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Gjøvik

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City
PlizioGo—°21410
Gjøvik (Norway)
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Practical info — Gjøvik

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The historic Skibladner paddlesteamer on Lake Mjøsa only operates during summer; book tickets well in advance.
  • Bring a warm sweater to the Fjellhallen (Olympic Cavern Hall), as the underground arena is quite cool even in summer.
  • The lakeside promenade along Lake Mjøsa is excellent for an evening walk and has great sunset views.
  • Instead of searching for street parking, use the designated parking garages in the city center for a stress-free visit.

🍽 Food

🍽
Mjøsa trout (Mjøsørret)

Look for this fresh local delicacy at the restaurants situated near the lake.

🍽
Elgkarbonader (moose patties)

A traditional game dish often featured in classic Norwegian restaurants downtown.

🍽
Skillingsboller (cinnamon rolls)

Grab a freshly baked pastry from one of the bakeries in the pedestrian zone.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local glass and ceramics

Explore the small boutiques near Gjøvik Gård for unique, locally made crafts.

🛍
CC Gjøvik

The largest shopping center in the region, well-suited for finding Norwegian fashion brands and daily items.

🧘
Gjøvik Gård park

Relax in the beautiful, well-maintained park surrounding the historic farm right in the city center.

🧘
Fastland

Visit this outdoor swimming pool and recreation area early in the morning for a peaceful retreat.

Highlights of 2026

2

Gjøvik, located on the western shores of Lake Mjøsa in Innlandet county, is a city renowned for its industrial heritage and its role as a regional educational hub. The town's growth was initiated by the establishment of the Gjøvik Glassworks in 1760, which served as its economic foundation for decades; its history is now preserved at the Gjøvik Gård cultural center. A world-famous landmark of the city is the 'Skibladner' paddle steamer, the world's oldest operating ship of its kind, which continues to transport passengers across Lake Mjøsa. Gjøvik gained significant international recognition during the 1994 Winter Olympics when the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall (Fjellhallen), the world's largest cavern hall for public use, was blasted into the mountainside. Today, the city is a major campus for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), fostering a lively and innovative environment. The local economy features specialized manufacturing, including O. Mustad & Søn, a global leader in the production of fishing hooks. The surrounding terrain features exceptional opportunities for hiking, skiing, and water sports on Norway's largest lake. Gjøvik effectively balances its industrial past with a forward-looking focus on higher education and technology.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-9-8-51712151382-4-8
Rain mm7151525710110913013392948466

Geography

Population
17,596
Coordinates
60.79000, 10.68000

Facts

  • Gjøvik was officially incorporated as a town in 1861.
  • The Skibladner steamer was built at Motala in Sweden in 1856.
  • The Olympic Cavern Hall has a seating capacity of over 5,000 people.
  • Gjøvik Glassworks was famous for its distinctive 'Gjøvik blue' glass.
  • The city is a major center for research into cyber security in Norway.
  • The Fastland outdoor swimming pool is a popular local summer attraction.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gjøvik (14)

Eiktunet🏛 museum

An open-air museum in Gjøvik showcasing regional history.

Kauffeldtgården🏛 museum

A historic building and museum in the center of Gjøvik.

🕒 We-Fr 10:00-15:00

Mustad Bedriftsmuseum🏛 museum

An industrial museum in Gjøvik dedicated to the history of the Mustad company.

Hovdetoppen🌿 nature

Viewpoint hill overlooking Lake Mjøsa in Gjøvik.

Bergstoppen🌿 nature

Set high above the town, Bergstoppen in Gj Vik features an impressive natural experience. From this viewpoint in Norway, one can gaze far across the region. Travelers should have their cameras ready to capture the expansive landscape.

Gjøvik kirke⛪ religious

Gjøvik Church, built in 1882, was designed by Jacob Wilhelm Nordan and is a protected heritage site.

Kallerud bru📍 landmark

Stone arch bridge over the Hunnselva river in Gjøvik.

Engbrua📍 landmark

Pedestrian bridge over the Hunnselva river in Gjøvik.

Hunn kirke⛪ religious

Hunn Church in Gjøvik, built in 1968, designed by Abrahamsen, Grinde and Phil.

Engehaugen kirke⛪ religious

Engehaugen Church in Gjøvik, built in 1985, designed by Jan Arne Frydenlund.

Rambekkvika📍 landmark

Rambekkvika is a rocky cove on Lake Mjøsa with a viewpoint in Gjøvik.

Otium Spa👨‍👩‍👧 family

A spa in Gj Vik offering relaxation for the whole family.

Hovdetjernet👨‍👩‍👧 family

A swimming pool in Gj Vik well-suited for family fun and exercise.

Smedstua Badeplass👨‍👩‍👧 family

A swimming area in Gj Vik first-rate for enjoying the water and scenery.

Frequently asked questions

On which lake is Gjøvik located?
Gjøvik is located on the western shore of Lake Mjøsa.
What is the Rock Hall (Fjellhallen)?
It is the world's largest ice arena built entirely inside a mountain.
Is there a glassworks in Gjøvik?
Yes, Gjøvik Glassverk has a long tradition and can be visited.
What can you see at Gjøvik Farm?
A beautiful historic estate with a park, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Is Gjøvik a university town?
Yes, Gjøvik hosts a campus of the NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology).
Gjøvik: where is it located?
Gjøvik is located in Norway.
Gjøvik: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eiktunet, Kauffeldtgården, Mustad Bedriftsmuseum.
Gjøvik: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gjøvik: why is it worth visiting?
Gjøvik, located on the western shores of Lake Mjøsa in Innlandet county, is a city renowned for its industrial heritage and its role as a regional educational hub.
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