The Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo, arena of the 1952 Winter Olympic Games, is the Mecca of ski jumping, being the ski jump with the longest traditions.

The first competition was on January 31 1892. Watched by a crowd of 10,000, the length achieved by the winner, Svein Sollid from Morgedal in Telemark, was 21.5 meters. Since then, crowds have increased to over 100,000 and the jump has been extended 14 times. Todays tower extends 60 meters above ground, and 417 metres above sea level. The current record of 132.5 meters was achieved by Sven Hannawald of Germany on March 3 2000.

The then Crown Prince Olav participated in 1922 and 1923.

Every year, more than a million tourists visit the ski arena. The tower offers a panoramic view of Oslo and the Oslofjord, and the world's oldest ski museum is located at the base of the tower.

See also: Husebybakken

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