Things to do in Lillestrøm

The train station’s central location makes it easy to get to and from our hotels in Lillestrøm. Thon Hotel Arena and Thon Hotel Lillestrøm are both short walks from the station, making them perfect for those with errands to run in Oslo. But wait before moving on because there are several things to check out first.

The city’s rural location, with the beautiful Nitelva as its nearest neighbour, makes Lillestrøm a romantic stop along the way. The city has beautiful recreational areas and a charming centre, where an attractive square surrounded by bars, restaurants and nightclubs sets the mood.

A few tips for things to do when visiting Lillestrøm:

Art experiences

The building that houses the Nitja centre for contemporary art has become a well-known exhibition venue for Norwegian and international contemporary artists. The stylish architect-designed building is impossible not to notice and is a work of art in itself, but the inside is also worth a visit. Exhibitions change regularly, but what they all have in common is that they are sure to surprise you. 

If you would like to visit another gem on the other end of the architectural spectrum, you can also visit Galleri Brogata 2. This Swiss chalet style building from 1885 was the residence of the manager of Lillestrøm Dampsag & Høvleri for many years. Today, the Skedsmo Art Society is responsible for maintaining the house and exhibiting everything from classical art to modern works.

Legendary sawmill

History buffs may already know that it was the lumber industry that gave birth to Lillestrøm. The waterways around the city were essential to the industry and in several places along the rivers of the municipality, you can find traces of the 15 sawmills in operation here until the mid-1900s. Make sure to visit Lurkahuset. This small wooden house from the 1700s is Lillestrøm’s oldest, furnished as it might have been by a logging family. And in Strømmen on the other side of Nitelva, you can see Strømmensaga, a reconstructed sawmill from the 1700s. 

Åråsen Stadium

Why not see a football match while you’re here? Åråsen Stadium is a 15-minute walk from Thon Hotel Lillestrøm. The stadium, first built in 1951, is LSK’s home ground and can accommodate 11,500 spectators.

NOVA Spektrum

Corporate and cultural events are organised regularly at the NOVA Spektrum convention centre. The venue is used for everything from dog shows and concerts to political conventions and conferences.

See it on stage

Although the capital’s theatres are only a ten-minute train ride away, you don't need to head into Oslo for a great show. The Lillestrøm Kultursenter performs children’s theatre, musicals and concerts, and the centre also rents out the premises if you want to put on your own show. If you prefer the cinema screen to a theatre stage, you'll find the Odeon cinema just around the corner from Thon Hotel Lillestrøm.

Attention, football fans!

Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, or LSK, has captured the heart of many of a Lillestrømling, which is definitely reflected in the cityscape, where several pubs swear by football matches to attact patrons. The RePUBlic sports bar is considered by many to be the best pub to watch football, but the Fuser bar, Martins pub, Gevir and Lille Strøm bar also show matches.

Enjoy the outdoors like a native

Perhaps you’ve been sitting all day at a seminar or didn't get to bed until late last night. Whatever the reason you need some fresh air, you should do like the locals and walk the Nebben route. You start in the city centre, then walk through the Riverbredden art park and across Nitelva. The route takes around an hour and is perfect for clearing your head after an exhausting day or short night.

Fly like a veteran

Ever dream about flying the old way? Just north of the city, you can do just that! The Nedre Romerike Flyklubb and its veteran planes can be found here. Sit in an open cockpit while doing a loop over the city or enjoy a quiet trip over Oslo Fjord.

Food on the go

Sushi is perfect for on the go and in Lillestrøm, you'll find several good sushi restaurants that offer take-away. Try the sushi at Moshi Moshi, Chi or Tempura Sushi, all within walking distance of Thon Hotel Lillestrøm and Thon Hotel Arena. 

Local dining

Egon restaurant is located right next door to Thon Hotel Lillestrøm. The menu is large and varied, so there's always something for everyone. Here you can enjoy fish, meat, pasta, pizza, salads and vegetarian dishes, and eat outside or indoors among the charming decor of the restaurant.

