Lillehammer is a small, cozy town on the shores of Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa, located in the picturesque Gudbrandsdalen valley, known as the birthplace of Peer Gynt. It was here that the legends of elves and trolls originated.

Many remember Lillehammer as the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Since then, the city has retained numerous reminders of this important event. Firstly, there’s the developed infrastructure: Norwegians, known for their pragmatism, build for centuries. Therefore, today you can see a stunning combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional Norwegian features, such as troll figurines and mossy-roofed houses, creating fairytale landscapes. Secondly, the city is rich in museums and galleries. And finally, there’s the Olympic Park and Olympic venues—streets filled with restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Entertainment and Attractions
Lillehammer frequently hosts a variety of concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Festivals include reindeer races and traditional joik singing. Art lovers can enjoy art exhibitions, and sports enthusiasts can visit the Olympic Museum in the city center. Moose hunting is also available.

One of the best museums not only in Lillehammer but in all of Norway is the Maihaugen Folk and Heritage Museum, an open-air museum comprising 185 buildings. Designed to resemble a true village, it introduces visitors to traditional Norwegian houses and the architecture of the Gudbrandsdalen valley. Here you can see the amazing Garmo church, visit the Bjørnstad farm, or visit the exhibition. The second most popular is the Lillehammer Olympic Museum, located in Håkons Hall, Olympic Park. On the ground floor, visitors are introduced to the history of the Olympic Games—from antiquity to the present day—as well as famous Norwegian athletes and the Lillehammer Olympics.

The Norwegian Automobile Museum, located near the center of Lillehammer, boasts a collection of vehicles ranging from vintage cars to motorcycles.