Famous Olympic winter sports city about 130km north of Oslo, known for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

About Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a picturesque Norwegian town of about 28,000 people that gained international fame as host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, widely regarded as one of the most successful Games in history. The Olympic legacy is everywhere — the ski jumping towers at Lysgårdsbakkene are visible from across town, and the Olympic Park facilities remain in active use for sports and concerts.

The town's charming pedestrian main street (Storgata) is lined with colorful wooden buildings housing independent shops, cafes, and galleries. Lillehammer has a surprisingly rich cultural scene for its size, anchored by the Lillehammer Art Museum and the Maihaugen open-air museum — one of the largest in Northern Europe — featuring over 200 historic buildings from medieval stave-church era to the 20th century.

Lillehammer is a year-round outdoor destination. In winter, Hafjell and Kvitfjell ski resorts (both Olympic venues) are minutes away, offering excellent alpine skiing. Summer brings hiking in the surrounding mountains, swimming in Lake Mjøsa (Norway's largest lake), and cycling along the scenic Mjøstråkk trail. The Hunderfossen Family Park and the nearby Peer Gynt hiking trail add to the area's appeal.

Nearby Landmarks

Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena Maihaugen Museum Hunderfossen Hafjell Ski Resort

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 2500-3000 NOK ($235-280)
Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost Not widely available
Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Train (Vy Dovrebanen)

Cost 350-500 NOK ($33-47)
Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Frequency Every 1-2 hours

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the Vy train north from the airport station directly to Lillehammer. No change needed. Trains run several times daily.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 2500-3000 NOK ($235-280) 1 hour 30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare Not widely available 1 hour 30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train 350-500 NOK ($33-47) 1 hour 40 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last Vy train from Gardermoen toward Lillehammer departs in the early evening. Late arrivals will need to take a taxi (very expensive, NOK 2,500+) or rent a car. Pre-booking an evening transfer service is advisable. There are no night buses on this route.

Luggage Tips

Vy trains have luggage racks and overhead storage. If driving a rental car from the airport, the E6 is straightforward. Lillehammer train station is in the town center, making luggage management easy for the final walk to hotels.

Accessibility

Vy trains are wheelchair accessible with designated spaces. Lillehammer train station has elevator access. The town center is compact and mostly flat along Storgata. Maihaugen museum has accessible routes through most exhibits. Olympic venues have accessible seating areas.