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Gjøvik

Gjovik, Innlandet, Norway

Gjøvik, nestled in the heart of Innlandet, Norway, is a charming and picturesque town that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Known for its stunning location alo…

#scenic views#lake Mjøsa#skiing#cultural heritage#outdoor activities

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Gjøvik.

Top Hotels in Gjøvik

Top Flights to Gjøvik

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Gjøvik.

Tours

Gjøvik Marina Stroll

Walk along the beautiful Gjøvik harbor, enjoy the views and visit the local cafes and shops.

Eiktunet Cultural Museum

A chance to explore the cultural heritage of the region with historic buildings and exhibitions.

Hamar Cathedral Ruins

Visit the ruins of Hamar Cathedral, a historical landmark showcasing medieval architecture.

Shopping

CC Gjøvik Shopping Centre

A premier shopping destination in Gjøvik offering a variety of shops and eateries.

Outdoor

Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena

Experience an adrenaline rush by visiting this Olympic ski jumping hill with stunning views.

Mjøsa Lake Cruise

A relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, surrounded by scenic landscapes.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Gjøvik.

Currency

kr | NOK | Norwegian Krone

Population

20589.0

Languages

Norwegian, Norwegian

Average weather

Gjøvik

Jan

-4°-10°

Feb

-3°-10°

Mar

1°-6°

Apr

8°-2°

May

15°3°

Jun

20°8°

Jul

22°11°

Aug

20°10°

Sep

15°6°

Oct

8°2°

Nov

2°-3°

Dec

-2°-8°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Gjøvik.

What people love

Gjøvik, located in the Innlandet region of Norway, offers several advantages for travelers looking to explore this beautiful area:

Scenic Beauty: Gjøvik is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the picturesque Lake Mjøsa, which is the largest lake in Norway. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and boating in the area while taking in the breathtaking views.
Outdoor Activities: Gjøvik is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available year-round. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, while in the summer, hiking, fishing, and kayaking are popular options.
Cultural Attractions: Gjøvik has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums and historical sites worth exploring. The Gjøvik Farm Museum, the Gjøvik Glassworks, and the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall are just a few of the attractions that showcase the region's history and culture.
Relaxing Atmosphere: Gjøvik offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and recharge. The town's charming streets, quaint cafes, and tranquil waterfront make it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Accessibility: Gjøvik is easily accessible from Oslo, with regular train and bus services connecting the two cities. This makes it a convenient destination for travelers looking to explore the Norwegian countryside without having to travel too far.

Overall, Gjøvik offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and relaxation, making it a great choice for a travel destination in Norway.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Gjøvik, Norway could include:

Limited options for transportation: Gjøvik is a relatively small town, so there may be limited public transportation options available. This could make it more challenging to get around the area, especially if you do not have access to a car.
Weather conditions: Norway is known for its cold and sometimes unpredictable weather, so be prepared for potentially harsh conditions, especially if you are traveling during the winter months.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Gjøvik is a quiet town, so if you are looking for a lively nightlife scene or a wide variety of entertainment options, you may be disappointed.
Limited dining options: While there are certainly restaurants and cafes in Gjøvik, the selection may be more limited compared to larger cities. This could be a concern if you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
Language barrier: While many Norwegians speak English, you may encounter some language barriers in more rural areas like Gjøvik. It can be helpful to learn some basic Norwegian phrases before your trip.

Overall, Gjøvik is a charming town with beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, but it may not offer the same level of amenities and activities as larger cities.

Gjøvik is a town and municipality located in Innlandet county, Norway. Historically, it has developed from a small settlement into a significant industrial and commercial hub in the region. Here is a detailed history of Gjøvik:

Early History

Pre-19th Century: The area around Gjøvik was sparsely populated, with small agricultural communities. The region's history dates back thousands of years, as indicated by archaeological findings like ancient burial mounds.

19th Century

Founding of Gjøvik: Gjøvik was officially recognized as a market town (kjøpstad) in 1861. Its establishment as a town was driven by the industrial revolution and the development of manufacturing industries.
Industrial Growth: The early economic growth of Gjøvik was largely due to the establishment of various factories and industries. The most notable was the establishment of the glassworks factory, Gjøvik Glassverk, in 1807, which became a cornerstone of the town's economy.

20th Century

Municipal Expansion: In 1964, Gjøvik merged with the neighboring municipalities of Biri, Snertingdal, and Vardal, significantly expanding its area and population.
World War II: During the German occupation of Norway, Gjøvik, like many other towns, was under German control. The town played roles in local resistance efforts.

Recent Developments

Economic Diversification: In recent decades, Gjøvik has diversified its economy beyond traditional manufacturing to include sectors such as technology and education.
Education: The establishment of the Gjøvik University College (now part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU) has made the town a center for higher education and research.

Notable Figures

Christian Pierre Mathiesen (1870-1953): A notable landowner and politician from Gjøvik, he served as the Minister of Agriculture in Norway.
Ragnhild Hemsing (b. 1988): A prominent Norwegian violinist and fiddler from Gjøvik, recognized for her contributions to classical and folk music.

Important Landmarks

Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall: Built for the 1994 Winter Olympics, it is the world’s largest cavern hall for public use, hosting various sports and cultural events.
Eiktunet: A cultural heritage museum showcasing traditional Norwegian rural life, located just outside Gjøvik.
Gjøvik Church: A prominent church with distinctive architecture, serving as a central place of worship and community gatherings.

Gjøvik continues to be a vibrant town, balancing its historical roots with modern development, making it an important part of Norway's landscape.