Gjøvik: Culture, Mjøsa and active experiences

The municipality of Gjøvik lies on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. For a boat trip, Gjøvik is a natural starting point: the Skibladner is based here, and there are connections to and from Gjøvik on every operating day. In summer, the ship travels to Kapp, among other destinations. In good weather, you can take a bicycle on board and plan to cycle back. If you want the boat trip to be a fixed part of your journey, check the timetable for your dates.

Hiking trails can also shape your trip through the municipality: Gjøvik has an extensive network of trails throughout the municipality. Alongside boat services on Lake Mjøsa, trails on land offer another way to enjoy outdoor activities.

Culture and history in Gjøvik

The Gjøvik Olympic Mountain Hall was built for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is the world's largest public hall inside a mountain. The hall permanently houses a rock art exhibition described as Norway's largest. This brings together two distinct subjects in one place: Olympic history and an exhibition of rock art.

Gjøvik Gård offers another way to explore the area's history. The estate was built in 1810 by Caspar Kauffeldt, founder of the Gjøvik Glassworks, and is now a museum. It is also a protected park in the centre of Gjøvik. Guided tours of the main house are offered in summer; if you plan to take one, check the dates for your trip.

Swimming, parks and outdoor activities

Fastland is a free outdoor swimming pool with a 200-metre pool and a ten-metre-high diving tower. There is a separate area for small children who cannot yet swim. At Bassengparken, the focus is not on swimming but on a mix of parkland and small activities: walking paths pass two small ponds with fish and salamanders. There are also four small miniature golf courses, mini trampolines and an obstacle course for children aged seven to thirteen. Benches, tables and barbecue areas are also provided. Everyone may fish for trout at Bassengparken all year round.

Gjøvik Climbing Park is located at Øverby, a five-minute drive from the centre. Its climbing courses are between 0.5 metres and just under 15 metres above the ground, are suitable for adults and children, and range in difficulty. The park operates seasonally, so check the season dates when planning a visit. Gjøvik therefore offers both water-based activities and climbing at various heights.

By bike, on foot or by exploring for yourself

Stolpejakta is a free activity combining exercise and orienteering: on foot or by bicycle, you search for marked posts shown on a map. If you prefer learning through hands-on exploration, Vitensenteret Innlandet is a popular science experience and learning centre for mathematics, science and technology. Visitors learn by experimenting for themselves. At BUA Gjøvik, both residents of the municipality and visitors can borrow modern sports equipment free of charge.

Two locations are useful for getting your bearings during your stay: Gjøvik Gård is in the centre of Gjøvik, while the climbing park is at Øverby, a five-minute drive from the centre. This makes it easy to plan culture in the town centre and a trip to the climbing courses as separate activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gjøvik, Bybrua, Snertingdal, Hunndalen, Biri, Dovre, Østre Toten, Øyer.

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