Ringsaker: Medieval History, Mjøsa and Nature

Ringsaker brings together medieval buildings, a striking wooden structure on Lake Mjøsa, and opportunities for nature and leisure activities. In Brumunddal, Mjøstårnet and Mjøsparken stand side by side; other cultural and natural attractions offer different experiences. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ringsaker, you can start planning your trip around your interests: architectural history, outdoor excursions or leisure activities by the lake.

Medieval Buildings and Architecture on Lake Mjøsa

Ringsaker Church is one of Norway’s most authentic and best-preserved medieval churches. Its oldest sections date from the first half of the 12th century. The ruins of Mjøskastellet on Steinsholmen in Lake Mjøsa offer a different perspective on medieval building history: they are the remains of one of Norway’s largest known medieval towers. Here, you can encounter both church architecture and the ruins of a significant tower.

In Brumunddal, Mjøstårnet stands right next to Mjøsparken on Lake Mjøsa. At 18 storeys and 85.4 metres, Mjøstårnet is the world’s tallest wooden building. It was built by local entrepreneur Arthur Buchardt. Mjøsparken, a large lakeside recreation and leisure area, is right next door. The two neighbouring attractions offer different experiences: a wooden high-rise with clearly stated dimensions and a leisure area by the water.

Natural Attractions and Activities

The established annual programme “10 topper i Ringsaker” is accessible to all and leads to peaks, viewpoints and other natural highlights in various parts of Ringsaker. At 1,090 metres, Tuva is Ringsaker’s highest mountain. This gives you two distinct options for planning your trip: a programme featuring different types of natural attractions and a specific highest mountain.

Sjusjøen Alpine Center is located at Natrudstilen in Sjusjøen, Ringsaker. Its upper station is at an altitude of 954 metres. The centre has eight downhill runs, one chairlift and three smaller lifts. The lifts operate seasonally—a key point when planning the timing of your visit.

Helgøya Climbing Park on Helgøya is suitable for families. It has 14 courses, 20 zip lines and a total of 160 climbing elements. These numbers give you a concrete sense of the variety of climbing activities on offer, without needing to compare the individual elements.

The 2026 edition of “10 på hjul” is planned as an accessible tour to various cultural heritage sites in Ringsaker. You can complete the tour by bicycle or, if needed, by car. The programme connects cultural attractions with two explicitly provided transport options.

Garden Visits and Practical Information

Hovelsrud Visitor Garden on Helgøya has been restored to its 1840 condition. During the summer months, guided tours and garden walks take place on Sundays. A pop-up shop sells farm produce, vegetables from the kitchen garden and plants. The programme is seasonal and takes place on Sundays, so check the dates before your trip.

For practical directions, Prøysenhuset is a five-minute drive from the E6 at Rudshøgda. Traffic and road conditions may affect the actual journey time. The activities differ particularly in their timing and transport options: Hovelsrud’s garden programme takes place on summer Sundays, the lifts at Sjusjøen Alpine Center operate seasonally, and “10 på hjul” can be completed by bicycle or, if needed, by car.

Discover more destinations: Tingnes, Nes På Hedmark, Brumunddal, Sjusjøen, Moelv, Mesnali, Lismarka, Furnes

For the broader travel overview: Hedmark.