Set on the shores of a cobalt-blue lake, Lillehammer is a picturesque ski resort surrounded by rolling farmland and lush forests. Despite its popularity, the former Winter Olympics host city remains laid-back and lowkey. In spring, the snow melts and Lillehammer transforms into an outdoor playground.
Things to do in Lillehammer
A handful of excellent museums chart the people, places and events that have shaped Lillehammer over the years. Housed at the former ice hockey rink, the Norwegian Olympic Museum features engaging exhibits on the Lillehammer games. The Lillehammer Art Museum occupies a striking glass-and-metal building and showcases everything from 19th-century landscapes to modern portraits.
Blue skies and reliable snowfall make Lillehammer one of the best ski resorts in Norway. While the town itself has just one run, it’s an easy day trip from nearby alpine resorts such as Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Skeikampen and Spatind. More than 2,300 kilometres of cross-country ski trails make it easy to explore the snow-dusted countryside.
Trendy cafes, hip gastropubs and chef-driven restaurants are just some of the dining options on offer in Lillehammer. Traditional dishes like reindeer stew and “kjøttkaker” pan-fried meatballs will warm you up after a day on the slopes. Popular with locals, the town brewery has been bottling ale since the 1800s and promises a lively atmosphere.
Hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and white-water rafting will keep you entertained in the warm summer months. Home to more than 20 species of fish, Mjøsa Lake is one of the most coveted angling destinations in Norway. Mjøsa trout is the ultimate prize, with the largest specimens weighing more than 15 kilograms.
Getting around Lillehammer
Lillehammer is compact and easy to get around on foot. In winter, ski buses run to surrounding resorts such as Hafjell and Skeikampen while trains travel to Oslo in around 2.5 hours. Oslo Airport is a two-hour drive away.