PlizioGo

Hamar

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
PlizioGo—°1166
Hamar (Norway)
ℹ️

Practical info — Hamar

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Vikingskipet (Viking Ship) arena is sometimes closed for events, so check the schedule before visiting.
  • Parking near the Mjøsa promenade gets crowded on sunny weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.
  • Take a walk along the lake just before sunset for some of the best views in the city.
  • If visiting in summer, the vintage train ride at the Norwegian Railway Museum is a great way to save your legs.

🍽 Food

🍽
Rakfisk (fermented trout)

Look for traditional Norwegian menus in the city center to try this acquired taste.

🍽
Skibladner dining

If taking a trip on the historic paddle steamer, order their traditional salmon and strawberries.

🍽
Freshly baked pastries

Stop by a local bakery on the main square for a morning coffee and a sweet treat.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
CC Hamar

A large shopping center just outside the core where you can find everything from clothes to local groceries.

🛍
Stortorget markets

Check the main square for farmers' markets, especially in the summer months.

🧘
Domkirkeodden

Wander around the glass-enclosed cathedral ruins and the surrounding open-air museum park.

🧘
Koigen park

A waterfront recreational area great for a peaceful walk or a relaxing sit by the lake.

Highlights of 2026

1

Hamar is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, in Innlandet county. The city has a rich medieval history dating back to 1050, when it served as a crucial religious and commercial hub. A prominent testament to this era is the ruins of the old Hamar Cathedral, now protected by a modern glass structure and part of the Hedmark Museum. The modern city of Hamar was established in 1849 and quickly evolved into a transport gateway on the railway line between Oslo and Trondheim. Hamar gained international fame as a host city for the 1994 Winter Olympics, for which the iconic 'Vikingskipet' (The Viking Ship) speed skating arena was constructed. The city is also a major center for agricultural technology and regional administration. Hamar provides a high quality of life with extensive lakeside parks and an animated cultural scene. The architecture spans from historical wooden buildings to innovative modern structures that honor the region's heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-8-42813151493-3-7
Rain mm7152525510010312313093938669

Live webcam – Hamar

See what it looks like near Hamar right now.

Hamar › South · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
29,479
Coordinates
60.79450, 11.06800

Facts

  • Hamar was established as a bishopric in 1050 by King Harald Hardrada.
  • The glass protective structure for the cathedral ruins was completed in 1998.
  • The Vikingskipet arena was the venue for speed skating in the 1994 Olympics.
  • Hamar is located on the shores of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake.
  • The city's modern layout dates back to its re-establishment in 1849.
  • It is home to the Norwegian Railway Museum, the oldest of its kind in Norway.

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.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hamar (16)

Norsk jernbanemuseum🏛 museum

Norwegian Railway Museum in Hamar displays historic trains and railway equipment.

Anno museum🏛 museum

Anno Museum in Hamar is a regional museum focusing on the cultural history of Hedmark.

Hedmarksmuseet🏛 museum

This museum in Hamar showcases the regional history and heritage of the Hedmark area.

Aulaen Domkirkeodden🎭 culture

A performance venue in Hamar located within the historic Domkirkeodden area.

Hamarkaupangen🏺 historical

An archaeological site in Hamar featuring remains of the medieval market town.

Sandvikastranda🎡 recreation

Sandvikastranda is a popular swimming area on the shores of Lake Mjøsa in Hamar.

Ridehusstranda🎡 recreation

A public beach in Hamar offering recreational activities along Lake Mjøsa.

Hamar park🌳 park

Hamar Park is a central green space in the city providing areas for relaxation and play.

Geiteryggen🌿 nature

Geiteryggen is a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas over Hamar and Lake Mjøsa.

Lokhallen📍 landmark

Lokhallen is a historic railway building in Hamar now used for cultural events.

Hamar Kulturhus🎭 culture

The Hamar Culture House is a modern facility hosting concerts, cinema, and theatre.

Hamardomen⛪ religious

The ruins of Hamar Cathedral, built around 1200.

Utvandrerkirken⛪ religious

The Emigrant Church in Hamar is a historic wooden church related to Norwegian migration.

Storhamar kirke⛪ religious

Storhamar Church is a local parish church serving the Storhamar district of Hamar.

Akersvika naturreservat🌿 nature

An important wetland nature reserve on Lake Mjøsa, known for its diverse birdlife.

Koigen Badeplass🎡 recreation

A popular urban beach and swimming area on the shores of Lake Mjøsa in Hamar.

Frequently asked questions

On which lake is Hamar located?
Hamar is located on the shores of Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake.
What is the 'Viking Ship' in Hamar?
It is a speed skating arena (Vikingskipet) built for the 1994 Winter Olympics.
What can you see at Domkirkeodden?
There you can find the ruins of the old cathedral, protected by a modern glass structure.
How long is the train ride from Oslo to Hamar?
The train ride takes about 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes.
Which famous steamer calls at Hamar?
The Skibladner, the world's oldest paddle steamer, operates on Lake Mjøsa in the summer.
Hamar: where is it located?
Hamar is located in Norway.
Hamar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Norsk jernbanemuseum, Anno museum, Hedmarksmuseet.
Hamar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hamar: why is it worth visiting?
Hamar is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, in Innlandet county.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Norway →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks