Gjøvik is Innlandet’s lakeside luminary — a municipality where Olympic halls are carved into mountains, glassblowers shape tradition, and steamships still paddle across Norway’s largest lake. With around 31,000 residents and a landscape that flips between fjordfront promenades and forested trails, Gjøvik is the kind of place where you can explore science in a hands-on museum, sip coffee in a 19th-century manor, and catch a concert in a cavern. It’s got waffles, waterparks, and a swan that sails — literally.
Top Attractions
- Gjøvik Olympiske Fjellhall – world’s largest underground auditorium built into a mountain
- Gjøvik Gård – 19th-century manor with gardens, museum & café
- Vitensenteret Innlandet – interactive science center for all ages
- Eiktunet – open-air museum with panoramic views & heritage buildings
- Fastland Friluftsbad – lakeside swimming area with diving boards & green space
Unique Experiences
- DS Skibladner – 1856 paddle steamer dubbed “The White Swan of Mjøsa”
- Gjøvik Glassverk – historic glassworks with live demonstrations & gift shop
- Galleri Svae – contemporary art gallery in a heritage building
- Umbrella Event – escape rooms, laser tag & airsoft in Norway’s largest action center
- Lekeland – indoor playpark with 30,000-ball ball pit & birthday zones
Where to Stay
Browse hotels, cabins & guesthouses in Gjøvik
Where to Eat
Explore top-rated restaurants in Gjøvik
Getting There
Gjøvik sits on the western shore of Lake Mjøsa, about 2 hours north of Oslo by train or car. The Gjøvikbanen railway line connects directly to the capital, and buses run to Lillehammer and Hamar. The town center is walkable, and ferries operate seasonally across the lake. Whether you arrive by train, paddle steamer, or curiosity, Gjøvik welcomes you with open arms and open-air museums.