Helgøya at a glance
Helgøya is an island in Lake Mjøsa and Norway's largest inland island. It belongs to Ringsaker municipality, the same municipality as Brumunddal and the Mjøstårnet timber tower. The island is still active farmland, and since 2018 it has been part of the Norwegian programme of selected agricultural cultural landscapes.
Come for the open fields, the lake views and the farms, not for a list of attractions. This is a place for a slow drive or a bike ride, and you are a guest on working land. For organised options in the area, see tours and things to do around Lake Mjøsa.
Helgøya: what to know before you go
The island is small and its farmland is protected.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By road over the bridge at Nessundet, which links the island to the Neshalvøya peninsula |
| Hovinsholm | Large farm and former manor on the south side of the island |
| Nature | Several protected areas and a nature reserve near Bergevika |
| Farmland | Working fields, so stay on roads and paths |
| Cycling | Public roads and signed paths only, check the signs on site |
| Opening hours | Check farm visits and any shop or café locally before you plan around them |
For most visitors, a slow drive or ride along the public roads with a few stops to look at the farms is the realistic plan. Treat anything beyond the road as something you need permission for.
Tours and tickets around Helgøya and Lake Mjøsa
Boat trips, museum visits and day trips around the lake, with live prices and availability.
Hovinsholm, the large farm on Helgøya
Hovinsholm lies on the south side of the island. It is a large farm and a former noble seat, and green fields, a pond and the lake behind them make a typical Helgøya view. Treat it as a large and historic farm, not as a record holder.
Do not assume you can walk in. Before you plan a visit, a farm shop or a meal, check locally what is open and what it costs, because opening hours and prices change with the season and the owner.
Landscape, nature and respect for the fields
What the protected status means for a visit.
A working landscape
The island is active farmland. The area in the programme is 18 400 dekar. A dekar is 1,000 square metres, so that is about 18.4 km². The figure follows a different boundary than the island's own area of 18.3 km², so do not treat the two as the same measurement.
Protected areas
The island has several protected areas and species-rich, lime-rich habitats. A nature reserve lies near Bergevika. Follow the signs there and do not enter areas that are closed or marked.
Fields and paths
Cultivated fields are not open ground. Do not cross them, keep dogs under control and leave gates as you found them. Do not assume that every track is open to bicycles.
Cycling and driving on Helgøya
The island suits a slow trip by bike or car. Stick to public roads and clearly signed paths, and give farm vehicles space. Check the signs on site for the current route before you set off.
- By bike: plan for small roads and slow riding, with stops to look at the farms.
- By car: park only where it is allowed and do not block farm gates or field tracks.
- On foot: keep to roads and signed paths, and stay out of protected areas that are marked.
If you want to ride further, the cycle route Mjøstråkk runs in stages around the lake. See our Lake Mjøsa road trip.
How to get to Helgøya
By road. The train stops in Hamar and Brumunddal.
By car or bike
The Nessundet bridge, built in 1957, links the island to the Neshalvøya peninsula, and you cross it by road. Plan food and fuel stops before you cross.
By train
The RE10 train from Oslo stops in Hamar and Brumunddal. Check local transport and the road distance for your day. Our guide from Oslo to Lillehammer and the lake has the train details.
More around the lake
Pages that fit a trip to Helgøya.
Helgøya: frequently asked questions
Is Helgøya the largest island in Norway?
It is Norway's largest inland island, which means the largest island in a lake. Its area is about 18.3 km².
How do I get onto Helgøya?
By road. The bridge over Nessundet, built in 1957, connects the island to the Neshalvøya peninsula.
Can I visit Hovinsholm?
Check locally. Opening hours and prices for visits, a shop or a meal change with the season, so confirm them before you go.
Can I cycle around Helgøya?
You can ride on public roads and signed paths. Do not assume that every track is open to bicycles, and keep out of fields and marked protected areas.
Is this the official website of Helgøya?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the municipality, a farm or any operator, and it is not connected to them.