Gjøvik Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Gjøvik, Norway, including cultural attractions, natural wonders, food and drink scene, and more. Read our week-long itinerary, tips on where to stay, what to buy, and the best time to visit Gjøvik.


Introduction to Gjøvik

Gjøvik is a picturesque town located in the heart of Norway, surrounded by the stunning landscape of beautiful mountains and the crystal-clear Mjøsa Lake. Gjøvik is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the charm and beauty of a small Norwegian town while enjoying its vibrant cultural scene and natural surroundings. Gjøvik has something for everyone, whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural attractions. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will highlight the best places to visit in Gjøvik, including must-see cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink options, accommodation recommendations, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Gjøvik

Here is a list of the top-rated places to visit in Gjøvik:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gjøvik is home to many fascinating museums and historical places that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. A few of the must-see cultural attractions include:

  • Gjøvik Glassverk: The Gjøvik Glassverk is an award-winning glass museum, where visitors can learn about the history and art of glassblowing and see the skilled artisans at work.
  • Gjøvik Museum: The Gjøvik Museum houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts and artworks from the local region, including the famous Gjøvik Boat, which dates back to the 9th century.
  • Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall: The Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall is located next to the Olympic Stadium, which hosted some of the events of the 1994 Winter Olympics. The cavern hall is a unique underground auditorium used for various events.

Natural Attractions of Gjøvik: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gjøvik offers some of Norway’s best natural attractions, including breathtaking views, beautiful hiking trails, and scenic lakes for water sports. A few top-rated natural attractions include:

  • Hovdetoppen: Hovdetoppen is Gjøvik’s highest mountain peak, offering panoramic views of the town and the Mjøsa Lake. The hike to the top is challenging but rewarding, and it takes around three hours to complete.
  • Randsfjorden: The Randsfjorden is a scenic lake located near Gjøvik, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely boat trip on the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
  • Totenåsen: Totenåsen is a vast plateau located near Gjøvik, featuring a network of well-marked hiking and biking trails, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gjøvik

Gjøvik is a hub for outdoor activities and offers an array of hiking and biking routes for all fitness levels. Some popular routes include:

  • Vestre Toten Loop: This 18km route takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, where you can admire the rolling hills and farmland.
  • Fjordruta: The Fjordruta is a challenging hiking route, covering 30km, which starts from Gjøvik and goes to the Mjøsa Lake through beautiful forests.
  • Randsfjorden Rundt: Randsfjorden Rundt is a scenic 45km biking route around the Randsfjorden Lake, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

Best Things to Do in Gjøvik: Activities and Tours

Here are the best things to do in Gjøvik:

  • Visit the Gjøvik Glassverk and watch artisans at work.
  • Take a leisurely boat trip around the Mjøsa Lake and enjoy the stunning scenery.
  • Explore the beautiful gardens of the Tingnes Spiseri, a popular restaurant in Gjøvik.
  • Get active on the slopes of Hafjell and Kvitfjell, two nearby ski resorts offering world-class skiing and snowboarding.
  • Experience the thrill of the Olympic Bobsleigh Track in Lillehammer, where visitors can take a guided tour and experience the simulation of a bobsleigh run.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gjøvik

For those planning a week-long visit to Gjøvik, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore cultural attractions in Gjøvik, including the Gjøvik Glassverk and the Gjøvik Museum.

Day 2: Take a bike tour around the scenic Randsfjorden Lake.

Day 3: Visit the nearby Hafjell ski resort and enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Lillehammer and explore the local attractions, including the Olympic Bobsleigh Track.

Day 5: Visit the beautiful Totenåsen plateau and enjoy hiking or biking through the stunning scenery.

Day 6: Take a boat trip around the Mjøsa Lake, stopping at local villages and towns.

Day 7: Enjoy the warm waters of the heated outdoor pool at Gjøvik Swimming Pool.

