Big swing at Hoel Farm

THE HAMAR REGION

Rural idyll by Lake Mjøsa

A map of Norway with a red dot on Hamar.
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

Hamar is a city in Eastern Norway. The city is located on the shores of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake.

Visit Domkirkeodden, where Europe’s largest glass building surrounds and protects the 950 year old Hamardomen, hailed by Travel + Leisure as one of the most beautiful museums in the world. Or indulge in the art of slow travel on the venerable steamship Skibladner.

The forests and low mountains around Hamar offer almost unlimited hiking opportunities.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

Skibladner on Lake Mjøsa in the Hamar region, Eastern Norway
Hamar Cathedral, Hamar
The Tertitt train at The Norwegian Railway Museum, Hamar
Hiking at Budor in the Hamar region, Eastern Norway
Cross-country skiing in Budor in the Hamar region, Eastern Norway
Sledging in Budor, the Hamar region, Eastern Norway
Stange Vestbygd in the Hamar region, Eastern Norway

Glide across Lake Mjøsa on board the world’s oldest operative paddle steamer Skibladner ...

… and fill your days with high-speed or relaxing activities by Norway’s biggest lake.

The Hamar region offers both action and relaxation.

Hamar was a centre of power as far back as the Viking Age, and the city’s museum is just as impressive as the region’s rich history. Travel + Leisure named Domkirkeodden one of the world’s most beautiful museums.

Enjoy the acoustics when the museum’s singing guides chime in with Gregorian chants.

Get nostalgic at The Norwegian Railway Museum with the scent of steam from historic vintage trains. Hop aboard the Tertittoget train at Smålå station for a ride through the railway park.

Choo choo!

Ilsengstiene has even been awarded the title of Norway’s most beautiful trail!
During winter, there almost as many kilometres of skiing trails.

Explore the white snow on the majestic Hedmarksvidda mountain plateau and enjoy an orange from your pack or a fresh waffle at a staffed cabin.

Or maybe you would rather get behind the wheel at Norway’s biggest sledge riding centre at Budor? Take the sledge lift up again for another ride.

Serious fun!

Follow the pilgrims trail on the St. Olav's Ways along small country roads in Stange Vestbygd.
Does the hilly landscape of green meadows and proud farms seem familiar? It’s been dubbed ‘the Tuscany of the North’.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Ottestadstien 1
    Stange

    Ottestadstien

    A 15 km trail through beautiful Stange Vestbygd
    Child play and bathing arena
    Hamar

    Ankerskogen swimming pool and spa

    Hamar is home to one of Norway's largest swimming complexes
    The Norwegian Railway Museum
    Hamar

    The Norwegian Railway Museum

    Experience the norwegian railway history
    Atlungstad Golf
    Ottestad

    Atlungstad Golf

    An epic golf course by Mjøsa
    Skibladner og klokketårnet
    Gjøvik

    DS Skibladner

    The white swan of Lake Mjøsa
    Edvard Munch portrett
    Ådalsbruk

    The Munch Center

    Edvard Munch was born in Løten
    An atmospheric night photo of the cathedral ruins at Domkirkeodden, illuminated by warm lighting that highlights the stone walls and the distinctive w
    Hamar

    Domkirkeodden

    One of the world's most beautiful museums.
    Matkvartalet 4
    Hamar

    Matkvartalet

    Matkvartalet - Innlandet's new food destination
    Koigen beach, children playing in the sea
    Hamar

    The beach area of Koigen

    A beach area right by the city center
    Kirsten Flagstad portrett
    Hamar

    Kirsten Flagstad Museum

    Norway's most famous international opera singer was born at Hamar
    Norwegian Emigrant Museum
    Ottestad

    Norwegian Emigrant Museum

    Fascinating Norwegian emigration history
    Seaside Cablepark
    Hamar

    Seaside Cablepark

    Norway's longest 2.0 system cableway
    ilsengstiene28
    Ilseng

    Ilsenstiene

    Voted Norway's best trail network
Find more activities and attractions
The world's tallest wood hotel, Frich's Hotel, Brumunddal, Eastern Norway

