Lillehammer

The small town with a global outlook

Lillehammer combines traditions with modern activities and services. Welcome to the small town with a global outlook! 

“Best Winter Games ever” 

The Olympic history of Lillehammer started with the Winter Games in 1994 – it was called “the best Olympic Winter Games ever”. It was a great success as a major sports event, but also successful in the way that the Games created positive financial development in the region. You can see traces of the Olympic Games all over Lillehammer, and the Olympic arenas are in full use all year round. The City of Lillehammer is Living the Olympic Legacy. 

Winter town 

A lot of tourists come to Lillehammer from all over the world to experience the winter. We truly live in a winter Wonderland. The Lillehammer region is famous for its ski terrain, both cross country and downhill, and its excellent winter sports facilities. Near Lillehammer, you’ll find the best network of cross-country ski trails in Northern Europe, totaling 350 km. During December, Lillehammer has one of Norway’s most famous Christmas streets. The snow and the decorations can make you feel like you’re walking through a postcard.  

City of literature and culture 

In addition to being a great town for sports and events, Lillehammer is one of the most important cultural cities in Norway. The region has rich literary traditions and holds a leading position nationally. Lillehammer used to be home to two Nobel Laureates: Sigrid Undset at Bjerkebæk and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson at Aulestad. Lillehammer is also a UNESCO City of Literature in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.  

In recent years, the city has been implementing a new cultural strategy, highlighting the role of the arts in the future development of Lillehammer – both as a tool for improving the quality of life for its inhabitants, and to achieve stronger social and economic sustainability. In 2018, The Norwegian Culture Index, which monitors cultural activity and impact, placed Lillehammer in the top 3 among the country’s 422 municipalities. 

LEGACY STAKEHOLDERS AFFILIATED TO THE UNION