Location and Legacy
Located in the tranquil countryside near Lillehammer, Sjusjøen stands as the quintessential venue for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Set within a region steeped in a proud skiing tradition—where generations have embraced the sport not merely as a means of travel but also as a cherished winter pastime—the area invites visitors to experience a confluence of heritage and modern athleticism. Moreover, its proximity to Lillehammer deepens the allure, as the town’s illustrious role in hosting the 1994 Winter Olympic Games continues to reverberate throughout the region. This Olympic legacy adds an extra layer of prestige, with the echoes of sporting excellence present in every snowy trail.
A Journey Through Immaculate Slopes and Charming Huts
What is truly impressive is both the scale and quality of the facilities on offer. Hundreds of kilometres of impeccably groomed tracks unfurl with the effortless grace of winter artistry. Unofficially acclaimed as a prime destination for cross-country skiing, Sjusjøen provides up to 350 km of free trails, ensuring that even during peak season the routes remain refreshingly spacious. The landscape is peppered with characterful huts, conveniently sited at the edge of the slopes, each radiating a welcoming warmth against the crisp Norwegian chill.
As twilight descends, an ethereal aurora frequently graces the sky with a celestial display that never fails to captivate those with an appreciation for nature’s understated theatrics. Although the mountains here may not always be dramatic, the snow-blanketed forests and serene lakes together compose a scene of breathtaking simplicity. The snow itself is both robust and delicately forgiving, affording excellent conditions for cross-country skiing—even when straying from the main tracks. A particularly memorable circuit winds around Kroksjøen Lake, marrying scenic beauty with the invigorating pleasure of expansive, open tracks. This route treats skiers to a panoramic journey along gently curving trails where the glassy surface of the frozen lake mirrors the wintry sky, while snow-blanketed forests provide a serene backdrop.
A Taste of Local Life
No winter excursion would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Sjusjøen undoubtedly delights in this department. For everyday fare, the convenience of a Kiwi grocery store in town provides a quick snack solution, while the well-regarded Låven Bar offers a cosy bistro experience. For those in quest of a more extraordinary culinary adventure, a 15-minute drive will take you to Lillehammer or even further afield to the remote but splendid Pellestova Slakteriet, conveniently located on the way to the Hajfell ski resort. These establishments serve dishes with genuine sophistication—each plate presented against a backdrop of striking views and the refined elegance of modern Nordic design. Whether one opts for a pragmatic frozen pizza at around 3 EUR/USD or indulges in a gourmet dinner amid stylish interiors and panoramic vistas, the variety of culinary options proves as refreshing as the alpine air.
Where to Stay and How to Arrive
Accommodation in the Sjusjøen region is pleasantly surprising. In a country famed for its high living expenses, visitors will find an array of cosy and appealing huts available at unexpectedly reasonable rates. We opted for an upgraded hut in a splendid location, comfortably accommodating 10 people and positioned just 150 metres from the slopes. Our gracious host, Trond, even ensured we had a crate of beer and kindly offered his private charging station to service our electric Toyotas—a thoughtful touch in more ways than one. Approximately 40 EUR (or USD) per person per day, we found this to be an exceptional deal by Norwegian standards. Moreover, one can easily secure even better bargains in the area when opting for very cosy, albeit slightly less upscale, accommodations.
To reach this pristine winter retreat, many travellers prefer the train from Oslo Airport—Gardermoen in particular—to Lillehammer, followed by the convenient bus 511 directly to Sjusjøen. Alternatively, renting a car provides added flexibility. Notably, there is a growing preference for electric vehicles here—a commendable choice given that electricity is approximately three times cheaper than petrol. Many rental cottages even feature their own charging stations, making an electric road trip both practical and environmentally conscious. That said, driving an electric SUV does come with its quirks; we found ourselves meticulously managing every factor that might impact the vehicle’s energy consumption—from deactivating the radio to turning off the air conditioning and even USB chargers. Although Norway boasts an extensive network of charging stations, newcomers to electric vehicles would do well to allow extra time to familiarise themselves with the various payment options and charging systems on offer.
A visit to Sjusjøen, with its sweeping snow-covered slopes, inspiring natural beauty, and warm local culture, is an invitation to savour winter’s most refined pleasures — with a subtle dash of cheeky humour. One might even jest that if the slopes could whisper, they’d regale you with tales of countless skis, hearty laughter, and the occasional aurora-induced moment of selfie perfection.
