Free Innlandet Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Innlandet with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Innlandet
Innlandet photo 2
Innlandet photo 3
All photos

Explore Innlandet’s mountain parks, Mjøsa towns, historic valleys, ski resorts and Norwegian farm and food traditions across a vast inland county.

Innlandet occupies Norway’s broad interior, stretching from the shores of Lake Mjøsa northwards into high mountain country and eastwards towards the Swedish border. It is Norway’s only county without a coastline, but its landscapes are far from uniform: fertile farmland surrounds Mjøsa, wooded valleys run through Østerdalen and Trysil, and the highlands of Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell rise further north and west. Long distances and dramatic changes in altitude make the county best understood as a collection of contrasting areas rather than a single compact destination.
Read more about Innlandet
The towns around Mjøsa provide an accessible introduction. Lillehammer combines a walkable historic centre with the open-air museum of Maihaugen and the Olympic heritage of 1994, while Hamar is known for the striking glass-and-steel shelter over the medieval cathedral ruins and for its position beside the lake. Gjøvik, on the western shore, has industrial and maritime associations, including the world’s largest audience hall built into a mountain. Inland, Elverum and Kongsvinger reflect the forest economy and eastern borderland history, while Fagernes serves as a gateway to Valdres and mountain landscapes.
Nature is central to travel in Innlandet. Jotunheimen contains Norway’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden, and attracts experienced hikers, climbers and skiers. Rondane offers marked trails among rounded peaks and broad valleys, while Femundsmarka, partly within the county, is valued for canoeing, fishing and quiet wilderness. Trysil is one of Norway’s major ski destinations, and the Gudbrandsdalen valley links mountain routes with farms, stave churches and settlements shaped by centuries of travel between east and west.
The county’s cultural identity is closely connected with farming, forestry, mountain pasture and winter sports. Timber buildings, traditional farmsteads and stave churches remain visible in several valleys, while local museums preserve crafts, clothing, tools and rural customs. Food traditions include mountain cheeses, cured meats, freshwater fish, berries and dishes based on potatoes and grain. Innlandet is also a strong cycling, hiking and cross-country skiing destination, with conditions and opportunities varying greatly between the lake districts, forested east and high mountain areas.

When is the best time to visit Innlandet?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January050
February145
March550
April955
May1560
June (best)2070
July (best)2275
August (best)2175
September1770
October1065
November360
December055

Getting to and around Innlandet

How to get there

The principal international gateway is Oslo Airport, which is outside Innlandet in neighbouring Akershus but provides the most practical access to the county. From the airport, trains and roads lead towards Hamar, Lillehammer and other Mjøsa destinations. Mainline trains connect Oslo with Hamar and Lillehammer, while the Gjøvik Line serves Gjøvik from Oslo. Innlandet is also reached by the E6 and other major roads from eastern Norway, with long-distance buses serving larger towns. Fagernes Airport is within the county but has limited and changing services, so check current arrangements before relying on it.

Transportation

Rail travel is useful around Mjøsa and along the Dovre route through Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen, while the Røros Railway serves parts of the eastern interior. Local buses connect the main towns, but rural services can be infrequent and may not reach mountain trailheads or scattered accommodation. A car offers the greatest flexibility for valleys, national parks, stave churches and ski areas; allow generous time on winding roads and check seasonal closures over high passes. Cycling and walking are rewarding near lake towns and along established routes, but distances and gradients can be substantial.

Top city travel guides in Innlandet

The cities of Innlandet, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Innlandet

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Innlandet

Innlandet’s attractions range from accessible lakeside museums to large mountain landscapes requiring serious preparation. Lillehammer’s Maihaugen presents historic buildings and everyday life from across Norway, while the Norwegian Olympic Museum and nearby sports venues explain the county’s twentieth-century sporting identity. Hamar combines the medieval cathedral ruins with museums and lakefront cultural sites, and Gjøvik offers industrial and engineering heritage. Across Gudbrandsdalen, Valdres and Østerdalen, visitors find historic farms, traditional settlements and stave churches set among working agricultural landscapes. Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell provide the principal outdoor draw, with marked walking routes, mountain lodges, ski touring and wildlife-rich valleys. Trysil is a major all-season resort for downhill and cross-country skiing, cycling and family activities, while Femundsmarka suits paddling, fishing and quieter wilderness travel. The breadth of the offering is the defining feature: cultural visits can be combined with lake excursions, forest trails or high mountain routes, but journeys between them should be planned realistically.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Innlandet

