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. 

Lillehammer Guides

Find guides to Lillehammer on our online store. 

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

Gudbrandsdalen Valley

Lillehammer is located at the lowest part of the Gudbrandsdalen valley. 

Oslo to Trondheim on the E6

Lillehammer is a stop on the E6 between Oslo and 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. 

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