ready to sign a waiver. If flexibility matters to you, check the change or refund terms before purchasing. If you are planning to also visit the Ski Museum and the tower viewpoint, look for any combined tickets or discounts that may be offered that season.
Safety, restrictions, and what to wear
The setup is professional, with trained staff and modern equipment. As with any zipline, age, height, and weight limits apply, and they can vary by season and policy updates. If you have back, neck, or heart issues, are pregnant, or have concerns about harness pressure, speak with staff before booking. You will need to climb stairs inside the tower, so a basic level of mobility is needed. There is elevator access for parts of the tower, but final sections may still involve steps.
Wear closed-toe shoes with a good sole. Tie back long hair. Skip loose scarves and dangling jewelry. On cooler days, gloves make the wait on the platform more comfortable. In winter, dress one notch warmer than you think, because wind chill at height is real. In summer, a light layer is wise since temperatures drop quickly when clouds roll in.
Best time to ride for views and vibe
Morning rides tend to be calmer and can have softer light. Midday gives the broadest view if the air is clear. Late afternoon often means warmer colors and long shadows across the city. On clear winter days after a snowfall, the city shines and the fjord cuts a sharp line of blue. Autumn is a personal favorite. The hills are gold and red, and the air is crisp. If you want peace and shorter lines, aim for weekdays and shoulder seasons.
Tip from a local: if you can time your ride after rain has scrubbed the air, visibility is outstanding. On hazy days the fjord fades a little, but the forest still looks good and the arena architecture is always striking.
Weather, wind, and cancellations
Holmenkollen sits high and catches wind. That is part of why ski jumping works here. It also means the zipline may pause in strong gusts or certain wind directions. Light mist or drizzle does not always stop operations, but heavier rain can. Check conditions on the morning of your slot and keep a flexible plan. If rides are halted, staff will explain your options. When the weather opens again, it often clears beautifully.
Pair it with other Holmenkollen experiences
Make a day of it. The Holmenkollen Ski Museum traces 4,000 years of skiing culture with artifacts and interactive displays. Even those who do not care about sports usually find something to enjoy here. The tower viewpoint is a separate highlight, letting you step out above the arena for photos without committing to the zipline. In winter, watch locals train on the surrounding trails or catch events if the calendar lines up. In summer, the forest trails begin right behind the arena.
If you continue uphill on Line 1, Frognerseteren is a classic stop for cinnamon buns and apple cake with whipped cream, along with big wooden rooms and panoramic views. Hikers can link Holmenkollen with short walks to viewpoints like Vettakollen, then drop back down to the metro at Sognsvann or Vettakollen station. In cold months, families love Korketrekkeren, Oslo’s famous toboggan run farther up the same metro line when snow is good.
Food and drink near the zipline
There are seasonal kiosks and cafés in the arena area and at the museum, useful for a coffee before your ride. For a proper meal with a view, head to Frognerseteren as mentioned, or the small restaurants dotted along the Line 1 corridor toward the city. Bring a water bottle. There are spots to sit with a snack and soak in the skyline if the weather cooperates.
Practical local tips that help
Use a day ticket on Ruter if you plan to bounce between central Oslo, Holmenkollen, and a fjord or museum stop. It often pays off after a couple of trips.
Pack layers regardless of season. Weather above the city shifts quickly.
Mind your footwear for the hillside walk. In winter, small traction cleats can be helpful for the short climb from the station if it is icy.
Check event schedules. During big competitions, access is restricted and the zipline may be closed. On the other hand, visiting outside event weekends is calm and easy.
Consider the Oslo Pass if you are museum-heavy that day. It usually includes the Ski Museum entry, which pairs nicely with a zipline booking. The pass does not typically cover the zipline itself.
Photography and filming tips
If filming is allowed on the day, secure your device. A wrist lanyard or chest mount beats a fear grip. Wide-angle settings capture both the tower and the city. Before you ride, step out to the public viewing platforms for context shots of the arena and the jump curve. After you land, walk to the far end of the outrun and shoot back toward the tower for a dramatic scale photo.
Drones are not appropriate here due to crowds, operations, and local restrictions. The tower and arena give you all the angles you need without taking to the air.
A simple timing plan you can copy
From Oslo S or the National Theatre area, ride Line 1 up to Holmenkollen and walk to the arena. Check in 20 minutes early. Do the zipline, then visit the tower viewpoint and the Ski Museum if you have energy. Grab a coffee, and if the day is clear, ride two more stops to Frognerseteren for cake with a view before descending to the city. That flow takes about two to three hours, more if you linger.
Is the Holmenkollen zipline right for you
If you crave a unique view, enjoy a controlled thrill, and can handle heights, absolutely. If you want the scenery without the swing in your stomach, the tower platforms are excellent on their own. Either way, Holmenkollen is a classic Oslo outing. It is close enough to the center to fit into a half day, and it carries the spirit of Norwegian outdoor life with it. Fly the line if you can. At the very least, go up, breathe the forest air, and see how the city meets the hills. Holmenkollen has a way of making Oslo click.