County: Innlandet

  • Lillehammer

    Population 28,500 / 61 degrees north

    Lillehammer, Norway

    Lillehammer is most famous around the world for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics. Lillehammer is the largest settlement on Lake Mjosa, which is Norway’s largest lake. 

    Fun Facts About Lillehammer

    Latitude: 61 degrees north

    Population: 28,500

    Hottest Month: July

    Coldest Month: January

    Wettest Month: August

    Windiest Month: June

    Annual Precipitation: 723mm

    Lillehammer Municipality

    In this Travel Guide...

    Things to See & Do

    Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Lillehammer

    Maihaugen

    Maihaugen is an open-air museum that contains farmhouses from all over the area as well as a stave church. 

    Book Tickets

    Aulestad

    Aulestad is located just north of Lillehammer and was the home of Bjornstjerne Bjornson, who wrote the Norwegian national anthem and was a famous writer and outspoken supporter of Norwegian independence. 

    Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

    Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

    Road-Trips

    Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Lillehammer

    The E6 from Oslo to Trondheim

    The E6 is the main highway that runs the entire length of Norway. The section from Oslo to Trondheim is the busiest, passing through the Gudbrandsdalen valley before crossing the mountains towards central Norway. Along the way are many historic sites and points of interest, making it an interesting drive to take. 

    The E6 from Oslo to Trondheim

    Self-Guided Walks

    No self-guided walks are currently available for Lillehammer

    Lillehammer on YouTube

    Watch my YouTube videos featuring Lillehammer

    Uniquely Lillehammer

    Here are some things that you must do and try in Lillehammer

    Norwegian Olympic Museum

    The Norwegian Olympic Museum is a fantastic museum showing the history of the Olympics and Lillehammer’s involvement. 

    Book Tickets

    Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jump

    Located above the town, this ski jump is a must-see. 

    History of Lillehammer

    Lillehammer received market rights in 1827, so it is a relatively modern town. However, there have been settlements here since the Iron Age, and a market here was mentioned in Håkon Håkonssons saga in 1390. The construction of a train line here with the steamship across Lake Mjosa helped establish a timber and agricultural industry in Lillehammer. 

    In 1994 Lillehammer hosted the Winter Olympics, gaining international recognition. 

    Lillehammer Today

    Today Lillehammer is home to the largest literature festival in the Nordic countries and in 2017 was designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. 

    A number of schools are located in Lillehammer as well as a campus for the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. Lillehammer is also home to the Nansen Academy – the Norwegian Humanistic Society. 

    Travel Information

    Getting Here

    Fly: No airport

    Drive: Lillehammer is located on the E6 between Oslo and Trondheim. 

    Train: Lillehammer has a train station with regular trains to Oslo and Trondheim. 

    Ferry: No ferry access

    Getting Around

    Lillehammer is on the side of a hill, so walking up to Maihaugen and the ski jump can be a little steep. 

    Shops

    Places to Eat

    Cafes & Bakeries

     

    Quick Bites

     

    Reasonable Restaurants

    Heim Gastropub has a nice beer and food selection. 

    High End & Unique Eats

     

    Places to Stay

    All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

    Camping

     

    Cabins & B&Bs

     

    Chains & Mid-Range

    Clarion Hotel Hammer is only five minutes from the train station. 

    Click here to view rates & book

    Scandic Victoria is reasonably priced and located on Lillehammer’s pedestrian street.

    Click here to view rates & book

    High End & Unique Properties

    Molla Hotell is Lillehammer’s most distinctive and unique hotel. 

    Click here to view rates & book

    Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

    January

    Sunrise: 9:15am

    Sunset: 3:40pm

    Average Temperature: -6.1C (21F)

    February

    Sunrise: 8:01am

    Sunset: 5:04pm

    Average Temperature: -5.4C (22F)

    March

    Sunrise: 6:36am

    Sunset: 6:19pm

    Average Temperature: -4.6C (24F)

    April

    Sunrise: 5:59am

    Sunset: 8:39pm

    Average Temperature: 0C (32F)

    May

    Sunrise: 4:32am

    Sunset: 9:57pm

    Average Temperature: 45C (40F)

    June

    Sunrise: 3:41am

    Sunset: 10:56pm

    Average Temperature: 8.8C (48F)

    July

    Sunrise: 4:10am

    Sunset: 10:36pm

    Average Temperature: 11.4C (52F)

    August

    Sunrise: 5:25am

    Sunset: 9:17pm

    Average Temperature: 10.1C (50F)

