Ended up in Gjøvik and wondering what there is to do? You're not alone. Gjøvik isn't one of Norway's must-see destinations, and we wouldn't suggest building an entire Norway trip around it. But if you're here for work, visiting family, studying, passing through, or simply have a day to spare, there are enough things around town to make a good day of it.
Without a car, stick mostly to central Gjøvik. Walk along Lake Mjøsa, explore Gjøvik Gård, head up to Hovdetoppen for the view, visit the science centre if you have children, or simply spend some time around the waterfront and town centre. There's even a skatepark right beside the railway station. In summer, Skibladner is easily the most distinctive experience in town.
With a car, things get more interesting. Gjøvik sits beside Toten, one of Norway's richest agricultural areas, with rolling farmland, farm shops, local food, small seasonal activities and villages scattered above Mjøsa. Raufoss and Totenbadet are also within easy reach, making Gjøvik a useful starting point for exploring the surrounding area rather than a destination you need to stay in all day.
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Top Attractions in Gjøvik
DS Skibladner
The world's oldest paddle steamer still in scheduled service — a genuine 1856-built lake ferry sailing Mjøsa between Gjøvik, Hamar, Lillehammer and Eidsvoll, but strictly a summer-only affair.
Hovdetoppen
The free viewpoint hill directly above Gjøvik's town centre — a short, well-marked walk to ruins of a burnt-down restaurant and the best panoramic view over the town and Lake Mjøsa.
Gjøvik Gård (Mjøsmuseet)
The manor house that founded Gjøvik — a preserved early-1800s estate with period interiors, parkland gardens and one of the world's oldest working electric cars, run as a summer museum by Mjøsmuseet.
Eiktunet Open-Air Museum
A hillside village of 33 relocated 18th- and 19th-century farm buildings above Gjøvik, with sweeping views over Lake Mjøsa — grounds are open around the clock, interiors only during scheduled events.
Vitensenteret Innlandet (Innlandet Science Centre)
A hands-on science centre for kids and families in central Gjøvik, with interactive exhibits on physics, energy and technology — open weekends and school holidays.
Gjøvik Church (Gjøvik kirke)
Gjøvik's white wooden neo-Gothic parish church from 1882 — one of Norway's few timber churches built in the style, with an altarpiece by the country's first professionally commissioned female painter.