Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Trondheim on the E6
Take the major highway E6 between Oslo and Trondheim.
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.
Latitude: 61 degrees north
Population: 28,500
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: January
Wettest Month: August
Windiest Month: June
Annual Precipitation: 723mm
Lillehammer Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Lillehammer
Maihaugen is an open-air museum that contains farmhouses from all over the area as well as a stave church.
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.
Built for the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lysgårdsbakken remains one of Lillehammer’s most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can walk or take a lift to the top of the jump tower for sweeping views over the town and Lake Mjøsa. In winter, it’s an active ski-jumping venue; in summer, the structure itself becomes a dramatic viewpoint and symbol of Norway’s winter sports heritage.
Located near the ski jump, the Norwegian Olympic Museum explores both ancient Olympic history and Norway’s modern sporting achievements. Interactive displays, films and memorabilia from the 1994 Games make it especially engaging, even for visitors who aren’t sports enthusiasts.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Just above Lillehammer, the Nordseter and Sjusjøen areas provide easy access to forests, lakes and rolling mountain terrain. In summer, they’re popular for hiking, cycling and trail running; in winter, they become a major cross-country skiing hub with extensive, well-groomed tracks.
The Mesna River runs through Lillehammer, and several short trails follow its course past waterfalls, old industrial sites and forested sections. These walks offer a quieter nature experience close to the town centre.
About 15 minutes north of Lillehammer, Hunderfossen is one of Norway’s best-known family attractions. Based on Norwegian folklore and fairy tales, it combines rides, storytelling environments and outdoor play areas.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Lillehammer
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.
No self-guided walks are currently available for Lillehammer
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Lillehammer
Lillehammer developed as a trading and farming settlement along Lake Mjøsa and the Gudbrandsdalen route. In the 19th century, it grew as a cultural centre, attracting artists and writers inspired by the surrounding nature. The town gained international attention when it hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, an event remembered for its strong environmental focus and compact design. This moment reshaped Lillehammer’s infrastructure and cemented its reputation as a centre for sport, culture and outdoor life.
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.
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. It takes about two hours to get to Lillehammer by train.
Ferry: No ferry access
Lillehammer is on the side of a hill, so walking up to Maihaugen and the ski jump can be a little steep.
Cafes & Bakeries
Maihaugen Café – a pleasant stop during museum visits, with traditional baked goods.
Casual Restaurants
Heim Gastropub has a nice beer and food selection.
Bryggerikjelleren – well-known for pizza, burgers and a casual, social atmosphere.
High End & Unique Eats
Hygge Restaurant – refined Nordic cooking with seasonal ingredients and careful presentation.
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
First Hotel Breiseth – historic hotel opposite the train station with classic interiors.
High End & Unique Properties
Molla Hotell is Lillehammer’s most distinctive and unique hotel.
Click here to view rates & book
Aksjemøllen – by Classic Norway Hotels – boutique hotel set in a converted mill, combining history with contemporary design.
Nermo Hotel (Øyer, nearby) – an elegant countryside hotel known for excellent dining and mountain views.
Sunrise: 9:15am
Sunset: 3:40pm
Average Temperature: -6.1C (21F)
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Sunset: 5:04pm
Average Temperature: -5.4C (22F)
Sunrise: 6:36am
Sunset: 6:19pm
Average Temperature: -4.6C (24F)
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Sunset: 8:39pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
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Sunset: 9:57pm
Average Temperature: 45C (40F)
Sunrise: 3:41am
Sunset: 10:56pm
Average Temperature: 8.8C (48F)
Sunrise: 4:10am
Sunset: 10:36pm
Average Temperature: 11.4C (52F)
Sunrise: 5:25am
Sunset: 9:17pm
Average Temperature: 10.1C (50F)
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Average Temperature: 6.4C (43F)
Sunrise: 7:59am
Sunset: 6:07pm
Average Temperature: 1.4C (34F)
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Sunset: 3:42pm
Average Temperature: -3C (27F)
Sunrise: 9:26am
Sunset: 2:59pm
Average Temperature: -7.6C (18F)
Take the major highway E6 between Oslo and Trondheim.
Drive it Yourself: Gudbrandsdalen Gudbrandsdalen is a valley just north of Oslo. Described by VisitNorway as ‘the king of the valleys’, Gudbrandsdalen has a lot