    September

    Sunrise: 6:43am

    Sunset: 7:41pm

    Average Temperature: 6.4C (43F)

    October

    Sunrise: 7:59am

    Sunset: 6:07pm

    Average Temperature: 1.4C (34F)

    November

    Sunrise: 8:22am

    Sunset: 3:42pm

    Average Temperature: -3C (27F)

    December

    Sunrise: 9:26am

    Sunset: 2:59pm

    Average Temperature: -7.6C (18F)

    All Posts About Lillehammer

    Lillehammer Photo Diary

  • Fagernes

    Population 1,951 / 60.9 degrees north

    Fagernes, Norway

    Fagernes is a beautiful town located on the E16 between Bergen and Oslo. The town is centrally located for the Valdres nature region and is the perfect spot for breaking up any road trip!

    Fun Facts About Fagernes

    Latitude: 60.9 degrees north

    Population: 1,951

    Hottest Month: July

    Coldest Month: January

    Wettest Month: July

    Windiest Month: June

    Annual Precipitation: 437mm

    Nord-Aurdal Municipality

    In this Travel Guide...

    Things to See & Do

    Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Fagernes

    Hegge Stave Church

    Hegge Stave Church is one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches. 

    Hegge Stave Church

    Valdres Folkemuseum

    The museum is one of Norway’s largest open air museums. 

    Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

    Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

    Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!

    Day trip from Fagernes

    There is a fantastic guided tour from Fagernes that will take you to the Jotunheimen region as well as a boat tour on a lake! 

    View the tour on GetYourGuide

    Road-Trips

    Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Fagernes

    The E16 from Oslo to Bergen

    Follow this self-guided trip between Oslo and Bergen on the E16, one of the major highways in the country. The road is built close to where the historic postal road from the 17th century went, and parts of the old road are still visible and today a hiking trail. That’s why along the way you’ll see stave churches and runestones. There’s also some charming towns and local markets to stop at, turning a long drive into an exciting one!

    The E16 from Oslo to Bergen

    Self-Guided Walks

    We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Fagernes

    Fagernes on YouTube

    Watch our YouTube videos featuring Fagernes

    Valdresflye Tourist Road

    Enjoy this scenic drive on one of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads. 

    Watch on YouTube

    Uniquely Fagernes

    Here are some things that you must do and try in Fagernes

    Rakfisk

    Fagernes is the main place to try Rakfisk, a Norwegian delicacy. 

    History of Fagernes

    Fagernes has been a place since the mid-19th century, when trading operations started. Since Fagernes is located in a convenient location, it was a suitable place for trade. 

    Fagernes Today

    Travel Information

    Getting Here

    Fly: No airport. 

    Drive: Fagernes is located on the E16, which is a highway running between Bergen and Oslo. 

    Train: No train access.

    Ferry: No ferry access

    Getting Around

    Fagernes is walkable. 

    Shops

    Places to Eat

    Cafes & Bakeries

     

    Quick Bites

     

    Reasonable Restaurants

     

    High End & Unique Eats

     

    Places to Stay

    All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

    Camping

    Fagernes Camping is the main campground in the area.

    Click here to view rates & book

    Lodges & B&Bs

     

    Chains & Mid-Range

    Scandic Valdres is the main hotel in the region.

    Click here to view rates & book

    High End & Unique Properties

     

    Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

    January

    Sunrise: 9:19am

    Sunset: 3:46pm

    Average Temperature: -7.6C (18F)

    February

    Sunrise: 8:05am

    Sunset: 5:09pm

    Average Temperature: -6.7C (20F)

    March

    Sunrise: 6:42am

    Sunset: 6:34pm

    Average Temperature: -2.4C (28F)

    April

    Sunrise: 6:04am

    Sunset: 8:43pm

    Average Temperature: 3.8C (37F)

    May

    Sunrise: 4:38am

    Sunset: 10:01pm

    Average Temperature: 8.1C (47F)

    June

    Sunrise: 3:47am

    Sunset: 10:59pm

    Average Temperature: 12.8C (55F)

    July

    Sunrise: 4:16am

    Sunset: 10:40pm

    Average Temperature: 15.4C (59F)

    August

    Sunrise: 5:31am

    Sunset: 9:21pm

    Average Temperature: 13.8C (57F)

    September

    Sunrise: 6:48am

    Sunset: 7:46pm

    Average Temperature: 9.4C (49F)

    October

    Sunrise: 8:03am

    Sunset: 6:12pm

    Average Temperature: 3.4C (38F)

    November

    Sunrise: 8:26am

    Sunset: 3:48pm

    Average Temperature: -1.8C (29F)

    December

    Sunrise: 9:29am

    Sunset: 3:06pm

    Average Temperature: -6.6C (20F)

    All Posts About Fagernes

    Fagernes Photo Diary

  • Dombås

    Population 1,161 / 62 degrees north

    Dombås, Norway

    Dombås is like the major intersection of Norway. Road, rail and rivers meet here, plus several national parks. The town itself is not very interesting, but if you want to enjoy the outdoors, Dombås is perfect. 

