Gjøvik is a town in Norway, set on the shores of Lake Mjøsa, the largest lake in the country. Its position on the water gives it a relaxed, outdoor character, and it makes a good stop for visitors who want to combine time by the lake with a closer look at Norwegian craft and local history.
What to see
- The underground Olympic cavern hall. Gjøvik is best known for its unusual sports hall, built into solid rock. Going inside gives a sense of how the town has made use of its landscape.
- The glass museum. The museum presents centuries of Norwegian glassmaking, and it suits anyone interested in design, materials or the crafts that have shaped the region.
Time on the lake
Lake Mjøsa is the main draw for many visitors. The town offers good opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating, so a day here can be spent on the water as easily as among the museums. In summer the lake invites a slower pace, while the surrounding landscape gives a clear sense of the Norwegian countryside.
Gjøvik works well as a base for a relaxed visit rather than a rushed one. Plan a morning at the glass museum, an afternoon in the cavern hall, and time by the lake to finish the day.
