Vikersund – Ski Flying, Waterways and Nature

Vikersund combines the history of ski flying with railway journeys on historic tracks and paths by the water. When planning your trip, the town offers different highlights: you can explore ski flying history and enjoy the views, plan a summer ride on the heritage railway, or discover the nature around Øya and Bergsjø. Which holiday apartment makes the right base depends on which of these sides of Vikersund you would most like to experience.

Ski flying history with views across Modum

Vikersundbakken opened in 1936 and has shaped the town’s sporting history. The first World Ski Flying Championships were held there in 1977, with Switzerland’s Walter Steiner winning the competition. Every winter, the ski flying festival in Vikersund brings together the world’s best ski jumpers. Ski jumping is therefore not only part of the town’s past but is also linked to a recurring winter event.

Vingen is located at the top of the world’s largest ski jumping hill. From there, you can enjoy views across Modum and towards Norefjell. The building was designed by the architecture firm Snøhetta. The views and architecture give a visit to the hill its own focus: alongside the sporting records, the structure itself is also part of Vikersund’s history. If you are interested in ski flying and striking architecture, these experiences may influence your choice of when to travel and where to stay.

Railway journeys and historic paths

Vikersund station is on the Randsfjord Line, with trains running from there towards Bergen and Oslo S. The station is also the starting point for the historic Krøder Line. Norway’s longest heritage railway runs between Krøderen and Vikersund. In summer, steam locomotives with old teak carriages operate according to set timetables; the trains are open to everyone. A journey on the Krøder Line therefore offers a different focus from travelling on the regular rail connections.

Local history can also be explored on foot. The Gamle Kirkevei runs from the centre of Vikersund to Heggen Church. Signs along the path provide information about place names and history. Another historic walk on Øya starts at the end of Vikersundbrua, crosses Kattisbrua and follows the Vikerfossen back. The two routes offer different points of interest: one focuses on the place names and history along the route to the church, while the other takes in the bridge and waterfall.

Øya, Bergsjø and places by the water

The Øya outdoor recreation area is situated where Tyrifjorden flows out, near the centre of Vikersund. Different types of vegetation and an area rich in birdlife shape this natural environment. The area is accessible to wheelchair users from the centre to the end of the peninsula extending into Bergsjø. This makes Øya worth considering when planning a visit if nature and an accessible outdoor area are important to you.

The Modum på langs hiking trail follows the waterway from Vikersund to Åmot. Tables and benches are located along Bergsjø, and on warm summer days the lake is also suitable for swimming. The trail thus combines walking with places to rest by the water. If you would rather head to a spot with several facilities, Pollen is in the northern part of the town centre: it has a swimming area, a playground, volleyball courts and a public toilet.

Another swimming area lies on the east bank of Tyrifjorden: Steintangen is about five kilometres north of Vikersund and has a toilet, a wheelchair ramp, a bathing platform and waste bins. The town centre also has a beach at Vikland båtbrygge, north towards the town hall; it can be reached via Ringeriksveien. For families with small children, the children’s activity park at Infra Group Arena has climbing frames, a ball court and a cycling track. Activity and outdoor equipment can be borrowed from BUA Modum, at Vikersundgata 8.

Whether you have ski flying history, railway journeys or time by the water in mind when choosing your holiday apartment, Vikersund offers a range of reasons to visit. Discover Åmot.

For the broader travel overview: Modum.