Places to stay and things to do in Hamar

Hamar is a transport hub in eastern Norway, with direct connections to Trysil, Trondheim, Oslo and Sweden. A large city along the shores of Mjøsa, Hamar is also visited daily by the paddle steamer Skibladner during the summer season.

The heart of Innlandet county is a modern shopping town with a focus on business, culture and sports. But Hamar’s mediaeval history also characterises the cityscape and Domkirkeodden, the capital of Hamarkaupangen until the 1500s, is one of the city’s proudest gems.

The municipality of Hamar is also known for its exciting architecture, beautiful nature and vibrant nightlife, with a great selection of bars, restaurants and concert venues. With something for visitors of all ages, Hamar is an excellent holiday destination all year round.

Here we provide useful information for visitors to Hamar:

Discover Domkirkeodden

Whether you’re visiting during the annual Hamar Medieval Festival or a quieter time of year, the beautiful area around Domkirkeodden is sure to make an impression. Here you'll find what remains of the old Hamarkaupangen, including the ruins of the bishop’s castle and cathedral, both of which were important buildings in the Middle Ages.

At Domkirkeodden, you can also experience bumblebee walks, musical tours and concerts – in addition to the much-publicised herb garden on the grounds of the old village. Domkirkeodden stretches along Mjøsa and is a museum and outdoor recreational area with lots of walking paths. There are also several swimming spots along the waterfront and the park is perfect for both playing and picnicking during the summer.

Learn something new at the Norwegian Railway Museum

If you follow the Mjøsa shoreline north from Domkirkeodden, you'll end up at the Norwegian Railway Museum, around three kilometres from the city centre. The Railway Museum was originally located on the second floor of Hamar railway station, but was moved to the outskirts of the city in 1930 and then to Martodden in 1956. Since then, the museum has been a favourite outdoor recreational area for tourists and locals alike.

Hamar is one of Norway’s most important railway cities and one of the birthplaces of the country’s state railways with the Grundset Line, which opened in the mid-1800s. Nowadays, Hamar railway station is a hub for several Norwegian cities, including Oslo and Trondheim. At the Norwegian Railway Museum in Hamar, you can learn more about the history of the railway and what it has meant for Norwegian society.

Experience Hamar’s diverse cultural offering at Hamar Cultural Centre, Hamar Cinema and Hamar Library

Want to watch a theatre performance, borrow a book or visit a gallery? The Hamar Cultural Centre has something for every taste and is the city’s largest meeting place for art and culture. Here you'll find a library, cinema, restaurants and several concert and theatre halls, as well as a school of visual and performing arts and organisations such as choirs, music clubs and painting clubs.

Take the plunge from the Hamar diving tower

For those looking for a unique experience, the diving tower at Koigen is an excellent choice.  It 'towers' five metres above the waters of Mjøsa, but if that's a bit too high for your taste, you’ll also find a diving platform that is only two-and-a-half metres. The tower is used all year round, but is obviously most popular and busy in the summer. Located near the city centre, Koigen offers a range of activities, such as a skate park, beach volleyball courts and play equipment for the littlest ones. There is also a sandy beach in the area.

Cycling and climbing park on Helgøya 

How about cycling and climbing in the Norwegian Tuscany, only a 40-minute drive from Hamar? Helgøya Climbing Park is the largest climbing park in the county of Innlandet and is guaranteed to take you to new heights. The park offers climbing activities for ages, regardless of previous experience. While you're on Helgøya, we also recommend going for a bike ride. Explore the beautiful cultivated landscape and make sure to stop at the Skafferiet café, known for its beautiful outdoor dining area. Enjoy!

Whether you prefer barbecue or fine dining, you’ll find something to your liking in Hamar.

At Thon Partner Hotel Victoria Hamar, you can enjoy both the Japanese restaurant Nagomi and O'Leary’s sports bar.

 John Bs BBQ is famous for its juicy chicken, while Stortorvet Gjestgiveri Hamar combines French and Norwegian classics and serves seasonal food. For an authentic Southern Italian dining experience, head to Il Teatro on the corner of Victoriakvartalet. The beautiful building in itself is also worth a visit.

If you’re just looking for a good cup of coffee with something tasty on the side, we recommend Café Gravdahl. Here you’ll find coffee and pastries, not to mention a good book or two, as the café is located in the city’s bookshop. For music lovers, Vinyl & Kaffe is a great choice. Here you can drink your coffee while browsing through old and new records. The café also organises concerts. When you’re ready for something a bit stronger to drink, head to Gullkorn Ølbar, which has 12 taps and the city’s largest selection of beers.

Looking for a central and modern hotel steeped in history? With views of Mjøsa and only 80 metres from Hamar railway station, the city’s oldest hotel, Thon Partner Hotel Victoria Hamar, has a unique location.

The newly renovated hotel has 161 rooms and offers a breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel is perfectly located for exploring Hamar, only a two-minute walk from the pedestrian street Torggata and a few kilometres from both Domkirkeodden and Vikingskipet. CC Hamar, a popular shopping centre for locals and visitors alike, is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Do you have a four-legged friend who loves to go with you on holiday? Pets are welcome in some rooms for an extra charge.