If you want to visit a place truly unlike any other, then embark upon a voyage to Gjovik, Norway. This city is known worldwide for hosting the oldest paddle steamer in the world, a feat you cannot find elsewhere. It is also home to more than 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) of prepared ski trails and an Olympic hall built in 1994, still the largest hall built inside of a mountain. Gjovik is incredibly outstanding from any other destination. Read more to learn about its variety of specialties.
1. See a cinematic performance at the Gjovik Kultursenter
At the Gjovik Kultursenter, you can experience the culture of the city firsthand. There is a number of performances that the center hosts every year, from musical plays to cinematic productions to art exhibitions. For book lovers, the center also has a library and literature house. Tickets can be purchased online and at the center’s ticket office.
Gjovik Kultursenter
Address: Kauffeldts pl. 1, 2815 Gjøvik
Website: Gjovik Kultursenter (in Norwegian)
2. Browse through art exhibitions at the Galleri Svae
If you want to examine a collection of art expressions created by contemporary Norwegian artists, then visit the Galleri Svae. This art gallery in Gjovik has a primary mission to promote art as a necessity to humankind. You can browse through a multitude of curious and well-crafted exhibitions.
Galleri Svae
Address: Nedre Torvgate 12-14, 2815 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 61173005
Website: Galleri Svae (in Norwegian)
3. Take a paddle steam ride on the Lake Mjosa with DS Skibladner
For a refreshing outdoor day in Gjovik, try an authentic paddle steam ride on the Lake Mjosa. With DS Skibladner, you can experience a relaxing paddle steam boat ride in the city known for hosting the oldest paddle steamer in the world. The majestic trip will be accompanied by a lunch and dinner, so you can enjoy a fine meal while appreciating a wonderful view.
DS Skibladner
Address: Bryggevegen 1, 2821 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 61144080
Website: DS Skibladner
4. Purchase art at the Galleri Fjordheim
Situated right next to the Lake Mjosa, the Galleri Fjordheim is a quaint store that sells craft and contemporary art by a variety of artists. The gallery hosts sales exhibits, so even if you do not want to purchase art, you can still enjoy walking around and contemplating each piece. In the summer, the gallery is used to showcase more elaborate exhibits, so be sure to stop by at the Galleri Fjordheim during your next visit to Gjovik!
Galleri Fjordheim
Address: Eriksrudvegen, 2836 Gjovik, Norway
Facebook: Galleri Fjordheim
5. Learn about Gjovik’s industrial history at the Mustad Bedriftsmuseum
A visit to the Mustad Bedriftmuseum will enable you to learn a substantial amount of information about Gjovik’s industrial history. This museum will provide you with valuable insight into the city’s history of producing goods, including nails, paper clips, food products, fishhooks, and cast iron stoves. The museum offers an in-depth look into the fish hook production plant, which is what Mustad is well known for. There is also a café in the museum where you can enjoy lunch during your visit.
Mustad Bedriftmuseum
Address: Raufossvegen 40, 2821 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 61137700
Website: Mustad Bedriftmuseum (in Norwegian)
6. Visit the architectural site of the Gjovik Kirke

The Gjovik Kirke is an exceptional church, crafted in beautiful wooden architecture. It is well worth your visit to Gjovik to see the interior of the church. There are traditional paintings inside the building that are remarkable to witness, as well as a grand entrance filled with stone monuments.
Gjovik Kirke
Address: Svolders gate, 2815 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 61146480
Website: Gjovik Kirke
7. Take a relaxing stroll at the Gjovik Gard outdoor area
The Gjovik Gard is an open outdoor area with connections to the history of the city. The park contains a museum where you can learn about some of Gjovik’s fascinating historical importance. Aside from that, the area is an ideal place to stroll, relax, and have a coffee in the pleasant outdoors.
Gjovik Gard
Address: Niels odegaardsgate. 3-9, 2815 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 91170500
Website: Gjovik Gard
8. Hike and learn about history at the Eiktunet Museum
Open all year round, the Eiktunet is a specialty museum, situated outdoors. It features 33 different buildings that are scattered around the beautiful natural surroundings of Gjovik. The museum is located on top of a hill, and after hiking to the buildings, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and the Lake Mjosa. There is also a café that sells delectable traditional Norwegian waffles as well as coffee and other light snacks for when you get hungry during your visit.
Eiktunet
Address: Oeverbyvegen 108, 2825 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 91170500
Website: Eiktunet
9. Witness a famous sports landmark at the Gjovik Olympiske Fjellhall
Another staple of Gjovik, the Olympiske Fjellhall is the largest known stadium built within a mountain. This stadium hosted the 1994 Olympics, and you can learn about Gjovik’s sports history in the hall. There is also a souvenir shop and dining options open to all visitors, so even if you are not here to watch a local sports match, you can still learn about its historical significance.
Olympiske Fjellhall
Address: Heimdals gate 2, 2821 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 61138200
Website: Olympiske Fjellhall
10. Enjoy an interactive experience at the Vitensenteret Innlandet museum
Another one of Gjovik’s specialty museums, the Vitensenteret Innlandet is intended as an educational center for children. However, visitors of all ages will definitely enjoy all that the museum has to offer. The center offers intriguing exhibitions that will expand your understanding of natural science, technology, and mathematics.
Vitensenteret Innlandet museum
Address: Brennerigata 1, 2815 Gjovik, Norway
Phone: +47 95901111
Website: Vitensenteret Innlandet
A unique experience awaits you in Gjovik!
Home to a variety of specialties that range from the industrial production of the fishhook to the Olympic ice rink built within the mountain, the city of Gjovik offers its visitors a unique travel experience unlike any other place in the world. This charming town is brimming with different activities, from specialty museums to outdoor adventures. Visit Gjovik for an exciting week to uncover all of its interesting history!
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