(5)Day Five: Adventures in Lillehammer – Medieval Stave Church and the Magic of Scandinavian Weather at Maihaugen

We woke up to a gloomy, cloudy morning, with the thermometer showing just 10 degrees Celsius. I wasn’t deterred from having breakfast on the veranda, as the Scandinavian saying goes: "There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing." We knew Norway wouldn’t be warm, so we came prepared with thicker clothes and even a shoe dryer, which later proved quite useful.

After breakfast, we set off for Lillehammer, a 1.5 hour drive. Since we skipped the Folk Museum in Oslo, we were determined to explore Maihaugen in Lillehammer—rain or no rain. On the way, we stopped at a bakery in Aurdal that we had spotted the previous day. Here, we found the typical Norwegian treat, skolebrød, or "school bread," a bun filled with vanilla cream. It got its name because it used to be given to schoolchildren as a snack. I recommend buying this only from a proper bakery, as the store-bought versions can be overly sweet.

Back to Lillehammer the Maihaugen museum is said to have a richer collection than the one in Oslo (though it's less famous), with its main attraction being the stunning Garmo Stave Church (Garmo stavkirke).

This medieval wooden church originally stood in the village of Garmo in Oppland County and was built around the 1150s. It represents the Norwegian stave church style, one of the most iconic examples of medieval Norwegian architecture. These wooden structures are not only historically significant but can also be a great source of inspiration due to their unique and intricate design.

Its history is special: the original building was reconstructed in the 1920s using parts saved during its earlier dismantling. This meticulous care is impressive, especially when you think about how cold Norwegian winters can be. In other places, the old beams might have been used as firewood, but in Norway, they were respectfully preserved.

The Maihaugen area features numerous other buildings from various historical periods. The old school was particularly interesting, complete with original desks, maps, and blackboards, and even the inscriptions carved into the desks by students have been preserved. It’s incredible how authentically these old buildings have been reconstructed—even the air had a scent that made it feel like stepping back hundreds of years. The museum features buildings from several historical periods.

Unfortunately, by the end of the day, we were both exhausted. The constant drizzle wasn’t particularly bothersome, but the sheer number of sights wore us out, leaving us with no energy to explore further. The Art Museum would have been an exciting visit, especially for Munch's works. We decided to return to our accommodation to rest and enjoy the beautiful view offered by the Norwegian landscape. The road to and from Lillehammer was filled with grazing sheep, and we often saw cars waiting for them to clear the way. :)

It was quite cold outside in the evening, but we lit every possible candle inside and enjoyed a cozy atmosphere, just like on a chilly autumn evening, as we spent our last night in the little wooden cabin

Additional Facts About Lillehammer and the Maihaugen Museum:

Lillehammer was a famous site of the 1994 Winter Olympics and has since attracted visitors with its ski resorts and stunning natural surroundings. One of the city’s main attractions is the Maihaugen Museum, one of Scandinavia's largest open-air museums. It houses more than 200 historical buildings, providing a glimpse into Norwegian life from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

In addition to residential buildings and churches, the museum grounds feature workshops, farm buildings, and even an entire village, showcasing life in the 18th and 19th centuries. The "modern city" section, in particular, offers insight into 20th century urban life.

Maihaugen is not just a museum, it's living history, offering a unique experience for everyone, whether they are interested in history, architecture, or art. Lillehammer and its surroundings are also excellent destinations for nature lovers, with countless hiking trails and outdoor activities, whether for summer excursions or winter sports.