Scan Magazine

By Karolina Oestlin

Lillehammer, the middle-sized Norwegian town, is probably best know for hosting the winter Olympics in 1994 and for its array of winter sports activities. But one does not have to be a professional skier to enjoy the town’s many facets.

When visiting Clarion Collection Hotel Hammer in Lillehammer, guests can combine skiing with a stay in the middle of the lively and typically cosy Norwegian town with its bars, restaurants and shops just outside. “A lot of people come visiting here because they know the place from the Olympics, but there are many other things to do as well,” says Hotel Manager Marianne Haraldsen.

For skiers, buses drive directly from the city centre to Hafjell skiing centre, where the women’s and men’s slalom were held in 1994, and lift cards can be bought at the hotel. The bob-sledge arena is another attraction, and for the kids, the Norwegian themed amusement park Hunderfossen with its fairytales and trolls may be an idea. Another very popular destination is Maihaugen open air history museum.

Hotel Hammer has 95 double rooms all located in the new part of the hotel built in 1991. Meanwhile the reception and dining room are a typical Norwegian timber walled building from 1865 allowing history and modern comfort to go hand in hand. The hotel offers a light dinner buffet and from three to six in the afternoon there are free waffles on the hotel’s DIY waffle set; a very popular treat for all guests, says Marianne.

For more details visit: www.choicehotels.no