Located 18km northeast of Oslo, this Norwegian city has a 12th-century St. Olav's Church and the world's oldest operating steam locomotive at its Railway Museum.
Lillestrøm, a town 18 kilometers northeast of Oslo, has grown from its sawmill origins into a modern Norwegian city. From the contemporary art exhibitions at Nitja Center to the local football matches at Åråsen Stadium, you'll find plenty to do. The town's central location puts you just 12 minutes from Oslo Airport and 20 minutes from the capital by train. Each June, the town hosts a 4-day street festival where you can enjoy Norwegian bands, local food, and carnival activities alongside thousands of residents.
Getting Around Lillestrøm
Three major railway lines connect at Lillestrøm's railway station, a central transport point in eastern Greater Oslo. You can reach Oslo Airport in 12 minutes on the high-speed Gardermoen Line, or travel to Oslo's city center in about 20 minutes on the Trunk Line. The Kongsvinger Line runs northeast with hourly trains to Sweden.
Sports and Recreation
Lillestrøm SK, the local football club, plays home games at Åråsen Stadium, which holds 12,250 spectators. At Lillestrøm idrettspark sports complex, you'll find multiple football pitches, an indoor arena, and Romerike friidrettsstadion - an athletics stadium with eight running tracks. The facility was one of the venues for ice hockey during the 1952 Winter Olympics.
Shopping and Entertainment
In the town center, you can shop at Lillestrøm torv mall or browse independent stores and restaurants along the main streets. The new cinema shows both international and Norwegian films, while the community cultural house runs theater productions, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. In summer, the outdoor swimming pool complex opens for public swimming and sunbathing.
Annual Street Festival
The town's 4-day street festival in June celebrates Lillestrøm's town status. Multiple outdoor stages host well-known Norwegian musicians, while food vendors sell local and international cuisine. Local businesses run exhibitions throughout the event, and families can enjoy carnival rides set up along the main streets.
Environmental Initiatives
Lillestrøm's location on an inland river delta has required extensive flood protection, including flood embankments and 15 pumping stations. The municipality's 2021 climate strategy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through specific targets and implementing climate adaptation measures like improved drainage systems and green infrastructure.
