Every design for Hamar

Hamar takes its name from a rocky hill: the old farm of Hamarr, where the medieval market was first set up, gave the town its name. Long before that, the nearby farm of Åker was one of the most important centres of power in Norway, and Harald Hardrada struck coins here.

What sets Hamar apart is how much of its medieval story is tied to the lake shore. The town grew up on the peninsula now called Domkirkeodden, where the cathedral, the bishop's manor and a fortress once stood, and where fragrant apple orchards were said to surround the houses. Hedmarksmuseet tells that story today. Hamar sits on the shore of Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, in the heart of Hedmarken, and in modern times it became a host town for the Lillehammer Olympics, with speed skating in Vikingskipet. Norsk jernbanemuseum tells another chapter, the story of the railway.

For anyone from Hamar, coming home means the first glimpse of Mjøsa from the train, the sight of Vikingskipet, and the feeling of being back where you belong.