Food and Drink Scene of Gjøvik

Gjøvik has a rich food and drink scene, where visitors can sample local cuisine and drinks. Here are some highlights:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lutefisk: Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish made from air-dried cod, which is soaked in lye and water for a few days to turn it into jelly-like consistency.
  • Kjøttkaker: Kjøttkaker are meatballs made from ground beef, pork, and onion, and are often served with potatoes and gravy.
  • Rømmegrøt: Rømmegrøt is a traditional Norwegian porridge made from sour cream and flour, often served with butter and sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Aquavit: Aquavit is a popular Norwegian liquor, made from potatoes or grain, and flavored with dill, coriander, and caraway seeds.
  • Akevitt: Akevitt is another traditional Norwegian liquor, flavored with herbs and spices, which is often served chilled and neat.

Where to Stay in Gjøvik: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gjøvik offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes, including charming guesthouses, cozy hostels, and luxurious hotels. Here are some of our top picks:

  • First Hotel Breiseth: First Hotel Breiseth is a historic hotel located in the heart of Gjøvik, offering comfortable rooms and a range of amenities.
  • Clarion Collection Hotel Grand: Clarion Collection Hotel Grand is a luxurious hotel located in a beautiful restored villa, offering elegant rooms and a restaurant serving delicious Nordic cuisine.

What to Buy in Gjøvik: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gjøvik is home to many wonderful handmade crafts, local produce, and souvenirs, making it ideal for souvenir shopping. Here are some suggestions of what to buy:

  • Hand-blown glassware from the Gjøvik Glassverk shop
  • Handmade knitwear or woolen products from local stores
  • Traditional Norwegian cuisine, such as Aquavit or akevitt.

Local Culture and Customs of Gjøvik

Norwegians are known for their easy-going nature and welcoming attitude towards visitors. It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone’s home, and expect tips to be included in service fees or a fixed price quotation. Additionally, tipping is not required in restaurants, but it is common practice to round up the bill or leave 5-10% of the total.

Best Time to Visit Gjøvik

Gjøvik’s best time to visit is from late May to October when the days are long and warm, and all outdoor activities are open for visitors. However, winter in Gjøvik offers a unique winter wonderland experience for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gjøvik

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when you visit Gjøvik:

Do:

  • Always greet the locals with a smile and simple “hello.”
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Follow proper hiking and biking etiquette on the trails.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t expect to pay with credit card; cash is accepted most places, although cards are slowly gaining acceptance.
  • Don’t expect a lot of nightlife in Gjøvik as it is more geared towards outdoor activities and cultural attractions.

Safety and Health

Gjøvik is generally a safe and healthy destination for travelers. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Gjøvik

  • Keep an eye on your valuables and belongings.
  • Follow proper safety rules when participating in any outdoor activities or water sports.
  • Stay up-to-date with local weather and road conditions.

Health in Gjøvik

  • Health services in Gjøvik are of high standard and quality.
  • Bring adequate medication for your trip and have travel insurance.

Getting to Gjøvik: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gjøvik is an easily accessible town, located less than two hours from Oslo by train or bus. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Gjøvik

The nearest airport to Gjøvik is the Oslo Airport, which is about 90 minutes by car or train.

Bus Stations Near Gjøvik

Gjøvik Bus Station is located in the center of town, offering connections to various towns and cities in Eastern Norway.

Other Options

Travelers can also opt for car rentals or taxi services to reach Gjøvik from nearby places.

How to Get Around in Gjøvik

Gjøvik is a small town, and most of the attractions are within walking or biking distance. Additionally, local buses and taxis are also available for transportation.

Where to Go Next from Gjøvik: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Gjøvik:

  • Lillehammer: Lillehammer is a famous skiing destination and a beautiful town, located about an hour’s drive from Gjøvik.
  • Oslo: Oslo is Norway’s capital and is only about two hours away by train.
  • Mjøsli Ski Lodge: Mjøsli Ski Lodge is a nearby luxury ski resort that offers various winter sports activities, including skiing, ice-skating, and snowmobiling.

Conclusion

Gjøvik is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of Norway and indulge in its cultural offerings and rich heritage. The town offers something for everyone, including fresh air, breathtaking mountains, historic museums, and outdoor activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your perfect itinerary, from attractions to natural wonders, traditional food and drink to accommodation options, and much more. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the scenic landscapes of Gjøvik!

Skibladner. Skibladner.