The 2016 1. divisjon was the second tier of Norwegian women's football in 2016.
The season kicked off on 16 April 2016, finishing on 6 November 2016.
The top placed team was promoted to next year's Toppserien.
The second placed team contested a playoff against the 11th placed team from the 2016 Toppserien for the right to play in Toppserien next season.