Best For
Olympic history buffs and fans of unique architecture.
Vikingskipet, or The Viking Ship, is a striking architectural landmark in Hamar, built for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Its distinctive design, resembling an overturned ship, makes it one of the most recognizable sports venues in the world. As a premier speed skating arena, it has been the site of numerous world records and continues to host international competitions. Beyond its sporting legacy, the venue is a versatile hub for concerts, trade fairs, and major tech events like 'The Gathering.' Visitors can marvel at the engineering of the massive timber-roofed structure and explore the Olympic history embedded in its walls, though it is best experienced during a scheduled event.
Vikingskipet, or The Viking Ship, is a striking architectural landmark in Hamar, built for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Its distinctive design, resembling an overturned ship, makes it one of the most recognizable sports venues in the world. As a premier speed skating arena, it has been the site of numerous world records and continues to host international competitions. Beyond its sporting legacy, the venue is a versatile hub for concerts, trade fairs, and major tech events like 'The Gathering.' Visitors can marvel at the engineering of the massive timber-roofed structure and explore the Olympic history embedded in its walls, though it is best experienced during a scheduled event.
Unique architecture designed to look like an inverted Viking ship.
Historic site of the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics.
World-class speed skating track with multiple record-breaking runs.
Versatile venue for major events, concerts, and exhibitions.
Olympic history buffs and fans of unique architecture.
NOK kr
Tourists, Locals, Groups
Vikingskipet is a celebrated landmark in Hamar, primarily known for its striking architecture and its legacy as a 1994 Winter Olympics venue. Reviewers frequently highlight the 'inverted Viking ship' design as a must-see, even for those just passing by. The arena is praised for its massive scale and its ability to host a wide variety of events, from international speed skating to the large-scale 'The Gathering' tech festival. Some visitors have noted that the interior can be inaccessible if no events are scheduled, so checking the calendar is recommended. For those who do get inside, the sense of history and the sight of the world-record track are major draws. Overall, it is described as a well-maintained, iconic piece of Norwegian sporting history.