VikingskipetAbout 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.
Nearby Attractions to Vikingskipet
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -4° | -11° | 31 mm | overcast | 98% | 1.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -3° | -10° | 21 mm | overcast | 99% | 1.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -7° - 3° | -4° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 97% | 1.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | -1° - 9° | 2° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Good | 4° - 16° | 9° | 39 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 17.0h |
| June | Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 64 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.5h |
| July | Very Good | 10° - 22° | 16° | 70 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.8h |
| August | Good | 9° - 20° | 15° | 65 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 5° - 15° | 10° | 61 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 8° | 4° | 54 mm | overcast | 94% | 1.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 2° | -3° | 45 mm | overcast | 98% | 1.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -9° - -3° | -9° | 33 mm | overcast | 98% | 1.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
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.