Lillehammer, settlement in Lillehammer Municipality, Norway
Lillehammer is a small town in southern Norway situated in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and Lake Mjøsa, the country's largest lake. The compact town center features quiet streets lined with traditional buildings, making it easy to explore on foot.
The town gained international recognition by hosting the Winter Olympics in 1994, transforming from an established winter sports location into a global sporting hub. The Olympic facilities built for these games continue to operate and shape the town's character.
The name Lillehammer refers to the hammers used by craftsmen who worked here historically. The town keeps Norwegian traditions alive through local festivals and the way residents live and gather together, making these customs visible to visitors who walk its streets.
The town lies about two hours from Oslo and is easily accessible by train or car from the capital. The compact center is walkable on foot, and buses connect to nearby ski resorts and mountain attractions for day trips into the surrounding region.
The Netflix series Lilyhammer is set in Lillehammer and has unexpectedly boosted the town's international popularity, despite being a comedy about a gangster fleeing to Norway. This connection has drawn curious viewers to visit and discover the real town beyond the show's portrayal.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
