All About Traveling to Lillehammer, Norway

If you’re interested in visiting Lillehammer, you’ve come to the right place. Here are all the basic travel tips you need before visiting the beautiful town of Lillehammer, Norway.

About the Town of Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a picturesque town in south-eastern Norway – many remember the name Lillehammer from the 1994 Winter Olympics. Today, Lillehammer attracts travelers year-round for outdoor activities and relaxation close to nature at Lake Mjøsa. There are numerous sports events each year, especially in February and March.

Things to Do & Attractions in Lillehammer

Summer in Lillehammer offers activities such as fishing at the Mesna River, as well as popular hiking trails. You can also visit the Maihaugen open-air museum, and partake in family activities at Hafjell, including the Forested waterpark. Storgata pedestrian street is Lillehammer’s famous shopping area featuring several shops and eateries.

During winter, Lillehammer is a paradise for snow lovers, offering myriad activities like skiing, dog sledding, and sleigh rides. Attractions include Hunderfossen Winterpark (a winterized amusement park), the Luge Track in Hunderfossen, and the Lysgårdsbakken Ski Jump. Ski buses conveniently connect Lillehammer to nearby ski areas including Hafjell and Nordseter/Sjusjoen.

Remember to bring your camera during your Lillehammer visit, as this town is a beautifully picturesque travel destination.

How to Get to Lillehammer

Most travelers reach Lillehammer by flying into Oslo and then taking a train or bus. Trains depart hourly from Oslo, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. Lillehammer Skysstasjon serves as the main terminal for buses, trains, and taxis.

Driving is another option for getting to Lillehammer. Simply follow the E6 highway in Norway. From Oslo, it’s a 2-hour drive and from Trondheim, approximately 4 hours. Lillehammer’s Tourist Information office is conveniently located at the train station.

The distances in Lillehammer are short, allowing easy access to most locations on foot.

Accommodation in Lillehammer

For accommodation, the Radisson SAS Hotel (4-star) is the most popular hotel in Lillehammer, previously serving as the official hotel of the Olympic Games. It boasts a central location with a large private park nearby, close to ski and riding schools.

First Hotel Breiseth, situated in the heart of Lillehammer, offers modern 3-star accommodations near Olympia Park and the main terminal. Its convenient location and reasonable pricing often result in a busy atmosphere.

For budget travelers, Hotel Molla near Lillehammer provides excellent quality at low costs. This 2-star hotel outside of the town is charmingly decorated, reflecting the history of the old mill. It offers a welcoming and natural environment.

To ensure a good nightly rate and availability, it is advisable to secure your hotel reservations months in advance, especially during winter months or holiday seasons. If you’re planning a visit around Christmas, consider booking even earlier. However, there may still be last-minute rooms available in case of cancellations—it’s worth a try!