Lillehammer is located at the northern shore of Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa. The town is 190 km north of Oslo, and the distance from Gardermoen, Norway’s main airport, is 150 km. By all standards, Lillehammer today comes across as a modern town. Still it has been awarded for its architecture and for preserving original buildings in the town centre.
In 1994 Lillehammer became world famous for hosting the 17th Olympic wintergames. Håkons Hall, where the finals of Euro 08 are taking place, is one of many sports arenas in and around Lillehammer built for the Olympics.
Apart from hosting the winter games, Lillehammer is also known for organizing other national and international sporting events and for offering ideal conditions for most out-door activities.
Lillehammer was given town privileges 7. August 1827, but it’s assumed that there has been settlement in the area since the iron age.
“Birkebeinerne” Torstein Skjevla and Skjervald Skrukka supposedly stayed over at a local farm with prince Håkon in December 1205, on their way to Østerdalen. This event later led to the popular annual cross-country ski race called “Birkebeinerrennet”, where skiers cross the mountain between Rena and Lillehammer.
Also known for being the region’s centre of art and culture, the town has its own considerable collection of paintings which is managed by Lillehammer Art Museum, one of Norway’s most valued art museums.
The collection includes important works from the period 1820-1930, some by local artists.
Maihaugen, Lillehammer’s out-door museum, is one of its most popular tourist attractions, demonstrating how the Norwegians have lived and worked through the last 500 years. The museum, being open through all seasons, also offers a variety of in-door exibitions.
