Hamar: Culture, Museums and Lakeside Paths

Hamar brings together cultural and historical sites, museums and paths by Mjøsa. The highlights vary considerably: Domkirkeodden combines historic buildings with a medieval town site, while the lakeside promenades offer opportunities to get active by the water. If you are looking for a hotel in Hamar, these themes can help you plan your trip around your own interests.

The Middle Ages and architectural history at Domkirkeodden

A total of 65 listed buildings stand on the 400-dekar site of Domkirkeodden. They were relocated here from villages around Hamar. The medieval town of Hamarkaupangen, dating from around 1050, is also located at Domkirkeodden. The site therefore brings together relocated historic buildings and an earlier town site.

The Hamardomen is also located there. The historic ruin, topped by a modern glass structure, now serves both as a concert hall and as a church. The combination of ruin and glass structure makes its distinctive architecture another aspect of a visit: alongside its medieval history, the building’s present-day use is also in focus.

Art and music history

Kunstbanken – senter for samtidskunst in Hamar presents Norwegian and international art in the former Norges Bank building. Exhibitions of arts and crafts and visual art rotate through eight gallery rooms. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular exhibition theme, it is worth checking the current programme.

The Kirsten Flagstad Museum is located in Strandstuen, where Kirsten Flagstad was born in 1895. The collection includes costumes, props, photographs and objects from the singer’s life. During the summer season, the museum offers guided tours daily; registered groups are welcomed throughout the year. Check the specific seasonal dates before planning a guided tour. This lets you choose between a visit focused on art, an exploration of music history or the historic sites at Domkirkeodden.

Walks and activities by Mjøsa

Hamar’s lakeside promenades form a landscaped, seven-kilometre path suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. The promenade is also part of the Pilegrimsleden pilgrimage route. You can plan to use the lakeside path for a walk or a workout; its length and listed uses provide a clear guide.

Koigen is a family-friendly recreational area along the shore by the lakeside promenades, right next to central Hamar. The Koigen diving facility has a five-metre-high diving tower and a platform for jumping and diving from a height of 2.5 metres. The Stupetårnet diving tower is also located by the shore, right near the town centre. Mjøsfronten is set up for land- and water-based activities; if you are interested in a specific offering, check what is currently available before your trip.

The Domkirkeodden climbing park runs alongside the lakeside promenades towards Jernbanemuseet. Its operating schedule may vary, so it is a good idea to check before visiting. At Geitryggen, you can look out over Mjøsa to the north towards Furnesfjord and to the south towards Minnesund. The viewpoint complements the lakeside paths with views in both directions across the lake.

Museums and seasonal offerings

The Jernbanemuseet in Hamar has a large museum park with historic station buildings, railway facilities and locomotives from different periods. In summer, rides on the Tertitten museum railway are offered there. Children can ride the Knertitten miniature railway. As these activities may only be available seasonally, check the dates in advance.

The Vikingskipet also offers a seasonal activity: during ice-skating sessions, the public can skate there; the arena has a skate rental service and a skate shop. Check the current public skating times before planning a visit. For nature watching, you can plan a visit to the Åkersvika nature reserve, where birdlife can be observed from two observation towers. Hamar thus offers cultural and historical sightseeing, waterside activities, seasonal experiences and birdwatching as distinct options.

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