Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Trondheim on the E6
Take the major highway E6 between Oslo and Trondheim.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
High End & Unique Properties
Molla Hotell is Lillehammer’s most distinctive and unique hotel.
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
Drive it Yourself: Gudbrandsdalen
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