The Incredible Ski Jump of Holmenkollen, Norway

 

As we head up the mountainside, the fog starts to thicken. Soon we head off into the mist for our hike to the ski jump.

On our last full day in Oslo, we planned to hike to the Holmenkollen ski jump. When this was first suggested to me to add to the itinerary, I have to admit, I had to look up what the big deal was about this place. As someone who didn't grow up following skiing, I had never hear of it. And even for ski race fans that do exist in the USA, most of them have never paid much attention to ski jumping, other than every four years at the Olympics, when we see Europeans flying for hundreds of meters off these huge jumps. But I will say something, when you are standing in front of this thing, this Holmenkollen Ski Jump, it doesn't matter what your background with skiing is, you will be in awe.

First off, it is a modern engineering marvel. The top of the ski jump looks like it magically floats off the ground, heading up diagonally into the heavens. The encompassing mist on our visit definitely adds to that mystical effect. But beyond the engineering accomplishment, it also encompasses 4000year of Norwegian connection to the snow. It seems like everyone in the country remember exactly where they were during a famous cross country race in 1982 that finished in a tie, after an incredible burst of speed, a collision, and a broken pole, from a Norwegian named Bra and a competitor from the Soviet Union.

To make this visit more of an adventure, we hired a local guide, Ainar, to take us on a hike through the forest, ending up at the ski jump. We took a train from the old town of Oslo, up into the hills surrounding Oslo. It was fun riding through the suburbs, and watching the mist come in as we got higher. We got off at the end of the line, where Ainar took us off into a forest that reminded me of Vermont or SE Alaska. The mist hung to the needles of the spruce trees, while a plethora of deciduous tree made me think this would be a good place for the autumn changing of colors.

We followed cross country ski hills, which double as hiking trails. There was a wedding happening at an old traditions church, while young groups of guys played frisbee golf in one section of the forest. We found some wild strawberries, fireweed, and lupine along the trails. Then we paused when Ainar pointed off into the fog. We squinted, just making out some structure in the mist. It was hard to tell if it was close or near. Then the fog parted just enough to see that it was the ski jump, far off in the distance.

When we got closer, the true immensity of the ski jump came in full realization. It is built completely out of steel, giving it the structural integrity and making its unusual design possible. An elevator takes athletes to the top, before racing down and launching off at 100+km per hour. Next time during the Olympics, I'm going to have a much better understanding of this sport, and the true daredevil nature of these athletes. On our way down we scored several peek-a-boo views of the downtown Oslo area and the fjord beyond.

A daredevil dangles from the top of the Holmenkollen ski jump, barely visible in the mist. I hope he isn't afraid of heights!

After a nice train ride through the Oslo suburbs, we exited into the mist. One of our first sights was this lily filled pond, shrouded in mist and mystery.

Built in 2010, the Holmenkollen ski jump is a modern engineering marvel. It looks like it floats up in the air, with little to no support. Even if you aren't a skiing enthusiast it is worth a visit.

After hiking through the woods, along famous nordic ski trails, the famous Holmenkollen ski jump emerged out of the mist.

Mary and Terry at a beautiful overlook on our walk back down to the train station. The clouds started to lift and give us a view of the city of Oslo below, and the fjord beyond.

A church near the ski jump that the crown princess had redone in the old Norwegian style. There was a traditional wedding happening as we passed.

Our train station, near the end of the line, where we began our hike through the forest to the ski jump.

I could imagine all these stands filled with people. The targets across the field are for the biathlon. The famous Holmenkollen ski jump can be seen in the background, and cross country skiiers raced around the outsides, practicing on wheeled summer skiis.

Mary and Deb taking in the views from the train as we rise high above Oslo.

This must have been a thrilling end to a cross country ski race for this kind of monument.

Bra's famous broken ski pole.

Can you find the small bird flying across our view of Oslo fjord?

This is the definition of an extreme sport. How people get into ski jumping is beyond me.

Fun art statue in the park on our way back to the train station.

This is how cross country skiers train in the summer months.

Hiking down from the forest, where everyone was playing frisbee golf, to the Holmenkollen stadium across the street.

The forest was filled with different trees, with many being these spruce trees. I liked the way the mist clung to the needles and condensed out of the mist.

The ski jump itself is a wonder to see. It looks like some kind of magical stairway to the heavens.

Lupine on the hillside.

Our group, heading up the hillside from the train station.

There were many buildings with this architectural style and color scheme around Oslo. I thought the pond in front and the reflections were quite pretty on this one. It is a place that people rent out for events, like weddings.

Bears are not so common around here now.

Jerry, and our local guide Ainar. He was a delightful guy who was filled with fun stories of the area.

A cross country ski trail in the winter, and possible mountain biking path during the summer. This forest was an outdoor enthusiast playground!