Lillehammer & the Peer Gynt Road - Norway - page 192

Gullsmed Frisenberg, Storgata 74 ( & 61-25-03-36 ), now run by the fourth
generation of the founding family. Merchandise includes some of the best jew-
elry selections from Scandinavia's leading designers.
Sport og Fritid, Kirkegata 55 ( & 61-25-76-87 ), opposite the Lillehammer
Art Museum, offers a huge selection of winter and summer attire. Whatever you
need in the realm of sports gear you are likely to find here. Belsvik Match, Stor-
gata 72 ( & 61-25-47-09 ), is Lillehammer's oldest and biggest clothing outlet.
Merchandise comes in a wide range of price categories. Most visitors prefer to
come here for the traditional Norwegian knitwear.
WHERE TO STAY
EXPENSIVE
First Hotel Breiseth A winning choice, within an easy walk of Olympia
park, this government-rated three-star hotel is also close to the bus and train ter-
minals. A classic building from the 19th century, its location is more convenient
than panoramic. Remodeling has been very successful. However, traditional
touches remain, as evidenced by the turn-of-the-20th-century public rooms
with artwork on the walls and marble pillars holding up ceilings. We always
gravitate in winter to the blazing fireplace in the parlor. Guest rooms are small
to midsize, but are completely fresh and tastefully furnished with many wooden
pieces, along with tiled bathrooms with a shower. The suites have both a bath-
tub and shower. One wing caters specifically to those with allergies, with natu-
ral-fiber linens and a strict no-smoking or -pets policy.
1-5 Jernbanegaten 1, N-2609 Lillehammer. & 61-24-77-77. Fax [phone]. www.breiseth.com. 89 units.
Sun-Thurs 1,169NOK ($166) double, 1,553NOK ($221) suite; Fri-Sat 1,060NOK ($151) double, 1,300NOK
($185) suite. Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; sauna; laundry serv-
ice/dry cleaning. In room: TV, minibar, hair dryer.
Molla Hotel This is one of the most modern and desirable hotels in this
vast area, rising 11 floors from its location in the town center. It was constructed
in 1992 to host visitors to the 1994 Winter Olympics. The hotel is the second-
tallest building in town, and the site of one of Lillehammer's most sought-after
restaurants, which is recommended separately (p. 197). Bedrooms come in
pleasing pastels and are tastefully and comfortably furnished. Rooms are not as
luxurious as you might wish for but contain such grace notes as pine furnish-
ings, quilted bedspreads, and regional art. The bathrooms are rather small, con-
taining only showers. The location is the most romantic in town, a converted
mill dating from 1863 set by a rushing stream and waterfall. Another winning
feature is the panoramic rooftop bar.
Elvegaten 12, N-2609 Lillehammer. & 61-26-92-94. Fax [phone]. www.mollahotel.no. 58 units.
1,095NOK ($155) double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; sauna; limited room service; laundry
service/dry cleaning. In room: TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Radisson SAS Lillehammer Hotel Set at the halfway point
between the open-air museum at Maihaugen and the Olympic Park, this is the
best hotel in Lillehammer, opening onto a 3.5-hectare (8 1 ⁄ 2 -acre) park. Lying
600m (1,960 ft.) from the main street, it is the most traditional hotel in Lille-
hammer, having known a previous life as the Lillehammer Hotel. In its latest
reincarnation, it is better than ever, a smoothly running and efficient operation
with the best facilities in town. A small midrise, it greets you with a fountain
at the entrance, a nice touch that sets the tone for the interior. Paintings, panel-
ing, artifacts, and carpeting add to the style of the hotel. Bedrooms are well

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