Gjøvik

A lakeside industrial town on the shores of Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, Gjøvik offers water activities, local museums, and the remarkable underground Olympic ice hockey hall. The town serves as a gateway for exploring the Mjøsa lake region.

Things to do

• Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall — Tour the remarkable underground ice hockey arena built inside a mountain for the 1994 Winter Olympics, featuring both the main rink and training facilities.
• Mjøsa Lake Swimming & Water Sports — Swim, kayak, or paddleboard on Norway's largest freshwater lake with designated beaches and rental facilities along the waterfront.
• Gjøvik Museum — Explore local history, industrial heritage, and traditional Norwegian culture through exhibits housed in a historic building in the town center.
• Tangen Art Museum — Visit this contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions of Nordic and international artists just outside the town center.
• Mjøsa Steamship Cruises — Take a scenic boat tour on the historic lake aboard traditional or modern vessels with views of surrounding forests and small villages.
• Hiking Trails Around Gjøvik — Access numerous marked trails through forests and along lakeside paths suitable for all fitness levels with stunning natural scenery.

Food to try

• Mjøsa Freshwater Fish — Sample local char, pike, and perch caught fresh from Mjøsa lake, often prepared grilled or poached in traditional Norwegian style.
• Brunost (Brown Cheese) — Try this distinctive caramel-colored whey cheese produced in the Innlandet region with a sweet, slightly salty flavor unique to Eastern Norway.
• Traditional Flatbread & Butter — Enjoy freshly baked lefse or flatbread served warm with quality Norwegian butter, a simple staple found in local bakeries and cafes.
• Game Meat Dishes — Seek out local elk, deer, or reindeer preparations at restaurants, reflecting the region's hunting traditions and forest resources.

Local customs & good to know

• Summer vs. Winter Visits — Plan visits accordingly—summer offers lake activities and outdoor exploration, while winter provides ice skating and access to the Olympic cavern's hockey legacy.
• Directness in Communication — Norwegians value straightforward, honest communication without excessive pleasantries, so brief greetings and direct questions are normal and appreciated.
• Respect for Nature & Friluftsliv — Embrace the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) by respecting hiking trails, leaving no trace, and enjoying the outdoors responsibly year-round.