Moelv – History and experiences by Lake Mjøsa

Moelv lies at a distinctive crossroads: this is where the Moelva flows into Lake Mjøsa. The town’s history also brings together old mills and sawmills and its development into a railway town. Visitors choosing Moelv for a holiday will therefore find a range of things to explore, from the lakeside landscape and traces of the past to remarkable cultural heritage.

Getting around by train and boat

Moelv station is on the Dovre Line. Trains run from there towards Trondheim, Lillehammer, Oslo S and Drammen. The railway reached the town in 1894, when the station opened as the section between Hamar and Tretten entered service. Moelv’s rail connections can help with travel planning while also offering insight into the town’s history.

In summer, the Skibladner sails to Moelv. The paddle steamer then connects Gjøvik, Hamar, Eidsvoll, Lillehammer and Moelv, and is considered the world’s oldest paddle steamer still in operation. Visitors interested in historic forms of transport can include this seasonal boat service in their stay. Another way to explore the area along a designated route is the Mjøstråkk cycling route: from Moelv, it initially follows the old Turistvegen and then joins the old Trondhjemske Kongevei.

Church art and traces of the past

A cultural highlight is the altarpiece in Ringsaker Church. It was made in Antwerp in the early 16th century and comprises a total of 127 carved wooden figures. The altarpiece is considered unique in Norway. The church itself also has a long history: its oldest parts date from the first half of the 12th century, and it is considered one of the country’s most authentic and best-preserved medieval churches. The church is open to visitors in summer, and guided tours for groups are available year-round.

The rock carvings at Stein in Moelv offer a different kind of historical depiction. They are located at Steinsodden on the shore of Lake Mjøsa and date from the Late Stone Age. The carvings depict 16 elk. For families visiting with children, the figures provide a tangible starting point for conversation: this is not a single work of art, but a group of animal depictions from a very distant past.

Mjøskastellet, the ruin of Norway’s largest medieval tower, is located on Steinsholmen. The structure covers an area of 360 square metres and is automatically protected under Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act. There is also a hillfort at Stein, probably a defensive structure from the Migration Period, dating to around 400–600 AD. What remains are traces of stone walls and a hollow in the terrain, probably created as a water source.

Local history, routes and nature

Moelv’s more recent economic history is also on display. Strand Brænderi was founded in 1843 and is considered Norway’s oldest brewery. The grounds include seven Iron Age burial mounds or grave ruins. Along Kjærlighetsstien in Boligvika, concrete pillars beside the path recall the cellulose industry of the early 20th century. These places tell different chapters of the story, from prehistoric burials and brewing history to the industrial era.

Moelv is on the Gudbrandsdalsleden. Visitors interested in pilgrimage routes can take this into account when choosing their destination. Another natural feature is the Moelv-Tillit, which is protected in two small nature reserves: by Moelv brygge and in the residential area of Ekreskogen. The path at the Cellulosefabrikken information point is wheelchair accessible, and there are also good swimming spots there.

Events and more places to visit

Moelvdagene is a long-standing event held on the third weekend of June, with activities for adults and children. At InnlandsMarkedet 2026 on Herredshusplassen, a public market focused on regional food and small-scale producers took place on 28 and 29 August. These two examples cater to different interests: an event for a range of age groups and a market with a regional focus.

If you would like to discover more places in the area, you can also find Sjusjøen, Tingnes, Lismarka, Nes På Hedmark, Furnes, Mesnali and Brumunddal here.

For the broader travel overview: Ringsaker.