Hamar by Lake Mjøsa: Lakeside Paths, Culture and Ski Trails

Hamar combines paths by Lake Mjøsa with extensive museum grounds and winter activities. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find a variety of options here: a 7-kilometre waterfront promenade in the city and, on a larger scale, Mjøstråkk, a 234-kilometre cycling route around the lake. There are also cultural attractions such as Domkirkeodden and the Norwegian Railway Museum. Which of these appeals to you most may also influence your choice of a holiday apartment in Hamar.

Exploring the lakeshore

The waterfront promenade in Hamar is a well-maintained nature trail, suitable for walking, pushing a pram, running and cycling. At Domkirkeodden, it follows the shore of Lake Mjøsa and makes it possible to cross the entire area. This means you can make waterside activities part of your stay without committing to a particular pace or mode of transport. For a longer bike ride, Mjøstråkk offers a different scale: the route around Lake Mjøsa is 234 kilometres long.

The Åkersvika wetland also offers a distinctive way to experience nature: it provides special nature experiences and is particularly suitable for birdwatching. If you’d like to include both nature and culture in your travel plans, you can combine these interests with Hamar’s museum and lakeside experiences.

Domkirkeodden and Hamar’s cultural attractions

Domkirkeodden is a large museum and open-air site with plenty of opportunities for walking. The 400-Mål grounds stretch from Rosenlundvika in the south to Martodden in the north and contain a total of 65 historic buildings. They were moved here from villages around Hamar. The site combines a long walk with a glimpse of historic buildings, without limiting your visit to a single exhibition space.

Hamar Cathedral was designed in the Romanesque style by Heinrich Ernst Schirmer, one of Norway’s leading church architects, and has seating for 500 people. Another cultural attraction is the Norwegian Railway Museum. Its modern indoor exhibitions include a large museum park with various railway buildings and tracks. The Tertittoget has run on a fixed summer route at the museum since 1962.

Vikingskipet is Norway’s national speed skating arena. Major trade fairs, exhibitions, anniversaries and cultural events are held there every year. Alongside museums and historic sites, a large events arena is therefore another part of Hamar’s diverse cultural scene.

Active days in every season

In winter, the Hedmarken Turistløyper trail network offers a special opportunity: you can put on your skis in Hamar city centre and head across the high plateau via Gåsbu. The Gåsbu ski area is about ten kilometres from central Hamar and includes a floodlit trail, a dog-sledding arena and the Lierberget alpine slope. These specific differences can help you take your winter interests into account when choosing where to stay, without assuming a particular location or accommodation feature.

There are also a variety of options for other activities. Ankerskogen’s family water park has a beach area, a paddling pool and slides. Domkirkeodden climbing park is located along the waterfront promenade towards the Norwegian Railway Museum. If you’re interested in travelling on the lake, you can also discover DS Skibladner: the paddle steamer, built in 1856 and protected as a cultural heritage monument, sails a fixed route between Eidsvoll and the Mjøsa towns of Hamar, Gjøvik, Lillehammer and Moelv.

Whether you want to focus on lakeside paths, museums, wildlife watching or winter sports, Hamar offers a range of ways to get started. Tailor your search for a holiday apartment to the experiences that matter most to you during your stay.

More destination pages

Also explore the destination pages for Ingeberg and Hamar. More destinations: Os, Stor-Elvdal, Elverum, Løten, Åmot, Åsnes.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Hedmark.