Holmenkollen and Fram Muesem-

This trip began at the Fram museum where we added to our knowledge and understanding of Norwegian history, then we moved to Holmenkollen to celebrate and experience the ski festival. I had heard rumors that this festival was pretty crazy but I had no idea what we were in for!

Firstly, the Fram Museum in Oslo gave us a real good perspective of the life that artic explorers lived and what their ships were like, with Nansen’s ship actually being inside the museum. It was interesting to see just how small of an area these men had to live in for such a long time. I tried to lay in one lf the beds and I didn’t fit. Also the doorways and roofs were tiny, I know they didn’t have much room on the ship but living in there would have been really difficult. Another part of the museum I really enjoyed was the machine that let you pull a 100kg pulk and a 300kg pulk for 10 metres. It was great how interactive this museum was, much better than just looking and reading, I really liked and appreciated that about the Fram Museum and I believe it helped me retain more information.

After the museum we travelled up to Holmenkollen to set up our camp in the woods. We arrived to loud music and a lot of people setting up their camps, I was surprised with the large quantity of people camping and partying in this area. We managed to find a small spot where we could flatten out an area and set up. It was really nice how the snow was so deep in this area so we were able to dig a large fire pit and seating area. It was mostly a relaxed night after a long day at the museum.

The next morning we awoke to most of the other campers having packed up camp and a lot of Norwegians starting to set up viewing areas for there day out. We also noticed a lot of alcohol being consumed early in the day which was quiet amusing. As it got closer to lunchtime it was absolutely packed so we walked down and watched a few round of ski jumping. I was amazed at just how high and far these skiers jump, and how none of them fall. It was such an amazing experience to see this sport live, I now have a new found respect for ski jumping. On our return to the campsite we soon learnt why most Norwegians packed up their campsites, ours was trashed. Drunk people were constantly walking through, pulling down our guy ropes and literally walking over out tents. It was absolutely crazy, so amazing to see so many drunk Norwegians in one place.

We didn’t see much of the men’s cross country ski race as it was hard to find a good viewing spot but the small parts that we did see were really good. It was just so funny how the day was more about drinking than the actual ski race. Another strange part of the day is at the end where all the Norwegians left to go back to Oslo. I was very surprised that nearly no one stayed and camped in the woods. It was slightlly disappointing as it would have been nice to party in the woods again.

Overall, the Fram museum was a fantastic leaning experience and Holmenkollen was absolute madness. Whilst sitting there watching the ski race, I promised myself I would come back to this festival in the next 2 years and I do plan on keeping this promise.