Norway: Lillehammer
About Lillehammer
Only a short distance from Oslo, Lillehammer is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons. Some of northern Europe’s highest mountains, Norway’s biggest lake, and several national parks are all within range of Lillehammer.
In 1994 the Olympic Winter Games were held in Lillehammer – which really put it on the world map. Never before had a Winter Olympics been held somewhere so small—its population is a shade over 25,000—so the city’s infrastructure received substantial investment.
Most major Norwegian cities hug the coastline for a milder climate and access to plentiful fishing grounds. The town’s location has a major impact on its climate. From mid-November to mid-March temperatures will likely be at or below freezing, and snow is all but guaranteed. While summer days can reach a pleasant 15-20°C (59-68°F) or even higher, May to September is also the wettest time of year.
How to get to Lillehammer
As the journey by train or car takes more than two hours, a day trip from Oslo is possible. However, it’s best to plan an overnight stay if you want to see the best of what the town has to offer. The 184km drive from Oslo along the E6 highway takes just over two hours, a quicker option than the shorter route using Rv4. Add on an extra 10-15 minutes to reach Hafjell and Hunderfossen.
Trains run hourly from Oslo, with fares approximately 450 kroner. Savings can be obtained by booking in advance, although these fares will be non-refundable. Read more about train travel in Norway.
While Lillehammer’s compact centre is easy to navigate on foot, the steep hills of the surrounding area and harsh winter weather will soon have you looking for other options. For those without their own car, there is a local bus service in and around Lillehammer.
Things to do
Olympic Park
Soon after arriving in Lillehammer we decided to head to the Olympic Park. At the park, you can stand at the bottom of the two Olympic ski jump hills, which were used for the 1994 Winter Olympics. There is also the torch where the Olympic flame shone during the games. Lillehammer also hosted the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics. The ski jumps are very impressive, and it is hard to believe people launch themselves on these steep runs and fly through the air for tens of metres. Seems lunacy to me! You can go to the top of the jumps and look down if you so wish, either by taking the walking trail up or using a chair lift. We decided to do neither and instead headed into the town to find somewhere to get some coffee and a cake.
Maihaugen
Open-air museums are commonplace throughout Norway, but Lillehammer’s Maihaugen is one of the best. Set on the hillside overlooking the city, the museum is split into three sections.
Follow the paved trail around the log cabins to find the first section, a village of three rural farms presented as they would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the summer, the village is brought to life with actors playing the parts of farmers, maidens, and even the local schoolteacher.
The second section, the show town, is modelled on Lillehammer at the turn of the 20th century, so much so that many of the houses were actually moved piece by piece from the town itself. The best of those, Olsengården, housed three generations of craftsmen, with hens and rabbits in the backyard
The third section is a residential area that shows how quickly the standard of living developed during the 20th century. Typical Norwegian houses of all shapes and sizes can be found here, including a prefabricated single-story “future house”.
Norwegian Olympic Museum
Rather than focus on the 1994 Games, the museum’s exhibits document the history of the global Olympic movement, both summer and winter, from ancient times through to the present day. Video installations will help you recall unforgettable moments, record-breaking performances, and inspiring opening ceremonies from around the world.
Half of the museum is dedicated to Norway’s Olympic history. Media coverage from Lillehammer 1994 and Oslo 1952 and a biathlon simulator are some of the highlights for non-Norwegians.
Explore the town centre
Lillehammer is not a large place and its town centre is very compact and easy to explore. The main street is pedestrianised and very easy to explore. There are plenty of quaint shops, bars and restaurants to check out along the street.
Enjoy the great outdoors
One of Norway’s major ski resorts, Hafjell is linked by regular shuttle buses throughout the season. The resort is known for its Olympic-standard slopes, but it has a vast range of gentler slopes, seven slopes dedicated to children, plus four different terrain parks.
Hafjell is also the starting point for an incredible 300km of prepared cross-country trails. During the summer, Hafjell is transformed into one of Norway’s most challenging mountain bike parks.
During summer, you can cycle the Birkebeiner trail from Sjusjøen, or enjoy dirt-track and mountain biking at Skeikampen. Hafjell Bike Park offers lift-assisted downhill biking, and has bicycles for hire.
If you prefer walking, the national parks Langsua, Rondane and Jotunheimen are spectacular areas to explore – or alternatively, enjoy some horseback riding in the Venabygdsfjellet mountain.
