Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen 2017/18 WINTER WINTER the VERY YOUNG the IN-BETWEEN the OLDER
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YOUR GUIDE TO Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen 2017/18 WINTER WINTER THE VERY YOUNG THE IN-BETWEEN THE OLDER “Sjusjøen cabin area – Norway’s most stable and reliable snow conditions.” VG, 2017 Foto: Geir Olsen Geir Foto: #visitlillehammer Lillehammer Tourist Office Jernbanetorget 2, 2609 Lillehammer Tel: +47 61 28 98 00 | [email protected] Share your images and holiday memories with us at #visitlillehammer. Ringebu Tourist Information Office Maybe the photo we repost is yours? Ringebu Skysstasjon, 2630 Ringebu Tel: +47 61 28 47 00 | [email protected] Book your accommodation directly Vinstra Tourist Information Office at our website: Servicetorget, Kommunehuset i Nord-Fron, Nedregate 50, www.lillehammer.com 2640 Vinstra | Tel: +47 61 21 61 00 | [email protected] Our cooperation Municipalities Lillehammer Gausdal Øyer Ringebu Sør-Fron Nord-Fron Ringsaker kommune kommune kommune kommune kommune kommune kommune THE WONDERFUL COLD SEASON Welcome to Norway’s largest, most and villages are renowned for excellent spectacular winter resort. Have fun at shopping, wonderful cuisine, museums our alpine centres, explore some of the and galleries, and activities such as world’s best cross-country ski trails, climbing. Visiting the winter sports or try a range of other winter pursuits events is also highly recommended, – such as dog sledding, winter park with either as participant or as spectator. snow hotel and ice cathedral, bobsleigh, Explore what is on offer in this brochure tobogganing, sleigh ride, snowshoeing, or at www.lillehammer.com. ice-skating, or just a walk during the Enjoy! twilight hour. If you prefer the indoors, Lillehammer and its surrounding towns Ove Gjesdal, Tourism Manager The Green Travel symbol (tussock) indicates official environmental GREEN certification, and will help you navigate to more eco-friendly products. TRAVEL Content Welcome to our region > 04 Top activities for families with children > 06 Foto: Jørgen Skaug Jørgen Foto: Do not miss... > 07 What’s on in Gudbrandsdalen and Lillehammer > 11 Alpine and cross-country skiing > 16 Activities > 24 Cultural experiences > 32 Experience the magic of Christmas > 38 Shopping and wellness > 42 Food and night life > 44 Accommodation > 50 Eventcompanies > 58 Services > 59 Coverphoto: Vegard Breie Design og layout: Looking forward to summer... > 60 Charlotte Grønvold Menkerud, www.lole.no City Map Lillehammer > 62 Regional Map Changes to opening hours and prices may occure. destinations and attractions > 66 GUDBRANDSDALEN AND LILLEHAMMER WINTER 2017/18 3 Foto: Esben Haakenstad Esben Foto: WelcomeNorway’s to largest, mos t spect ac u l ar w inter r esort Explore Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen – a destination with stunning scenery, unique attractions, and great adventures Lillehammer The famous pedestrian street in Lillehammer offers a cosy village feel rarely found in urban settings. Storgata, lined with idyllic wooden town houses, provides the framework for a modern and friendly shopping experience and is an attraction in its own right. Lillehammer is renowned for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1994 and the Winter Youth Olympics in 2016, and has several Olympic Arenas well worth a visit. Sjusjøen og Nordseter 4 6 Sjusjøen and Nordseter are the mountain areas closest to Lillehammer. Both are located less than 20 km from the town centre, and offer cross-country ski trails of which several are groomed for freestyle skiing. In March, thousands of skiers participating in the 54 km long Birkebeiner Ski Race pass through Sjusjøen on their way from Rena to Lillehammer. Sjusjøen is also excellent for alpine enthusiasts with Sjusjøen Ski Centre offering downhill skiing as well as a cross-country and biathlon arena. Hafjell, Hunderfossen, Øyer 1 Wide range of adventure activities within a small radius: Hafjell Alpine Centre is the ultimate ski resort, offering something to suit all age groups and skill levels. The cross-country ski trails in Hafjell and Øyerfjellet form part of Norway’s largest and best trail network. Hunderfossen Winter Park is an enchanting experience in snow and ice. At Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track, you get to try adrenaline-filled Olympic activities. Other attractions include the Norwegian Road Museum, Lekeland Hafjell, and many others. For further information on the various destinations, please visit www.lillehammer.com 4 GUDBRANDSDALEN AND LILLEHAMMER WINTER 2017/18 Foto: Gisle Johnsen Gisle Foto: Foto: Esben Haakenstad Esben Foto: Norway’s largest, mos t spect ac u l ar w inter r esort Foto: Esben Haakenstad Esben Foto: Foto: Esben Haakenstad Esben Foto: *The numbers indicate where the destinations are located. Please see the overview map of Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen, page 66. Kvitfjell, Venabygdsfjellet, Ringebu 2 9 11 Kvitfjell is home to Norway’s most spectacular alpine runs, created for the 1994 Winter Olympics. On the eastern