Vikingskipet
Stadium Olympic speed skating arena shaped like a longship
Built for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Hamar, Vikingskipet (the Viking Ship) is an indoor arena famous for speed-skating events; visitors attend sports fixtures, fairs and occasional exhibitions.
Vikingskipet is an indoor arena in Hamar in Innlandet county, Norway, built as the speed skating venue for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics and nicknamed for its ship-like shape.
The venue hosts long-track speed skating competitions and is regularly used for fairs, concerts and large indoor events outside the winter sports calendar. The main hall has substantial spectator capacity and an Olympic-size track suitable for international competition.
The arena sits on the shore of Lake Mjøsa in Hamar and forms part of the town’s cluster of sports and exhibition facilities.
- Primary use: The hall was built for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics and is commonly used today for speed skating, concerts and large exhibitions.
How to Get to Vikingskipet #
Vikingskipet (the Hamar Olympic Hall) is in Hamar, Innlandet. By train take Vy regional/intercity services on the Oslo-Hamar route to Hamar Station; from Hamar station the arena is a short taxi ride or roughly a 20-25 minute walk (about 1.5-2 km) depending on the route. By car follow the E6 motorway to Hamar and follow local signs for Hamar Olympiaparken / Vikingskipet; there is on-site parking during events.
Tips for Visiting Vikingskipet #
- Check the venue's event calendar and opening hours before you go: Vikingskipet is an active event arena, so public access and guided visits are often scheduled around competitions or concerts.
- Public transport from Hamar town is the simplest approach; the hall is a short walk from central Hamar and the lakeshore, so combine a visit with the Mjøsa waterfront.
Best Time to Visit Vikingskipet #
Visit Vikingskipet outside scheduled events (weekday mornings or the summer lull) for the lowest crowds; expect high congestion on event days.
Weather & Climate near Vikingskipet #
Vikingskipet's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (541 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 21 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.