Hamar

Hamar is a city in Innlandet (historically Hedmark), Norway, facing the impressive Mjøsa lake. Hamar is the hub in the Oppland-Hedmark area and is surrounded by the fertile Hedmark flatlands.

The city, which has a population of 31,000, was first established in the middle of the 11th century, but destroyed by a Swedish army in 1567. In 1849 the city was re-established, and is now the largest city in the Norwegian interior (i.e. the counties not connected to the ocean). During the 1994 Winter Olympics three of the sporting events were held in Hamar: Figure skating, short track speed skating and speed skating.

By car
Take the E6 national highway north from Oslo. Takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Oslo Airport it takes an hour.

Oslo Airport, Gardermoen
Oslo Airport, Gardermoen is Norway's largest airport, located in Gardermoen, 90 km south of Hamar. Direct flights are available from 107 airports, including 24 airports in Norway. The largest airlines in Norway, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian Air Shuttle, operate direct flights from many U.S., European and Norwegian destinations to Oslo Airport, as well as large domestic networks. Flights by about 30 other airlines make this airport easy to reach from most of the world. There is free wifi at the airport. Password is sent in an sms (a number from any country would do).

To travel between the city and the airport:


 * Vy operates trains via Hamar to Lillehammer or Trondheim. The trip takes 55 minutes, and trains depart every hour during weekdays. Tickets cost 160 kr.

By train
All trains between Oslo-Trondheim, Oslo-Røros and Skien-Lillehammer stop in Hamar. 1 hour 15 min from Oslo, about 1 hour from Gardermoen Airport. From Lillehammer a trip takes 45 min, and from Elverum 25 min.



By bus
There are five bus lines in the city, going from the suburbs and through the city centre. The cost is 33 kr for a single ticket if you buy on the bus.

By taxi
Taxis are expensive. The minimum charge in Hamar is at least 97 kr, increasing to 141 kr late at weekend nights. The phone number for Hedmark Taxi is 03650.

Buy
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.

Stay safe
Norway is a fairly safe country in general, and Hamar is no exception.

Go next

 * Lillehammer, another Olympic city located close to lake Mjøsa.
 * Trysil, Norway's largest ski resort.
 * Elverum, has one of Norway's most visited museums in Skogmuseet (the Forest museum).