Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a small Norwegian town that became world-famous when it hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics. Located about 140 kilometers north of Oslo, it sits beautifully at the northern end of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake. The town has that classic Scandinavian charm with colorful wooden houses lining the streets, especially in the pedestrian-friendly main street Storgata.

Beyond its Olympic history, Lillehammer offers a rich cultural scene. The open-air Maihaugen Museum takes you through Norwegian history with more than 200 historic buildings. The Olympic Museum and the ski jumping arena at Lysgårdsbakken are must-sees for sports enthusiasts.

The surrounding area is perfect for nature lovers, with forests, mountains and lakes creating a stunning backdrop. In winter, the town transforms into a snowy wonderland with exceptional skiing opportunities at nearby resorts like Hafjell and Kvitfjell. During summer, the same mountains offer hiking and mountain biking trails with incredible views.

Lillehammer has an interesting mix of traditional Norwegian culture and modern influences. The town has a surprisingly vibrant food scene for its size, with restaurants serving both local specialties and international cuisine. And interestingly, the Netflix series 'Lilyhammer' starring Steven Van Zandt has brought a new wave of tourists curious to see the town that featured in the show.