Lillehammer is a gem which received international recognition thanks to the 1994 Olympic Games and the TV series Lilyhammer. This town’s keywords are city life, experiences and beautiful nature.
Lillehammer is located in the beautiful valley of Gudbrandsdalen, and there is a truly national romantic feel to it. Because Lillehammer is an inland destination, it tends to get extra warm in the summer and extra cold in the winter. This means that Lillehammer offers first-rate conditions for hiking and other activities in the summer and great winter sports conditions in the winter.
A holiday in Lillehammer also makes it possible for you to take advantage of the other opportunities in the region. In the winter, the ski resorts of Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Skeikampen, Gålå and Sjusjøen offer fantastic winter sports. In the summer, take the kids to Hunderfossen Familiepark (Hunderfossen Amusement Park) or to the miniature town of Lilleputthammer, each only a 10-minute drive from the Lillehammer town centre.
Lillehammer is an excellent starting point if you enjoy cycling. Test your fitness with mountain biking, or cycle around the river Mjøsa—the area around Lillehammer is brilliant. Those looking for a more comfortable way to travel can try horse riding. The Dalseterstallen and Åsli Ridesenter horse riding centres will provide you with everything you need in the summer season.
Lillehammer is still very proud to have hosted the 1994 Olympic Games. Don't miss Norges Olympiske Museum (Norway's Olympic Museum) to relive the festivities. Have a look around—go to Lysgårdsbakkene, where the opening ceremony was held, or visit the Lillehammer Olympiske Bob- og akebane (Lillehammer Olympic Bobsled and Luge Track). Try bobsledding, which allows you to reach speeds of almost 100 km/h. Otherwise, there is a range of much safer activities available in Håkons Hall.
If you would rather stick to the town centre, there’s plenty to choose from, especially in the area around Storgata, the main street. It’s brimming with restaurants that offer food made of exquisite local ingredients, and exotic taste experiences. Lillehammer Kino (Lillehammer Cinema) is a great place to see films, or enjoy an evening at the famous Brenneriet bar. If you come to Lillehammer for the weekend, you can be sure that the town will be very lively!
Lillehammer has it all: city life, shopping and culture on the one side, and beautiful nature on the other. The town is as well-suited to families as it is for romantic weekend getaways or trips with friends. Take the trip to Lillehammer and enjoy the best of both worlds!