The most recognisable landmark in Innlandet is Hamar’s medieval cathedral ruin, enclosed beneath a dramatic glass structure beside the remains of the old bishopric. Lillehammer’s ski-jump hills and Olympic venues have become modern symbols of the county’s sporting landscape, while Maihaugen preserves an extensive collection of historic Norwegian buildings. Kongsvinger Fortress occupies a prominent height above the Glomma and expresses the strategic importance of the eastern borderland. In the countryside, stave churches such as those at Lom and Ringebu demonstrate the continuity of medieval timber architecture in the valleys; Lom and Ringebu lie within Innlandet and remain important heritage stops. Natural landmarks are equally significant: the high peaks of Jotunheimen, the rounded summits of Rondane and the broad waters of Lake Mjøsa define different parts of the county. Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest mountain, lies in Innlandet and gives Jotunheimen exceptional national prominence, although reaching it requires suitable conditions and mountain planning.

Show more landmarks

Explore Innlandet on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Innlandet

Innlandet’s food reflects inland farming, forest resources and mountain pasture rather than a coastal seafood tradition. Look for products from støler, or seasonal mountain dairy farms, including butter, sour cream and regional cheeses, alongside cured meats, lamb, game, freshwater fish, potatoes and locally grown grains. Berries, mushrooms and other forest produce appear seasonally in restaurants, farm shops and markets. Lillehammer, Hamar and Gjøvik offer the widest range of cafés, bakeries, contemporary restaurants and traditional Norwegian meals, while valley inns and mountain lodges provide hearty dishes suited to hiking and skiing. Local cider and craft drinks may accompany meals, but production and availability vary. Farmers’ markets and food festivals are useful places to compare products from different parts of the county, especially the fertile Mjøsa district and the mountain communities of Valdres and Gudbrandsdalen.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Innlandet

Evening life in Innlandet is concentrated in Lillehammer, Hamar and Gjøvik, with smaller scenes in Elverum, Trysil and other regional centres. Traditional pubs, hotel bars, cafés and restaurants form the mainstay, while larger towns also have live music, student-oriented venues and occasional club nights. Trysil and other ski destinations become livelier during the winter season, when après-ski venues and resort bars supplement ordinary village nightlife. In rural valleys, evenings are more likely to centre on a local inn, cultural event or restaurant than a dedicated nightclub. Alcohol is expensive compared with many countries, and licensing arrangements vary, so avoid assuming that venues stay open late. Breweries and bars may showcase Norwegian beer, but the region’s evening culture is not dependent on drinking.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Innlandet

Evening life in Innlandet is concentrated in Lillehammer, Hamar and Gjøvik, with smaller scenes in Elverum, Trysil and other regional centres. Traditional pubs, hotel bars, cafés and restaurants form the mainstay, while larger towns also have live music, student-oriented venues and occasional club nights. Trysil and other ski destinations become livelier during the winter season, when après-ski venues and resort bars supplement ordinary village nightlife. In rural valleys, evenings are more likely to centre on a local inn, cultural event or restaurant than a dedicated nightclub. Alcohol is expensive compared with many countries, and licensing arrangements vary, so avoid assuming that venues stay open late. Breweries and bars may showcase Norwegian beer, but the region’s evening culture is not dependent on drinking.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Innlandet

Shopping in Innlandet is centred on the main towns, market communities and producers rather than on a single large retail district. Lillehammer’s central streets contain independent shops, galleries, bookshops, cafés and outlets selling Norwegian design, while Hamar and Gjøvik provide broader everyday retail alongside local craft and food businesses. Farm shops and seasonal markets are the best places to look for mountain cheeses, cured meats, preserves, berry products, woollen goods and other regional foodstuffs. In valleys such as Valdres and Gudbrandsdalen, craft shops and heritage centres may offer locally made textiles, woodwork, ceramics or traditional items, although opening arrangements can be seasonal. Elverum and Kongsvinger reflect the eastern forest region and are useful for practical shopping and occasional local markets. Visitors should buy food and crafts from established outlets, check transport and customs rules for perishable goods, and remember that small rural shops may accept cards but may not keep regular urban hours.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Innlandet, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Innlandet essentials

