Hamar

Hamar is a historic Norwegian town with a well-preserved old town centre, featuring traditional white wooden houses, cobbled streets, and a rich maritime heritage. The town offers a relaxed atmosphere with cosy cafés, boutique shopping, and easy access to beautiful coastal or fjord landscapes. Its history is visible in the architecture, museums, and local traditions that define the character of this appealing destination.

By Plane

The nearest airport to Hamar is Vy train from OSL to Hamar (50 min, 250 kr).

By Train

By Car / Road

Hamar is accessible by road. Buses connect to nearby cities and towns. Local roads are well-maintained but may be narrow in rural areas. Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding region.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local buses cover the wider area. Taxis are available through Norgestaxi or local taxi companies. For exploring the surrounding region, a rental car is recommended.

Vikingskipet

( The Viking ship, Hamar Olympic Hall ),

Åkersvikveien 1 .

The Viking Ship, officially known as Hamar olympiahall (Hamar Olympic Hall), is a modern speed skating arena, and was built for the 1994 Olympic Winter Games. Its name comes from its appearance: an upside-down Viking ship. It regularly hosts major speed skating events, such as world championships. Also known for hosting The Gathering each Easter, a computer gathering mainly for young people which has had over 5,000 participants. Each spring and fall, the Vikingship also hosts a very popular 3-day long market for second-hand/ antique goods. The Viking Ship is near Åkersvika, a nature reserve, known for its rich bird life. At the parking lot there is a "bird tower", where you can get a good view of the bay.

30 kr .  

Domkirkeodden ,

Strandvegen 100, 2315

( from city centre follow signs for museums ),

☏

+47 62 54 27 00 .

A must-see. Medieval cathedral and folk museum along Lake Myøsa. The ruins of the cathedral are encased in a glass house. Lovely walks and beaches by the lake. The open air museum is free and open year round, all the time. The opening hours of the museum vary according to se

HamKam

( Hamarkameratene ),

Arenavegen 2

( east side of lake ).

HamKam were promoted in 2021, so they now play soccer in Eliteserien, Norway's top tier. Let's see how long it lasts this time - HamKam are the perennial yoyo club, oscillating between the top and second tiers. Watch the emotions of the normally reserved Norwegians yoyo-ing along with them. Their home ground Briskeby Arena (capacity 7600) is 1 km northeast of city centre. The playing season is Mar-Nov.   ( updated Dec 2021 )

Ankerskogen swimming hall

( Ankerskogen svømmehall ),

Ankerskogveien 7, 2319 ,

☏

+47 46918000 .

M-F 10.00 - 21.00, Sa Su 10.00 - 17.00; early morning swimming: M W F 06.30 - 08.30 .

The main pool is one of Norway's largest, 25x50m. Part of this pool is roped off and has all sort of special floats for kids. There's also a specially heated pool for rehabilitation, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub (cost 10 kr per round), a shallow outdoor pool which is open in summertime. Also a 65-m slide which kids love. There are huge windows all around the pool, so in the winter you can swim while you watch the snow blowing outside. The changing rooms have saunas. You need a 10 kr coin to operat

Cafes

Alle Tiders ,

Torggata 73

( in the centre of town on the pedestrian street, 5-minutes' walk from the train station ),

☏

+47 625 30 145 .

M-Sa 10:00-12:00, Su 14:00-21:00 .

This cafe has the best cakes in all of Hamar. Great for lunch and light dinners. Outdoor seating overlooks the pedestrian street. Centrally-located.  

Larsen ,

Strandgata 53 ,

☏

+47 413 27 903 .

Cafe and vintage store combined.  

Restaurants

Kolonihagen ,

Storhamargata 2

( Located in Basarbygningen, built in 1896. ),

☏

+47 919 000 90 ,

[email protected] .

Tu-Th 11:00-22:00, F Sa 11:00-02:00, Su 11:00-17:00, closed M .

Eco-friendly gourmet. Popular, so reservations are a must, at least in the evening.

Main courses 255-315 kr (Lunch 100-150 kr) .  

Kunstbanken (Hedmark Art Center)

( The Art Bank ),

Parkgate 21, 2317

( 1 minute walk from the train station in the center of town ),

☏

+47 625 42 260 .

Tu-F 11:00-18:00, Sa 12:00-17:00, closed Su and M .

Sandwiches, cakes, coffees, and culture. The perfect place for lunch. Enjoy your meal and tour the museum afterwards  

Nagomi ,

Strandgata 21

( One minute walk from the railway station ),

Docile Kontor & Pub ,

Kirkegata 3

( in the church hill, near McDonalds ).

Shows football matches on multiple screens. Can play dart there..  

Hamar Sportsbar

( near Østre torg ).

Shows football matches on multiple screens. Possible to play dart and shuffle board.  

Casanova ,

Strandgata 71 .

One of the few places to go for people between 18 and 20. Young crowd.  

Irishman ,

Strandgata 31 .

Pub for a bit older crowd. The backyard is a good place to be during the summer.  

Nellie ,

Torggata 23 .

Formerly known as Dirty Nelly. Cozy place with occasional dancing.  

Sebs hotel ,

Grønnegata 34 .

Rock and metal pub.  

Heia Hamar

( Svare Og Berg ),

Strandgata 71

( Stortorget. ).

Nightclub and a good place for dancing.  

Gregers ,

Grønnegata 70 .

Bar and concert scene.

Seierstad Pensionat ,

Holsetgt 64

( from the Hamar exit on the E6: follow Vangsveien unti

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Torggata, the pedestrian street in Hamar, got some shopping possibilities, with two small shopping malls connected to the street. Maxi Storsenter is the largest shopping mall, located a bit outside of the city. In 2014 a new mall will open closer to the city centre.

Maxi Storsenter ,

Aslak Bolts gate 48 .

This is the largest shopping mall in Hamar, with 70 stores.  

CC Mart'n .

Shopping mall with Hamar's only Vinmonopolet (wine and liquor store).  

Løiten Lys ,

Løten Brænderi .

Norway's largest distributor of hand-made candles.

Nearby towns and natural attractions are within easy reach by car. Public transport connections are available to major cities in the region.