    About Dombås

    Latitude: 62 degrees north

    Population: 1,161

    Dovre Municipality

    In this Travel Guide...

    Map of Dombås

    Uniquely Dombås

    Here are some things that you must do and try in Dombås

    Things to See & Do

    Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Dombås

    Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

    Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

    Natural Attraction

    Snøhetta Pavilion

    The Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre is located in the mountains just out of Dombås, and here you can experience the Snøhetta Pavilion. It’s a short walk from the Centre and has incredible views. It won the World Architecture Award in 2011. 

    Experience

    Musk Ox Safari

    The Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is the only place in Europe to see a herd of musk oxen roaming in the wild. Guided tours are organised by Moskus Safari Dovrefjell. 

    Website
    Hiking

    Hikes, Hikes Everywhere

    Dombås is surrounded by national park, so it’s not possible to list all the hikes here. There are so many!

    Road-Trips

    Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Dombås

    The E6 from Oslo to Trondheim

    The E6 is the main highway that runs the entire length of Norway. The section from Oslo to Trondheim is the busiest, passing through the Gudbrandsdalen valley before crossing the mountains towards central Norway. Along the way are many historic sites and points of interest, making it an interesting drive to take. 

    The E6 from Oslo to Trondheim

    The E136 from Dombås to Ålesund via Trollveggen

    The E136 is the most impressive of the European highways in Norway. The drive from Dombås from Ålesund starts out just fine, but as you approach Åndalsnes you are met with the most incredible scenery in the country. Trollveggen is a famous stretch of mountains that reach peaks of well over 1000 metres high. The famous Trollstigen Tourist Road also begins on the E136. The old road was, in historic times, an important road for the farmers of the northern part of the Gudbrandsdalen valley and the surrounding mountain villages. They would use the road to get access to the sea, where they could buy items like salt.

    This was one of the first roads between Eastern and Western Norway to be paved as a driving road. Old stations still exist along the road where those travelling in carriages would stop to rest.

    The E136 Highway from Dombås to Ålesund

    Self-Guided Walks

    We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Dombås

    Dombås on YouTube

    Watch our YouTube videos featuring Dombås

    Dombås to Åndalsnes

    Follow the scenic road from Dombås to Åndalsnes through the Rauma Valley. 

    Watch on YouTube

    Lom to Dombås

    Follow us as we make our way from Lom to Dombås, passing by Vågåmo and Sel. 

    Watch on YouTube

    History of Dombås

    Dombås has always been an important location for travellers. In older times, Tofte Kongsgård was an inn and shuttle station. It was a place where travellers would stop for shelter, food, and to rest their horses. 

    Dombås was bombed during World War II by the Nazis and the first American to be killed in World War II, Robert M. Losey, was killed here. There is a memorial park in town about this event. 

    Dombås Today

    Travel Information

    Getting Here

    Fly: No airport.

    Drive: Dombås is located on the E6 that runs between Oslo and Trondheim. It is also where the E136 leads down to Åndalsnes. 

    Train: Dombås is a station on the Dovre Line that runs between Oslo and Trondheim. The Rauma Railway starts here.

    Ferry: No ferry access

    Getting Around

    Dombås is walkable, but to get to any of the hikes you will need a car. 

    Shops

    Places to Eat

    Cafes & Bakeries

     

    Quick Bites

     

    Reasonable Restaurants

     

    High End & Unique Eats

     

    Places to Stay

    All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

    Camping

    Bjorkhol Camping has excellent facilities and it is possible to catch a bus here from Dombås. 

    Dombås Hostel offers shared rooms and private rooms.

    Click here to view rates & book

    Lodges & B&Bs

    Dombås Vandrerhjem is a hostel with 13 rooms. All rooms have their own bathroom. 

    Trolltun Hotel & Hytter is a reasonably priced hotel with cabins for rent.

    Click here to view rates & book

    Chains & Mid-Range

    Dombås Hotel is one of the nicer hotels in the town. 

    Click here to view rates & book

    High End & Unique Properties

     

    All Posts About Dombås