Currency and Payment
Innlandet uses Norway’s national currency, the Norwegian krone (NOK). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, transport services and shops, and mobile payment is common. Carry a small reserve of cash for honesty boxes, rural stalls, some mountain huts or minor purchases where connectivity may be limited. Prices can be high by international standards, particularly for accommodation, transport and restaurant meals; costs may also rise during ski seasons and peak summer periods.
Safety
Innlandet is generally a straightforward region for visitors, but outdoor conditions require preparation. Mountain weather can deteriorate rapidly, trails may retain snow into summer, and mobile coverage is unreliable in remote valleys and uplands. Follow marked routes, carry suitable clothing, water and navigation equipment, and tell someone about longer hikes. In winter, driving conditions can be severe and daylight is limited. Take care near rivers, lakes and steep terrain, and observe local advice about fire, wildlife and trail conditions.
Emergency Situations
Norway’s national emergency number is 112 for police, 110 for fire and 113 for medical emergencies. Call 112 if you are unsure which emergency service is required. In remote mountains, provide a precise location using a map reference or a reliable digital location service, and do not assume that a mobile signal will be available. Mountain rescue is coordinated through Norway’s emergency services; follow official advice and avoid creating additional risk by attempting an unplanned rescue.
Do's and Don'ts
Treat the right to roam responsibly by keeping to local guidance, closing gates, avoiding damage to crops and taking all rubbish away. Do not camp close to houses or on cultivated land without permission. In mountain areas, yield carefully on narrow roads and paths, and respect signs around private property, ski tracks and protected environments. Norwegians generally value personal space and punctuality, while practical outdoor clothing is normal. Tipping is discretionary rather than an obligatory regional custom, and service charges should be checked before adding more.
Local Tips
Use the Mjøsa towns as separate bases if combining museums, rail travel and lake scenery, then move into a valley or mountain resort for outdoor activities. The highlands are often quieter outside the main summer hiking and winter ski periods, but some accommodation and transport services become limited. Visit local open-air museums and farm shops for context on building traditions, mountain dairying and forestry rather than treating them solely as scenic stops. In winter, reserve equipment and accommodation in advance in Trysil and other established ski areas.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHei[Hay]
GoodbyeHa det[Hah deh]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNei[Nay]
Please/You're welcomeVær så snill/Ingen årsak[Vair shoh snill/In-yen or-sahk]
Thank youTakk[Tahk]
Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld[Oon-shild]
How are you?Hvordan har du det?[Vor-dahn har doo deh]
Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?[Bra. Oh doo?]
Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?[Snak-er doo eng-elsk?]
I don't understandJeg forstår ikke[Yay for-stor ik-keh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, vær så snill[Yay vil yar-ne seh meh-nyen, vair shoh snill]
I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt[Yay spee-ser ik-keh shutt]
Cheers!Skål![Skohl!]
I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill[Yay vil yar-ne be-ta-leh, vair shoh snill]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjelp![Yelp!]
Go away!Gå vekk![Gaw vek!]
Call the Police!Ring politiet![Ring po-li-teet!]
Call a doctor!Ring en lege![Ring en lay-geh!]
I'm lostJeg er tapt[Yay air tahpt]
I'm illJeg er syk[Yay air seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gjerne kjøpe...[Yay vil yar-ne shuh-peh...]
I'm just lookingJeg bare ser[Yay bar-eh sehr]
How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?[Vor mee-eh kohs-ter deh?]
That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt[Deh air for deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?[Kahn doo sen-keh pree-sen?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hva er klokka?[Hva air klok-ka?]
It's one o'clockDet er ett[Deh air et]
Half past (10)Halv (ti)[Halv (tee)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonEttermiddag[Et-ter-mid-dahg]
EveningKveld[Kvel-d]
YesterdayI går[Ee gor]
TodayI dag[Ee dahg]
TomorrowI morgen[Ee mor-gen]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/den...?[Vor air en/den...?]
What's the address?Hva er adressen?[Hva air ad-ress-en?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?[Kahn doo vee-seh may (poh kar-tet)?]
When's the next (bus)?Når går den neste (bussen)?[Nor gor den nes-teh (bus-sen)?]
A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)[En bil-let (til ....)]

History of Innlandet

Early settlement, farming and rock art

People have used Innlandet’s forests, lake shores and mountain valleys since the Stone Age, combining hunting, fishing and seasonal movement with increasingly settled agriculture. Archaeological remains, burial mounds and rock art reveal long occupation around areas such as Mjøsa and the central valleys. The landscape encouraged distinct local economies: fertile lake districts supported farming, while uplands supplied grazing, game, fish and later mineral resources. Ancient routes through Gudbrandsdalen, Valdres and Østerdalen connected eastern lowlands with mountain passes and western Norway.

