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 at a Glance#
Address: Vikingskipet (Viking Ship arena), Hamar / Innlandet, Norway
About Vikingskipet#
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.
