The area has been settled since the Norwegian Iron Age. It is mentioned in the old sagas as “Litlikaupangr” (the small market place) and as “Litlihamrr” (the small Hamar – to distinguish it from the town and bishopric of Hamar). Lillehammer grew a lot in the 19th century. It had a lively market by the 1800s, and obtained the right as a merchant city in 1827. The great surroundings with the forested hills and mountains and the largest lake of Norway, Lake Mjøsa, together with the cosy atmosphere of the town centre with its charming and historic buildings, make Lillehammer a destination so absolutely worth visiting.