Everything is possible by Lake Mjøsa. Like building the highest wooden house in the world, for example.
Wood Hotel is as many as 86 metres tall! The hotel is 18 stories high and is set in a beautiful location by the lakeshore in Brumunddal.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • Hedmarktoppen bilder
    Hamar

    Hedmarktoppen and Hamar Cabin Rental

    Villa Heidi
    Espa

    Villa Heidi

    Book now
    Family in a modern hotel room with a seating area.
    Hamar

    Home Hotel Astoria

    Konglehytte vinter
    Espa

    Konglehytta Igluhut

    Standard double room at Scandic Hamar
    Hamar

    Scandic Hamar

    Book now
    20230711_053309_6148jpg_1600_750
    Espa

    Mjøsli cabin rental

    Tjern ved Budor koidedal
    Løten

    Forest cabins at Budor

    Wood Hotel by Frich’s
    Brumunddal

    Wood Hotel by Frich’s

    Book now
    Three people and a dog skiing on a ski trail with the sun from a blue sky
    Løten

    Budor cabin rental

    Thon Hotel Victoria Hamar
    Hamar

    Thon Hotel Victoria Hamar

More accommodation alternatives
Hovelsrud farm in the Hamar region, Eastern Norway
Girl playing in Snilsberg Family park, Ringsaker, Eastern Norway
A woman working in the kitchen garden at Hovelsrud Farm on the island of Helgøya

Daydream in the lush gardens at Hovelsrud Gård or one of the many other lovely and welcoming eateries and farm stays on Helgøya island …

Located in Ringsaker with beautiful views across Lake Mjøsa, Snilsberg Familiepark may be the greenest family park in Norway.

Along the long nature trail, you’ll encounter animals like hens, bottle-fed lambs, goats, calves, ponies, pigs, and peacocks.

Set aside time to stop by the charming produce stands and farm shops along the road.

Local produce doesn’t get more local than this!

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • Sushi Nagomi sushirestaurant
    Hamar

    Nagomi sushi restaurant and bar

    Matkvartalet 4
    Hamar

    Matkvartalet

    Stange Vestbygd Søndre Elton gjester
    Ottestad

    The strawberry kiosk at Søndre Elton

    Wings O'learys
    Hamar

    O'Learys

Find more restaurants

Get more information on Visit Mjosa's official website.

The Hamar region logo, Norwayvisitmjosa.no

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Hamar with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By train

    There are train departures every hour from Oslo to Hamar. The approximate travel time is 1.5 hours. From Trondheim, the travel time is 5.5 hours, while Lillehammer is just 45 minutes away.

    Ad: Visit Vy's website for tickets and timetables

    By road

    There are several daily bus departures from Oslo to Hamar. Check out Hedmark trafikk’s website for timetables.

    If you go by car from Oslo, follow the E6 towards Trondheim/Hamar. The travel time is around 1.5 hours.

    Ad: Auto Europe - always a smooth rental experience

    By plane

    Oslo Airportis the closest airport to the Hamar region. There are hourly train departures from Oslo Airport to Hamar with the NSB, and approximate travel time is 1 hour.

    Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations

Discover more

Borkerud pilgrim farm on the St. Olav Ways through Gudbrandsdalen, Eastern Norway
Pilgrimage on the St. Olav Ways
Two people cycling along the Rallarvegen Navvies’ Road in Fjord Norway, one of Norway’s top 13 scenic bike rides
13 scenic bike rides
Islands in Oslo, Eastern Norway, in summer
Go island hopping in Oslo
  • A family having a great time in Maihaugen, Lillehammer
    The Lillehammer region
    M/S Victoria passing Sundkil Bridge in Telemark, Norway
    Eastern Norway
    The mountain farm Heidal Ysteri in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley of Eastern Norway
    The Gudbrandsdalen valley

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.