Mjøsmuseet

Mjøsmuseet
Mjøsmuseet manages and presents the history of six wonderful properties and museum sites on the western side of Lake Mjøsa. The administrative offices and documentation centre are located at Kapp Milk Factory, while the operations department and the photo and object storage facilities are based at Eiktunet in Gjøvik.

All sites are open to the public during school holidays, and we welcome pre-booked groups almost all year round.

Find the museums and eateries that suit you and your interests:
 

Gjøvik gård
Gjøvik gård is a historic oasis in the heart of the city. The main building from the glassworks era is still standing. Step inside and experience the beautiful interiors left behind by the Mjøen family. Hear the stories of Bjørnson’s courtship, the Castberg children’s laws, and why the farm was given as a gift to the town’s residents. Enjoy the historic park, where you will find the playground “Frukthagen” and Norvald café. Every Saturday at 14:00 during school holidays, popular free concerts are held in the courtyard.

Just across the bridge, you can see original Gjøvik glass on display in the entrance area of Vitensenteret Innlandet, located in the old Holmen Distillery.
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Norvald café and wine bar in Drengestua at Gjøvik gård
In Drengestua, right in the middle of the courtyard at Gjøvik gård – Gjøvik’s green gem – you will find Norvald café and wine bar. Here you can enjoy food and drink in beautiful historic surroundings, either outdoors in the courtyard or indoors in the Drengestua. The menu offers a rich selection of wines from around the world, as well as homemade food prepared in our own kitchen.

If you would like to gather friends and family for a private event in our premises outside regular opening hours, please get in touch.
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Eiktunet open-air museum (Gjøvik)
Eiktunet is like a small village from the 19th century. The view over Lake Mjøsa is stunning, and the open-air museum is one of Gjøvik’s most popular hiking destinations. Here you can explore tenant cottages, small ponds, and mountain pasture meadows. Try your luck fishing – there is crucian carp in the ponds.

Eiktunet has a large car park, toilet facilities, and a café open on weekends.
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Eiktunet café at Eiktunet open-air museum
Eiktunet café is open on weekends and accepts small private bookings by arrangement.
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Steinberg open-air museum (Vestre Toten)
Steinberg remains almost untouched, with its courtyard, park, and interiors from the first half of the 19th century. Here you can experience County Governor’s wife Ditlevine’s kitchen, Lauritz Weidemann’s county office, the well-stocked woodshed, the gazebos at the bottom of the park, and the family’s private burial site. The open-air museum is a popular hiking area, where you will also find the Øverjordet farm, the tenant farm, and the summer pasture. End your walk with homemade baked goods at the café Ditlevines Utsikt.
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Mjøsa’s Ark at Kapp
At the museum Mjøsa’s Ark, you can see 8,000-year-old rock carvings and learn about Viking voyages, spirit smuggling, boat transport, and important environmental engagement. The museum also tells the story of Kapp Milk Factory, Dr Johan Olav Sopp’s research, the industrial adventure of Viking Milk, and the working-class environment at Kapp. Changing exhibitions featuring unique objects from Mjøsmuseet’s collections are also on display. There are several fun and educational activities for children. Want to try your luck fishing? What might be hiding in Lake Mjøsa? Entrance from the fjord side.

Just outside the museum you will find the marina, the Pilgrims’ Route, Restaurant Fjorn, and the Skibladner pier with its popular swimming area.
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The documentation centre (Kapp Milk Factory)
At Mjøsmuseet’s documentation centre, you will find family and farm archives, photo archives, a professional library, parish records, and census data. The family and farm archives primarily cover Toten, Gjøvik, Vardal, and Biri. In addition to access to these archives, we can assist you in searching for information in the Digital Archives.
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Mjøssamlingene at Minnesund
Visit the Mjøssamlingene, located beneath the old bridges over Minnevika. Experience the colourful history of shipping on Lake Mjøsa through the old warehouses, the captain’s residence, the log drivers’ barracks, the workshop, and the veteran boats that are still in use. This is also where you will find the slipway specially adapted for the Skibladner. The outdoor area is open to everyone, and the sandy beach is popular for swimming, fishing, and picnics.
• Read more about the Mjøsa collections at Minnesund