Explore the town's industrial heritage

To explore its history, follow the Mesna cultural trail – information displays are provided along the way.

Lillehammer was awarded town status in 1827, and river Mesna, flowing through its heart was perhaps the most important reason why. To explore its history, follow the Mesna cultural trail – information displays are provided along the way.

By Strandtorget shopping centre, start on the southern side of the old factory buildings and follow Sliperivegen up the hill. Turn left and continue along the footpath through the underpass. Follow signs for Mesna Kultursti. Along the way is Den Norske Knappefabrik, a button factory that started production in 1922 and is still in operation.

Further up is Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik, established in 1887. The company has approx. 180 employees and manufactures upholstery fabrics and other textiles. Mølla Hotell, by the Kirkegata bridge, is a converted old granary, and opened in connection with the 1994 Winter Olympics.

When you reach tarmac just down from Lilletorget, you are almost in the middle of Storgata in Lillehammer town centre. You then have the option to continue along the Mesna river and up to the ski jumping arena. See description: “From pedestrian street to ski jump”