Iron production and the medieval landscape

Ironworking developed in several parts of inland Norway before and during the medieval period, using local ore, woodland fuel and skilled furnace work. Farming communities expanded along the valleys, and churches, farms and trading places became fixed points in a landscape still shaped by seasonal movement to mountain pastures. The routes through Gudbrandsdalen gained particular importance as links between the Oslo region and western Norway. Many later settlements and transport corridors follow patterns established by these early agricultural and trading communities.

Hamar’s medieval bishopric

Hamar became a major ecclesiastical centre in the Middle Ages, with a cathedral and bishopric serving a wide inland area. Construction of the cathedral began in the twelfth century, and the settlement developed beside Lake Mjøsa as both a religious and commercial centre. The Reformation in the sixteenth century ended Hamar’s medieval episcopal role, while fire and later change altered the town. The cathedral ruins, now protected beneath a substantial glass structure, remain one of Innlandet’s clearest reminders of its medieval importance.

Trade, timber and mining in the early modern period

From the seventeenth century onwards, forestry, timber floating and mining became increasingly important to Innlandet’s economy. Rivers carried logs towards sawmills and markets, while roads and winter routes connected isolated valleys with towns. Copper mining at Røros, outside Innlandet, influenced trade in neighbouring mountain districts, although the industrial town itself lies in Trøndelag. Within Innlandet, forest communities, sawmills and transport settlements grew around the exploitation and movement of timber, a pattern that continued into the modern period.

Kongsvinger Fortress and the borderland

Kongsvinger Fortress was established in the seventeenth century above the Glomma River to strengthen Norway’s defences against Sweden. Its location reflects Innlandet’s eastern strategic importance: roads and river routes through the forested border districts could serve both trade and military movement. The fortress was enlarged over time and became part of a wider defensive system. Today it provides a visible link with the periods when the Norwegian-Swedish border was a contested military frontier rather than an open internal boundary.

Railways, industry and modern towns

Nineteenth- and twentieth-century transport development transformed the county. Railways reached the Mjøsa district and then continued through major valleys and forest regions, making the movement of timber, farm products and people more reliable. Hamar, Lillehammer, Gjøvik and smaller industrial settlements expanded as transport and manufacturing centres. The railway also made mountain tourism more practical, helping turn valleys and upland resorts into destinations for hiking, skiing and holiday travel while preserving their role as working landscapes.

The 1994 Winter Olympics and regional tourism

The 1994 Winter Olympics brought lasting international attention to Lillehammer and several venues in the surrounding region, including ski facilities at Birkebeineren and alpine areas near the town. The event accelerated investment in infrastructure and strengthened Innlandet’s reputation for winter sports, although skiing had already been deeply established in local life. Olympic buildings and venues remain part of the county’s visitor landscape, alongside museums, mountain resorts and outdoor activities that operate well beyond the winter season.

Innlandet in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Innlandet

The closest regions to Innlandet, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Norway
More of the region

Explore more of Norway

Explore Norway's spectacular fjords, vibrant cities, and natural wonders. Experience the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, and rich cultural heritage in this Scandinavian gem.

Explore Norway
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Innlandet, Norway

Discover Innlandet with Evendo – your 100% free, all-in-one travel guide, covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Comprehensive guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Detailed information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the beauty of Innlandet, Norway with Evendo. This free app offers detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

  • Interactive map and navigation features
  • 'Near me' functionality to find nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Planning a trip to Innlandet, Norway? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app. Imagine having all the information you need at your fingertips – from the majestic Lillehammer Olympic Park to the serene Mjøsa Lake. Evendo makes it easy to discover and explore the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Innlandet.

Whether you're interested in touring the historic Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, experiencing the thrill of the Hunderfossen Family Park, or savoring local cuisine at popular restaurants like Bryggerikjelleren, Evendo has you covered. Each location comes with detailed descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making planning your trip a breeze.

But that's not all. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more hunting for information across different platforms – everything you need is in one place. The app also features an interactive map, curated local tips, and a 'Near me' function to help you explore the city like a local.

Download Evendo today and transform the way you travel. Discover Innlandet and beyond with ease and confidence.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.