Oslo - Norway - page 128

Gamle Aker Kirke CHURCH
Offline map Google map ( Akersbakken 26; admission free; noon-2pm Mon-Sat)
This medieval stone church, located north of the centre on Akersbakken, dates from 1080
and is Oslo's oldest building. Take bus 37 from Jernbanetorget to Akersbakken, then walk
up past the churchyard.
GREATER OSLO
Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum SKI JUMP &
MUSEUM
The Holmenkollen Ski Jump , perched on a hilltop overlooking Oslo, offers a panoramic
view of the city and doubles as a concert venue. During Oslo's annual ski festival, held in
March, it draws the world's best ski jumpers.
The Ski Museum Offline map ( www.skiforeningen.no ; Kongeveien 5; adult/child
Nkr90/45, free with Oslo Pass; 9am-8pm Jun-Aug, shorter hr rest of yr) leads you
through the 4000-year history of Nordic and downhill skiing in Norway. There are exhibits
featuring the Antarctic expeditions of Amundsen and Scott, as well as Fridtjof Nansen's
slog across the Greenland icecap (you'll see the boat he constructed from his sled and can-
vas tent to row the final 100km to Nuuk). Recently redone exhibits on the 2nd floor cover
the more modern aspects of skiing and include a glimpse of the royal family on skis.
AdmissiontotheSkiMuseumincludesavisittothe ski-jump tower .Partoftherouteto
the top of the tower is served by a lift, but you're on your own for the final 114 steep steps.
Outside, the ski-jump simulator (adult/child Nkr50/35) is good for a laugh, but don't
try it if you have a weak stomach. To get to the museum, take T-bane line 1 to Holmen-
kollen and follow the signs uphill. At the time of research the entire complex was closed
for renovations, but it is due to reopen before this topic hits the shelves.
Nordmarka FOREST
The woodland north of the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, known as Nordmarka ( Offline map ) ,
is a prime destination for hiking, mountain biking, sledding and skiing. It's also the geo-
graphicalcentreofthecity,whichmustmakeOslo,quiteappropriately,abouttheonlycap-
ital in the world to have a wild forest at its heart! For skiers, there is Tryvan Vinterpark ,
Oslo's largest skiing area with 14 slopes and six lifts. In the summer, the Tryvannstårnet
observation tower is a good place to start a hike or a bike trip. The 118m-tall tower is no
longer open for visitors, but the view from its base is still fantastic. Make sure to take a