The Sognsvann Line opened on 10 October 1934. It was built by Akersbanerne, and ran from Majorstuen to Sognsvann station.[1] The line was double-tracked from Majorstuen to Korsvoll, and single-tracked from there to Sognsvann.[2] In 1939, the section Korsvoll–Sognsvann was upgraded to double tracks, and the station Korsvoll had its name changed to Østhorn.[1] Two years later, Holstein was opened, although the accurate date of opening remains undisclosed.[3]
In 1990, it was decided to upgrade the Sognsvann Line to metro standard, which involves a heightening and lengthening of the platforms, installation of third rail power supply and a new signaling system.[4] Many residents feared that Holstein station would be closed together with Frøen,[5][6] but only the latter was closed.[7] The upgrade started three years later, when Tåsen station was moved 150 metres (490 ft) further north,[8] and Nordberg Station was closed.[9] Holstein was closed for traffic during the construction period.[4] Underpasses were built at both Holstein and Nordberg stations,[10] and new ticket machines were installed at Holstein.[11]
Service
Holstein is served by the line 5 on the Sognsvann Line, operated by Oslo T-banedrift on contract with Ruter. The rapid transit serves the station every 15 minutes, except in the late evening and on weekend mornings, when there is a 30-minute headway.[12] Travel time along the 7.1-kilometre (4.4 mi) portion to Stortinget in the city center is 13 minutes.[13]
The station provides correspondence to the bus lines 22 and 25 in Carl Kjeldsens vei, a two minutes walk away.[14]
Facilities
Holstein has two platforms, each with a wooden shed.[15] The sheds are designed by Arne Henriksen in a minimalist and standardised style with constructions of wood and steel.[16][17] Located between the streets Kongleveien and Holsteinveien, the station serves the residential area Nordberg.[18][19] There is a kindergarten and a senior center close to the station.
The origin of the station's name is disputed. Professor H. O. Christophersen stated in 1952 that it origined from the German region Holstein.[20] Journalist Arvid Sagen stated in 2001 that the name owed its origins to the Norwegian word "hole"; which means a round hill, and "stein", which means stone.[21]
^Tvedt, Knut Are (2007). "Nordberg". In Godal, Anne Marit (ed.). Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Oslo: Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 5 November 2010.