Mediterranean flavours

If you are in the mood for Mediterranean food while visiting the city, reserve a table at the family-run Casa Mia restaurant and enjoy traditional Italian cuisine. If you prefer to head southwards, the Greek taverna Elia is a great choice, not to mention the Lebanese Feniqia. In the heart of the city, you'll find the Mirabel restaurant, which serves excellent quality Mediterranean fare from several countries.

Music to sink your teeth into

If you’re making a night of it, you can start your evening at the Lille Strøm bar, where the bartenders have mastered the art of mixing. If dancing isn't your thing, head to the Lillestrøm Bowlingsenter or try your hand at billiards or shuffleboard on the second floor of Martins pub. If you'd like a late night bite to eat, Gulating has delicious and juicy burgers. 

Cool down

If you're in Lillestrøm on a hot summer’s day, the Nebbursvollen outdoor swimming pool – or 'Nebben' as the locals call it – is the place to be. Nothing beats an outdoor swimming pool on a hot summer’s day and Nebben has three of them! The pool area also has waterslides, a café, barbecue grill, volleyball court and playground, so there's plenty to keep you busy all day long.

Spend the day among the trees

Only a short drive from Lillestrøm, you'll find the Høyt og Lavt climbing park. The park has 22 courses and 41 ziplines, making it the largest of its kind in Oslo and Viken. With courses of different difficulty levels, as well as a jumping tower and giant trampoline, the park has everything needed for an activity-filled day among the trees for both young and old.

Doing tricks at Rådhusparken

If you have a skateboarder in the family or are one yourself, bring yours board and check out Lillestrøm’s skate park, centrally located in Rådhusparken and within walking distance of Thon Hotel Arena. The park is one of the most diverse skate parks in the country and people travel long distances to skate or do tricks on a kick scooter here.

Sunday on horseback

Sørum Fritidsgård is beautifully located in a popular recreational area just outside of Lillestrøm town centre. Visit with the entire family and see pigs, goats, rabbits, horses and hens. On Sundays, young children can be led around on a horse, but if you're interested in learning how to control a horse for beginners, you need to reserve this in advance.

Winter activities

If you’re in Lillestrøm in wintertime, check out the small ice rink Piruetten at Lillestrøm Torv or go cross-country skiing on one of the tracks just outside the city. If you need equipment, you can borrow whatever you need from the BUA equipment centre for a fun day outdoors, but make sure to reserve everything in advance.

Åråsen Stadium

Want to go to a football match while you’re here? Åråsen Stadium is a 15-minute walk from Thon Hotel Lillestrøm. The stadium, first built in 1951, is LSK’s home ground and can accommodate 11,500 spectators.

NOVA Spektrum

Corporate and cultural events are organised regularly at the NOVA Spektrum convention centre. The venue is used for everything from dog shows and concerts to political conventions and conferences. Check whether any events are taking place when you're in Lillestrøm on the NOVA Spektrum website. 

See it on stage

Although the capital’s theatres are only a ten-minute train ride away, you don't need to head into Oslo for a great show. The Lillestrøm Kultursenter performs children’s theatre, musicals and concerts, and the centre also rents out the premises if you want to put on your own show. If you prefer the cinema screen to the theatre stage, the Odeon cinema is just around the corner fromThon Hotel Lillestrøm.

Spend the day among the trees

Only a short drive from Lillestrøm, you'll find the Høyt og Lavt climbing park. The park has 22 courses and 41 ziplines, making it the largest of its kind in Oslo and Viken. With courses of different difficulty levels, as well as a jumping tower and giant trampoline, the park has everything needed for an activity-filled day among the trees.

Let your hair down

Love to party and maybe a bit of dancing? In the Lillestrøm city centre, you'll find Solsiden, Barcode Loungea, Martins pub and Gevir, all of which have dance floors and regular appearances by DJs. Check out the nightlife event calender on Facebook to see who will be DJing during your visit.