Lillehammer is a small town in the county of Oppland in south-central Norway. Lillehammer is best remembered as the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics, but it's also worth a visit in the summer for its beautifully preserved late 19th-century wooden houses. The town sits at the intersection of the lake Mjøsa and Gudbrandsdalen, the great valley of East Norway.
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The ski jumping site for the Olympics, now a year-round attraction with a chairlift to the top (or, if you're feeling frisky, a hike up 954 steps). Visit the ski jump tower to gaze down at the K120 jumping hill and an excellent view of Lillehammer and Lake Mjøsa. Chairlift 40 kr return incl. ski jump tower admission, plus an optional 25 kr for the bobsled simulator. The site is a solid 20-30 min uphill hike from central Lillehammer, walk up Fossgatan and follow the signs for Olympiaparken/Chairlifts. Open 09:00 to 20:00 summer, 09:00 to 17:00 spring/fall, 11:00 to 16:00 winter.
Northern Europe's largest open-air museum with 200 buildings. Among the traditional Norwegian buildings is the Garmo stave church from 1200 CE. Modern times are also represented at the museum. In the Residential Aerea there are one family homes from almost every decade of the 1900s. Open daily in summer 10:00 to 17:00, daily 11:00 to 16:00 except Monday in winter. Admission 140/80 kr peak/off-peak.
Modern Norwegian art.
the world's oldest paddle steamer
The steamer is in operation during the summer months on Mjøsa Lake just south of Lillehammer. Voyage between Lillehammer, Moelv, Gjøvik, Hamar and Eidsvoll.
Waffles, baguettes, sandwiches, warm meals, etc.
Rustic turf-roofed Norwegian house serving up daily specials from 100 kr and beautiful views over Lillehammer.
It offers a selection of pizzas and other dishes around 50-250 kr and a selection of drinks.
hand-made breads, bread rolls, sandwiches, as well as some souvenirs. Gluten free options available. Can get very busy during weekends. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Gourmet-restaurant with an excellent wine cellar.
They have hotel and self catered holiday apartments.
In beautiful natural surroundings at Nordseter (850 m alt) 12 km from the centre of Lillehammer with many great activities. Activities summer and winter.
Close to all winter sports facilities.
Traditional hotel.
Among the classic handicraft and trading houses in the main street.
By train
Lillehammer Station is along the main train line from Skien and Oslo towards Trondheim. The trip to Oslo takes about two hours and there are departures hourly.
By car
Norway's main road, the E6, runs through Lillehammer. At Oslo airport Gardermoen south of Mjøsa there are multiple options provided at the airport rental desks.
By bus
Vy Buss operate bus lines to and from Oslo city centre as well as Oslo lufthavn Gardermoen. Vy Buss also operate buses to and from Bergen via Stryn, as well as to Trondheim.
Central Lillehammer is best covered on foot. Buses to various regional destinations depart from outside the train station.
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