Kirke i stavkirkestil opprinnelig fra 1903. Etter brann i 1992  på nytt innviet i 1996.
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Holmenkollen Chapel

4.7
·399 reviews·Oslo, Norway

A striking black wooden chapel, a modern architectural gem offering spiritual solace and stunning views near Oslo's iconic ski jump.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny weather

Enhances the chapel's beauty

CrowdLow
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Kirke i stavkirkestil opprinnelig fra 1903. Etter brann i 1992  på nytt innviet i 1996.

Holmenkollen Chapel

Best Time

Sunny weather

Enhances the chapel's beauty

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking black wooden chapel, a modern architectural gem offering spiritual solace and stunning views near Oslo's iconic ski jump.

4.7
(399 reviews)

"Even when closed, the stunning picturesque backdrop makes the black stand out amazingly."

Vertical photo
TIP

Verify Opening Times

Hours can vary, so check before you go to ensure it's open! :clock1:

Admire from Outside

Even if closed, the exterior is stunning and worth seeing. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Beauty

Architectural Beauty

Exterior

A stunning, picturesque black wooden chapel set against a beautiful backdrop. Its unique design is captivating.

Scenic Surroundings

Scenic Surroundings

Exterior

Nestled amidst lightly wooded areas, offering a peaceful ambiance with views of the famous ski jump.

Guardian of the Skiers

Guardian of the Skiers

Contextual

Locals believe this chapel offers spiritual protection and blessings for athletes at the nearby ski jump.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Hours

Holmenkollen Chapel's opening times can be irregular. Always verify current hours before your visit to avoid disappointment, as it's not always open when you expect it to be.Reddit

Combine with Ski Jump Visit

The chapel is located right next to the iconic Holmenkollbakken ski jump. Plan to visit both attractions together for a comprehensive Holmenkollen experience.

Best Times

When
Sunny weather
Why
Enhances the chapel's beauty
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime (exterior view)
Why
Always visually striking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Attending Holmenkollen weekend races advice

Verify Opening Times

Hours can vary, so check before you go to ensure it's open! :clock1: Reddit

Admire from Outside

Even if closed, the exterior is stunning and worth seeing. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Holmenkollen Ski Museum vs Norsk Folkemuseum

reddit.com

looking for a unique church(?) in oslo

Combine with Ski Jump

Visit the chapel and the ski jump together for a full Holmenkollen experience. :world_map:

Peaceful Ambiance

Enjoy the tranquil setting amidst the trees. :evergreen_tree:

reddit.com

Fun things to do when visiting Oslo

Tips

from all over the internet

Verify Opening Times

Hours can vary, so check before you go to ensure it's open! :clock1: Reddit

Admire from Outside

Even if closed, the exterior is stunning and worth seeing. :camerawithflash:

Combine with Ski Jump

Visit the chapel and the ski jump together for a full Holmenkollen experience. :world_map:

Peaceful Ambiance

Enjoy the tranquil setting amidst the trees. :evergreen_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(399 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Holmenkollen Chapel's stunning exterior architecture and picturesque setting, even when it's closed. Its unique black design and location near the ski jump make it a memorable sight. The main drawback is its unpredictable opening hours, which can lead to disappointment for those hoping to see the interior.

"Wasn’t open when I visited but it was well worth even watching from the outside.
The stunning picturesque backdrop makes the black stand out amazingly.
I saw this far across amidst the snow as a somewhat different and beautiful black building and couldn’t stop from taking a walk to see what it was.

It looked amazing from outside and the windows of this place left me in awe.
Totally recommend anyone visiting holmenkollen, to also visit this chapel. A true beauty."

Juyin Inamdar

"We were lucky to visit church during sunny weather ☀️"

Karolina Šímová

"This picturesque wooden chapel sits amidst lightly wooded surroundings, overlooking the famous Holmenkollbakken ski jump."

Ricardo Pires Souza Santos

What People Like

Stunning black architecture
Picturesque backdrop
Unique design

What People Dislike

Inconsistent opening hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Holmenkollen Chapel is easily accessible via public transport. Take the Holmenkollen Line (Line 1) of the Oslo Metro towards Frognerseteren and alight at the Holmenkollen station. From there, it's a short walk to the chapel and the adjacent ski jump. Reddit

Yes, the chapel is located right next to the famous Holmenkollbakken ski jump, making it convenient to visit both attractions in one trip.

Driving is possible, but parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access.

Many visitors combine a visit to the chapel with the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and the ski jump itself. Wear comfortable shoes as there's some walking involved.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the chapel itself is typically free, but it's crucial to check its opening hours as it's not always open to the public. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent and vary seasonally. It's highly recommended to check the official website or local listings before your visit, as it may not be open every day. Reddit

While the chapel is free, there is an admission fee to enter the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and ascend the ski jump tower for panoramic views.

Services may be held at the chapel, but specific schedules would need to be confirmed with local church authorities.

📸 📸 Photography

The chapel's striking black exterior against the natural landscape is highly photogenic. Capture it from different angles, especially with the ski jump in the background. Sunny days offer great contrast. Instagram

Photography rules inside places of worship can vary. It's best to be respectful and check for any signage or ask a custodian if you wish to take photos inside.

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the chapel's details, while late afternoon might offer dramatic skies. The contrast of the black building is striking in most lighting conditions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photographers

Holmenkollen Chapel offers a striking subject for photographers. Its bold black facade against natural landscapes provides excellent contrast, especially during sunny days or with a dusting of snow. Capture wide shots incorporating the ski jump for context, or focus on the chapel's unique architectural details. Consider visiting during the golden hours for dramatic lighting. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Those Seeking Peace

Despite its proximity to the bustling ski jump, the chapel's setting amidst trees offers a tranquil atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection and to appreciate the spiritual significance locals attribute to it as a guardian for athletes. Even if closed, the exterior provides a serene visual experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture and Symbolism

Holmenkollen Chapel is a distinctive example of modern wooden architecture, designed by Magnus Poulsson and completed in 1992. Its stark black exterior stands in dramatic contrast to the surrounding greenery and snow-covered slopes, making it a visually arresting landmark. The chapel's design is often interpreted as a modern take on traditional Norwegian stave churches, blending historical inspiration with contemporary aesthetics. Its placement overlooking the iconic Holmenkollbakken ski jump is no accident; it's seen as a spiritual guardian for the athletes who compete there.

The chapel's interior, though often not accessible due to opening hour limitations, is known for its simple yet profound design, intended to create a serene space for reflection. Locals have shared stories of the chapel being a place of blessing and spiritual protection for skiers, adding a layer of local folklore and significance to the site. This blend of architectural merit and cultural narrative makes Holmenkollen Chapel more than just a building; it's a symbol of Norwegian sporting heritage and spiritual connection. Reddit

Visiting Holmenkollen: Beyond the Chapel

While Holmenkollen Chapel is a unique attraction, it's part of a larger, world-renowned sporting complex. The Holmenkollbakken ski jump is the most prominent feature, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding fjords from its summit. Visitors can ascend the jump via elevator for an unparalleled perspective. Adjacent to the jump is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the oldest of its kind in the world, detailing the history of skiing and its role in Norwegian culture.

Many visitors find that the Holmenkollen area offers a refreshing escape from the city bustle, with opportunities for walking and enjoying nature. The chapel's picturesque setting makes it an ideal spot for a moment of quiet contemplation before or after exploring the more active attractions. Remember to wear comfortable footwear, as the terrain can be hilly, and combine your visit to the chapel with the ski jump and museum for a complete experience of this iconic Oslo landmark. Reddit

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