Things To Do
in Lillehammer
Lillehammer is a picturesque town in Innlandet, set on the shores of Lake Mjøsa and framed by surrounding mountains. It blends its Olympic heritage with a charming wooden-town center and world-class museums. The town is compact and walkable, with highlights like Maihaugen Open-Air Museum and the Norwegian Olympic Museum.
It’s a convenient four-season destination with top-notch winter sports, lakefront strolls, and cozy cafés.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through Lillehammer's charming historic center, admiring the well-preserved wooden houses that date back to the 19th century. Stop by the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, where you can wander through traditional Norwegian buildings and learn about the region's cultural heritage. Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee at a local café, soaking in the morning atmosphere.
After lunch, visit the famous Lillehammer Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Norwegian art from the 19th century to contemporary works. Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Lågen River, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and spot local wildlife. As the afternoon sun begins to set, make your way to the Olympic Park to explore the iconic ski jumps and facilities from the 1994 Winter Olympics.
For dinner, indulge in traditional Norwegian cuisine at a cozy restaurant in the heart of Lillehammer. After your meal, take a peaceful evening walk through the city center, enjoying the warm glow of the street lamps and the serene ambiance. End your day with a nightcap at a local pub, where you can chat with locals and fellow travelers about your adventures.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Olympic Park, where you can explore the various venues from the 1994 Winter Games. Try your hand at ski jumping on the dry slopes or take a thrilling ride down the Olympic bobsleigh run for an adrenaline rush. Capture the stunning views from the top of the ski jumps, overlooking Lillehammer and the surrounding mountains.
In the afternoon, visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum to learn about Norway's rich sporting history and the impact of the Olympics on the region. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the park's café before taking part in some outdoor activities like mountain biking or hiking along the scenic trails. As the day warms up, soak in the beautiful landscape and fresh air as you explore.
Return to the city center for dinner at a restaurant specializing in local seafood dishes. After your meal, take a scenic drive to nearby Lake Mjøsa, where you can enjoy a peaceful sunset by the water. As night falls, return to Lillehammer for a relaxing evening at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🛏️Hotel nightly | $100-180 |
| 🚆Public transportation day pass | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich winter sports heritage and scenic beauty
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Can be pricey for meals and accommodation in peak seasons
- "Hei" - Hello
- "Takk" - Thank you
- "Vær så snill" - Please
- "Hvor mye koster dette?" - How much does this cost?
- "Kan jeg få menyen, takk?" - Can I have the menu, please?
Places to Visit in Lillehammer
Visit one of these nice places.
A sprawling collection of historic wooden houses and barns set in a scenic park—great for timeless Norwegian village photography.
Iconic hill with panoramic views over Lillehammer and Lake Mjøsa, especially dramatic at sunset.
Water, reflections, and the charming wooden storefronts make for classic travel photography.
Modern architecture and heritage buildings offering interesting contrasts.
Food in Lillehammer
Lillehammer Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Potato dumplings served with salted meat or sausage and a hearty gravy, commonly found in traditional eateries around Lillehammer.
Must-Try!
A hearty lamb and cabbage stew, a staple of autumn meals you’ll see on local menus.
Norwegian meatcakes served with potatoes, gravy, and lingonberries; a cozy staple at many family-run cafés.
The sweet, caramelized brown cheese melted over waffles—perfect with coffee at cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market stalls offering local produce, cheeses, cured meats, berries, and hot snacks by the lakeside or town center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Norwegians typically greet with a friendly 'Hei' or 'God dag'; a handshake is common in formal settings.
People value orderly queues and personal space; wait your turn and avoid cutting in.
Cashless payments are common; tipping modestly for good service is fine but not mandatory.
Safety
Tipping in Lillehammer
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not expected; service charges are often included; round up or leave a small gratuity for exceptional service.
Cash is accepted but card payments (Visa/Mastercard) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with plenty of daylight (toward the solstice), ideal for hiking, biking, lake activities, and farmers markets.
Snow-sure conditions enable skiing, ice skating on the lake when frozen, Christmas markets, and cozy indoor ambiances.
Lillehammer at Night
Hiking in Lillehammer
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic year-round trail along the lake with easy to moderate sections.
Gentle-to-moderate hikes through pine forests with views of Lillehammer.
Popular hiking and cross-country route with sweeping mountain views near Lillehammer.
Airports
How to reach Lillehammer by plane.
Norway’s main international gateway; about 180-220 km away; best reached by direct train or bus to Lillehammer.
Alternative gateway for some connections; longer transfer to Lillehammer by road or rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Norwegian families and retirees, with a growing number of visitors during the winter season.
University or college students and seasonal workers from various regions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
An iconic Norwegian sport with expansive groomed trails in the region.
The Lysgårdsbakken venue offers iconic jumps and tours.
Watch or participate in winter biathlon events in nearby facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lillehammer.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetarian mains; look for vegetable-forward dishes, or ask for substitutes like roasted vegetables, potatoes, and local cheeses; many menus can accommodate requests with advance notice.