Lillehammer Olympic Park

Lillehammer Olympiapark

The preserved venues from the 1994 Winter Olympics offer guided tours, skiing facilities, and museum exhibits documenting the games and winter sports history. Visitors can ski the same slopes used by Olympic champions and experience world-class Nordic facilities.

Things to do

• Ski the Olympic Slopes — Experience downhill and cross-country skiing on the same runs used during the 1994 Winter Olympics at Hafjell and Lillehammer ski areas.
• Olympic Museum Tour — Explore exhibits showcasing the 1994 Winter Games history, athlete memorabilia, and winter sports evolution through interactive displays and archived footage.
• Bobsled and Luge Track Ride — Take a thrilling bobsled or luge experience down the refrigerated Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track used in the 1994 games.
• Ski Jump Tower Visit — Ride the elevator to the top of the Lillehammer Ski Jumping Hill for panoramic views of the valley and museum exhibits about Olympic jumpers.
• Cross-Country Skiing on Olympic Trails — Traverse the Birkebeineren ski trail network that hosted Nordic skiing events and offers routes for all skill levels through forests and lakes.
• Guided Stadium Tours — Tour the preserved Olympic ice hockey and curling venues with knowledgeable guides explaining the facility's 1994 role and current use.

Food to try

• Fårikål — A traditional Norwegian lamb and cabbage stew slowly simmered with juniper berries, commonly served at local restaurants and perfect after outdoor activities.
• Smoked Salmon from Lake Mjøsa — Locally caught and cured salmon from Scandinavia's largest lake, featuring a delicate smoky flavor unique to the Lillehammer region.
• Brown Cheese (Brunost) — A caramelized Norwegian whey cheese with a distinctive sweet and slightly salty taste, enjoyed on bread or crackers at local cafés.
• Reindeer Meatballs — Traditional Nordic meatballs made with lean reindeer meat, typically served with lingonberry sauce and sour cream at regional restaurants.
• Lefse with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar — A soft flatbread served warm with melted butter and cinnamon-sugar filling, a beloved Norwegian snack available at ski lodge cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Olympic History — Lillehammer residents take pride in the 1994 Winter Games legacy; showing genuine interest in the venues and Olympic heritage is appreciated.
• Winter Sport Etiquette — Norwegians follow strict ski slope rules and expect visitors to stay aware of surroundings, control speed, and respect trail markings for safety.
• Cabin Culture (Hytte) — Cozy cabin gatherings with hot beverages, simple meals, and conversation are central to Norwegian winter life; embrace this relaxed, informal hospitality.
• Dress for the Climate — Layering is essential even indoors during winter, as Norwegians dress pragmatically for harsh weather; locals appreciate visitors prepared for cold conditions.