A family having a great time in Maihaugen, Lillehammer
A pedestrian street in Lillehammer full of people.

LILLEHAMMER

Family fun and heritage

In the lush Gudbrandsdalen valley …

…you’ll find Lillehammer.

This UNESCO City of Literature offers an irresistible mix of rich cultural life and urban vibes just 200 kilometres north of Oslo.

A map of Norway with a red dot on Lillehammer.
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The Lillehammer region is known as the host city of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games. Many of the Olympic venues remain open to the public today!

It's the perfect place for outdoor activities, no matter the season. Make the most of the mountains, rivers, and proximity to Norway's largest lake.

You can also enjoy its excellent open-air museum, Maihaugen, and plenty of fun for the whole family at Hunderfossen Adventure Park.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

Garmo stave church at the Maihaugen museum in Lillehammer, Eastern Norway
Hunderfossen winter park in Lillehammer, Eastern Norway
A princess and a girl in front of the fairy tale castle at Hunderfossen family park

First, you should travel back in time and explore the Garmo stave church from the 13th century at the open-air museum, Maihaugen.

The church is just one of many beautiful sights here, as the museum is home to around 200 restored buildings.

Another bucket list attraction in the region is the award-winning Hunderfossen Adventure Park – a fairytale in snow and ice …

… and in the middle of summer.

The amusement park is one of the biggest and most popular in the country, with a lot of thrilling rides and attractions.

Not far from Hunderfossen, the youngest kids can enjoy the adventure park Lilleputthammer, designed for kids between one and eight years old.

Here, they are allowed to do most things all by themselves!

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • the bird Iver_Gisle Johnsen
    Øyer

    Hafjell Bike Park

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    Lillehammer

    Norwegian Olympic Museum

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    Lillehammer Olympic Bob- and Luge Track

    Family rafting | Go Rafting Sjoa
    Nedre Heidal

    Family rafting | Go Rafting Sjoa

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    Lillehammer

    Lillehammer Art Museum

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    Lillehammer

    Maihaugen Museum

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    Lillehammer Birkebeinerløypa
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    Lillehammer | a destination for Cross-country Skiing

    From the exhibition at Norwegian Vehicle Museum
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    The Norwegian Vehicle Museum

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    DS Skibladner

    Par spiser lunch ved Sjusjøen
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    Troll trail from Rondane to Lillehammer, XC skiing

    Kjærestepar Kvitfjell Jeanette og Tom Januar 2025 Kvitfjell-skiresort- Foto Martin Vinje - @Sykkel_M
    Fåvang

    Kvitfjell Ski Resort

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    Sjusjøen
    Sjusjøen

    Sjusjøen Cross-country Skiing

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    Skeikampen Alpine centre

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    Øyer

    Hafjell Ski Resort

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    St. Olav Ways | The Pilgrim Path through Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen

    Hjulbob
    Fåberg

    Wheelbob in Lillehammer Olympic Sliding Center

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A woman is flying down the zip line in Hunderfossen Adventure Park in Lillehammer, Eastern Norway
Biking in the Venabygdsfjellet mountain outside of Lillehammer in Eastern Norway
The Norwegian Olympic Museum in Lillehammer, Eastern Norway
Three people are skiing in the woods outside of Lillehammer in Eastern Norway

Are you ready for some action-packed adventures?

In the Lillehammer region you can try everything from mountain biking in Hafjell and fishing in lake Mjøsa to rafting in the Sjoa river.

When you’re in the city centre, head over to the Lillehammer Art Museum – one of Norway’s leading institutions, located in a building designed by renowned architects Snøhetta for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics in 1994.

Relive the good times at the Norwegian Olympic museum (pictured), which is also an adventure centre where you can time-travel through years of Olympic Games history.

No wonder the Winter Olympics was arranged here – it’s a winter sports paradise!

Enjoy Hafjell and Skeikampen to Kvitfjell, Sjusjøen, and Gålå – five of Norway’s most popular ski resorts – all located within a one-hour drive of Lillehammer.

Many of the Olympic arenas remain in use and are open to visitors. You can even try bobsledding here!