Family fun at Hunderfossen
Hunderfossen Themepark is known as the Fairy-tale Park in all of Norway and is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. There are over 60 rides and places of interest for the whole family. Come and try family rafting in our frothing rapids, experience the magical Fairy-tale Palace and take a mind-blowing ride on the spectacular Il Tempo Extra Gigante. Meet the enormous Hunderfossen Troll, rediscover folk tales in Ivo Caprino’s Fairy-tale Cave and enjoy our pool area with water slides and water games for the youngest. Right next to the Family Park, you will find Hunderfossen Children’s Farm, where you can experience close encounters with Norwegian farm animals.
Hunderfossen Themepark is closed during the winter months. Still, the resort is open and turns into a Winter Fairytale land with lots of activities for the family, including snow structures, decorated with ice art and enchanting lighting.
The best time to visit Lillehammer
Lillehammer experiences a subarctic climate, ranked as Dfc in the Köppen climate classification – suggesting a severe winter, no dry season, and a cool summer. Overall, the climate can be defined by sharp seasonal contrasts and a wide range of weather conditions.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Lillehammer display significant fluctuations, ranging from a cold -11.5°C (11.3°F) in winter months to a mild 18.3°C (64.9°F) in the summer period. More detailed, the lower limit of temperatures registers at -11.5°C (11.3°F) in January and climbs to 8.3°C (46.9°F) in July. On the other hand, the upper limit begins from -5.8°C (21.6°F) in January and escalates to 18.3°C (64.9°F) in July.
The best time to visit Lillehammer
Taking into consideration the recorded climatic data, the most favourable period to visit Lillehammer would be from May to August. This period witnesses a combination of mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and high visibility.
Daylight hours climb to 17.5 in May and peak at 19.2 in June, providing ample time to indulge in outdoor activities. Concurrently, visibility escalates to 9km (5.6mi), endorsing clear views and pleasant strolls.
Moreover, these warmer months experience less snowfall and an increased amount of rainfall. Although rain frequents in these months, it’s generally scattered and not persistent which makes exploring the city feasible.
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The worst time to visit Lillehammer
Arguably, the most challenging time to visit Lillehammer would be the cold season stretching from November to March. This timeframe observes the harshest weather conditions with the lowest temperatures, ample snowfall, and short daylight hours.
The scarcity of daylight that bottoms at 5.7 hours in December coupled with temperatures dropping to -11.5°C (11.3°F) in January can pose restrictions on outdoor experiences. Furthermore, snowfall reaches up to 237mm (9.33″) in December, 212mm (8.35″) in January, indicating roads may be slippery, visibility may be reduced, and travel could be more challenging.
Where to stay in Lillehammer
1. Mid Range: Birkebeineren Hotel & Apartments
Located in Lillehammer, this property provides both guest room and apartment accommodations. It offers free WiFi and free sauna access. Hunderfossen Family Park and Hafjell are 20 minutes’ drive away.
All accommodations options at Birkebeineren Hotel & Apartment include a TV and a private bathroom. The spacious apartments feature modern kitchens, a large living room and a balcony. They also have 2 bathrooms with showers.
Shared facilities at Birkebeineren include a TV lounge with a fireplace. Ski storage is also on site. Guests can enjoy free private parking.
2. Luxury – Wood Hotel by Frich’s
Located in Brumunddal, 10 miles from Hamar Cathedral Ruins, Wood Hotel by Frich’s has accommodations with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Offering a bar, the property is located within 11 miles of Hamar Train Station. Each room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
At the hotel, rooms contain a closet. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at Wood Hotel by Frich’s also feature free WiFi, while certain rooms contain a city view. At the accommodation rooms include bed linen and towels.
3. Budget – Lillehammer Hostell
Lillehammer Hostel is located AT the bus and train station in the city centre of Lillehammer. The hostel is actually in the train station building! Guests could not have a better starting point for seeing all that Lillehammer has to offer, including shopping, attractions, restaurants and hiking. The shopping street in Lillehammer is only 100m walking distance from the hostel.
All rooms are equipped with an ensuite shower/toilet and free Wi-Fi. Bed linen and towels are included in the price and beds are made before you arrive. There is a fully equipped guest kitchen, payment parking and cafe/restaurant. Breakfast is included.