side of Gudbrandsdalen are the breathtaking Ringebufjellet, Venabygdsfjellet, and Rondane – a stunning high-mountain experi- ence with way-marked ski trails. Ringebu is often referred to as Norway’s smallest town, and has a history as a commercial centre dating back to 1899. Here you will find a wide selection of speciality shops in charming surroundings. Vinstra, Gålå, Kvamsfjellet and Rondane National Park 12 5 10 14 Visit the central part of Gudbrandsdalen, and discover a spectacular mountain skiing area as well as a host of cultural experiences in an authentic setting. Vinstra forms a famous part of the World of Peer Gynt, and is the region’s centre. Gålå offers skiing in gentle high-mountain terrain, and the ski centre Gålå Alpin is perfect for the whole family. On the eastern side of the valley is Kvamsfjellet – a gateway to Rondane National Park. In February you can take part in the Furusjøen Rundt race, also known as the Adventure of Rondane. Skeikampen, Espedalen (Gausdal) and Skåbu 3 7 8 Skeikampen, some 45 minutes by car from Lillehammer, is a resort ideal for cross- country and alpine skiing. It is located in the mountain area known as the World of Peer Gynt, where you also find Kvitfjell, Gålå, and Espedalen. Espedalen in Vestre Gausdal is another fantastic starting point for outdoor pursuits, whatever the season. It is also home to Helvete Nature Park featuring Northern Europe’s largest potholes. Rondane and Langsua National Parks 14 15 Rondane National Park is a high-mountain area between the Gudbrandsdalen and Atndalen valleys, and towers over vast, lichen-covered mountain plateaus. Langsua National Park is an extensive mountain landscape north-west of Lillehammer, and this family-friendly area offers easy access to outdoor adventures all year round. GUDBRANDSDALEN AND LILLEHAMMER WINTER 2017/18 5 for families with children Top activities Alpine skiing A wide choice of runs for all skill levels, and excellent children’s facilities. Separate bespoke children’s areas, easy-to-use lifts Sjusjøen Foto: (several of the children’s areas are free of charge), fun skill development courses and ski parks. Hafjell and Kvitfjell are the largest resorts, with Sjusjøen Ski Centre and Gålå as excellent alternatives. Some smaller facilities in the mountains are also available. Activities for all age groups. Page 18-19 Cross-country skiing Visit Norway’s most spectacular cross-country skiing area, with sta- ble and reliable snow conditions and mile after mile of the country’s Foto: Esben Haakenstad Esben Foto: very best trails. Terrain suitable for all skill levels, and cross-country skis and equipment are available for hire at the ski resorts. Page 22-23 Hunderfossen Winter Park During winter, Hunderfossen Family Park is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland of snow and ice. By the beautiful Fairytale Castle, you will find the majestic Ice Cathedral and the Snow Hotel with spectacular ice and snow decorations. Activities for all age groups, such as snow rafting, snowmobile, fairyta- Haakenstad Esben Foto: le castle, and music, song and dance – all adding to the magical atmosphere. Page 26 Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track Feel the adrenaline rush as you try an Olympic activity at Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Older children (from age 10) can enjoy a ride down the track in a bobraft Haakenstad Esben Foto: reaching speeds up to 100 km/h. Page 27 Dog sledding Dog sledding is a wonderful way in which to experience nature in the company of animals. Try this wonderful activity with eager-to-go Alaska Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes in beautiful mountain scenery. Ideal for both adults and children. Page 26 Sjusjøen Tours Husky 6 GUDBRANDSDALEN AND LILLEHAMMER WINTER 2017/18 Top activities Tyrili Klatresenter – climbing centre Climbing builds confidence, and is an incredibly fun activity to do together as a family. In Lillehammer you will find Norway’s most amazing climbing centre, where children have their own practice area as well as the opportunity to book lessons with an instructor. Page 27 Perfect Escape Join in a collaboration game where you and your friends are “locked” in a purpose-built room. The clock starts ticking, and you have 60 minutes to solve the assignment in order to get out. Page 27 Foto: Esben Haakenstad Esben Foto: Lekeland Hafjell – play centre One of Norway’s largest indoor play centres with slides, obstacle courses, ball pools, and a haunted room. Children are encouraged to jump, climb, crawl, balance, slide, explore, and discover... Designated areas suitable for children aged 0-3 and 2-4. Page 27 Tobogganing A highly popular activity where you can attach your toboggan directly to the lift to get to the top, and then zoom back down Nordås Øystein Foto: the hill. The Gålå tobogganing run offers beautiful views of the World of Peer Gynt, and at Kanthaugen you will have a vista of Lillehammer town centre. Page 26 Jorekstad Leisure Pool Jump in, splash around, and have fun in pools suitable for all age groups, zoom down the 43-metre long water slide, and challenge yourself at the climbing wall.