The area is also a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • Elgtårn
    Espedalen

    Elgtårnet - The moose tower in Espedalen

    Scandic-Lillehammer-Hotel-Entrance-27788126-Foto_Scandic_Hotels_1920
    Lillehammer

    Scandic Lillehammer Hotel

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    Lillehammer Vandrerhjem Stasjonen
    Lillehammer

    Stasjonen Hotel

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    Øyer

    Pellestova Hotell Hafjell

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    Lillehammer

    Lillehammer Camping

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    "Ingeborgstua"
    Vestre Gausdal

    Paulsrud Farm

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    Hotellrom - Aksjemøllen - Foto Classic Norway Hotels (3)
    Lillehammer

    Aksjemøllen by Classic Norway Hotels

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    Living room with fire place at Sygard grytting
    Sør-fron

    Sygard Grytting - historic hotel

    Mageli_Camping-DJI_0165-Foto_Daniel_Nordby
    Tretten

    Pluscamp Mageli

More accommodation alternatives
A plate with bread and brown cheese, locally produced in Lillehammer in Eastern Norway

Lillehammer is an agricultural area with a rich culinary heritage and lots of tasty treats.

So when it's time to refuel, ask for locally sourced meat of moose, locally grown vegetables, fish, cured meat, or lefse – a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread.

You can't visit the region without trying iconic Norwegian brunost (sweet brown cheese).

The nation’s all-time favourite is Gudbrandsdalsost, a cheese made from goats and cow milk, which originated right here in the Gudbrandsdalen valley!

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • The employees at Heim Gastropub in LIllehammer
    Lillehammer

    Heim Gastropub

    Trollsalen
    Fåberg

    Trollsalen Restaurant

    Karbonadesmørbrød
    Øyer

    Nermo Hotel

    Beer taps at Lillehammer bryggeri
    Lillehammer

    Lillehammer Bryggeri

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Christmas market at Maihaugen Museum in Lillehammer

You can also taste local food traditions and get a true winter wonderland experience at Maihaugen’s famous Christmas market, held each December.

Welcome to Lillehammer!

Lillehammer has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen logolillehammer.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Lillehammer with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By train

    You can take the train to Lillehammer from both Trondheim and Oslo and there are many daily departures. Travel time is around 2 hours from Oslo and 4.5 hours from Trondheim.

    If you’re travelling from Northwest, you can take the train from Åndalsnes and change at Dombås for a train to Lillehammer. The journey takes around 3.5 hours.

    Ad: Visit Vy's website for tickets and timetables

    By bus

    There are regular bus connections to Lillehammer and other destinations in the area from Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen.

    Ad: Vy ekspress - travel comfortably by bus throughout Norway

    By car

    From Oslo and Trondheim, follow the E6 to Lillehammer. Travel time is around 2 hours from Oslo and 5 hours from Trondheim.

    You can also drive to Lillehammer from cities in Fjord Norway, such as Bergen, Ålesund, and Kristiansund. Travel time is close to 7 hours from Bergen along E16, about 5 hours from Ålesund along E6 and E136, and around 6 hours from Kristiansund on the E6.

    Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.

    Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience

    By plane

    Oslo Airport is located around 1.5 hours from Lillehammer by car.

    All trains between Oslo and Lillehammer stop at Oslo Airport. There is also a bus connection from Oslo Airport to Lillehammer and other locations in the Gudbrandsdalen valley.

    Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations

    By local transport

    The main terminal for buses, trains, and taxis is Lillehammer Skysstasjon. Further north in Gudbrandsdalen, the main hubs are Ringebu Skysstasjon and Vinstra Skysstasjon.

    There are frequent bus services from Lillehammer city centre to most nearby attractions, including ski resorts and the Hunderfossen amusement park.

Discover more

The mountain farm Heidal Ysteri in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley of Eastern Norway
The Gudbrandsdalen valley
Hamar Cathedral at Domkirkeodden
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Wooden houses, fishing boats and snowcapped mountains, Henningsvær in certified Sustainable Destination Lofoten, Northern Norway
Sustainable Destination
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Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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