The 1996 season of the Toppserien, the highest women's football (soccer) league in Norway, began on 21 April 1996 and ended on 13 October 1996.

18 games were played with 3 points given for wins and 1 for draws.

Number nine and ten were relegated, while two teams from the First Division were promoted through a playoff round.

After the season had ended, Sprint/Jeløy changed its name to Athene Moss.

Trondheims-Ørn won the league, losing only one game.