Lake Mjøsa road trip at a glance
Lake Mjøsa is 117 km long and covers 369 km² at its highest regulated water level, so a trip around it is more than a day out. Lillehammer sits at the northern end, Hamar and Brumunddal on the east side, Gjøvik on the west and Eidsvoll in the south. Every stop has something to see, and most can be combined in two or three days.
There is no single length for a car loop, because it depends on where you start and which roads you choose. Plan by stops, not by kilometres, and let a navigation app pick the roads. Cyclists have a named route, the Mjøstråkk. If you would rather spend the time on activities than on planning, look at our Lillehammer tours and activities.
Stops around Lake Mjøsa
The main places on a loop, with what each one is best for.
| Stop | Where | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lillehammer | North end | Maihaugen open-air museum, Olympic Park, town centre | Chairlift at Lysgårdsbakkene: adults NOK 80 in summer 2026 |
| Hunderfossen | Near Lillehammer | Family park with fairy-tale theme | Parking NOK 99 per day in summer and autumn 2026 |
| Moelv | East side | Mjøsbrua bridge, steamer stop | Stop on the northern steamer route |
| Brumunddal | East side | Mjøstårnet timber tower, hotel and restaurant | 85.4 m, 18 floors |
| Helgøya | Island, Ringsaker | Farmland, quiet roads, Hovinsholm | Bridge at Nessundet since 1957 |
| Hamar | East shore | Domkirkeodden, railway museum, Vikingskipet | Glass cathedral over the ruins is closed |
| Gjøvik | West shore | Fjellhallen, Gjøvik gård | Start and end of every steamer route |
| Toten shore | West shore, south | Lake views, steamer stops at Kapp and Evjua | Southern steamer route |
| Minnesund and Eidsvoll | South end | Start and end of the cycle route | Southern steamer route ends at Eidsvoll |
For most visitors, three days work well: Lillehammer with Maihaugen and the Olympic Park on the first, Brumunddal, Helgøya and Hamar on the second, and Gjøvik and the Toten shore on the third. Add Hunderfossen if you travel with children.
Tours and activities around Lake Mjøsa
Museums, family parks, lake cruises and outdoor trips around Lillehammer and the lake, with live prices and availability.
Driving around Lake Mjøsa
The E6 is the main road corridor and crosses the lake on Mjøsbrua near Moelv. The bridge is 1,421 m long and opened on 16 November 1985. A new E6 section of about 11 km between Moelv and Roterud, with a new lake bridge, is still in the planning stage. Today you cross on the existing bridge.
Smaller roads follow the shore in many places. Pick them in a navigation app and check the route before you set off. Some E6 sections have toll stations; see our page on getting to Lake Mjøsa from Oslo for examples. Park where the sights are: Hunderfossen charges NOK 99 per day in summer and autumn 2026, and the car park is closed at night.
If you continue north through Norway, the Lofoten road trip guide shows how to plan a longer drive.
Cycling around Lake Mjøsa on the Mjøstråkk
One named route, 234 km, seven stages.
The route
The Mjøstråkk runs 234 km around the lake in 7 stages. It starts and ends at Minnesund and Eidsvoll, but you can begin anywhere and ride in either direction. Stages include Hamar to Brumunddal, Brumunddal to Lillehammer, Lillehammer to Gjøvik and Gjøvik to Hurdal.
Roads to avoid
Do not send bikes onto motorway sections of the E6. Follow the route description of the Mjøstråkk and check the current state of each stage before you go.
Helgøya
The island is a working farm landscape and a protected cultural landscape. Stay on public roads and paths, and do not cross fields. Not every path is open to bikes.
Helgøya guide →
Bikes on the steamer
In summer the paddle steamer takes bikes for NOK 120 and e-bikes for NOK 180 per trip, as of 2026. That makes it easy to cycle one way and sail back.
Steamer timetable →
Adding the paddle steamer to your loop
The Skibladner sails only in summer. The 2026 season ran from 23 June to 16 August, with no sailings on Mondays, and the ship returns in 2027. Each route starts and ends at Gjøvik. On Wednesday and Saturday the northern route calls at Hamar and Moelv before Lillehammer. On Tuesday and Friday the southern route goes via Kapp, Hamar and Evjua to Eidsvoll. On Thursday and Sunday the central route calls at Brumunddal, Hamar, Atlungstad and Nes.
Single fares in 2026 were Gjøvik to Hamar NOK 345, Gjøvik to Moelv NOK 285, Gjøvik to Lillehammer NOK 345, Hamar to Lillehammer NOK 395 and Gjøvik to Eidsvoll NOK 395. A return adds NOK 100, and children under 12 travel free. Be at the quay 15 minutes before departure and book ahead if you want lunch on board.
More stops to plan
Each place has its own guide.
Lillehammer
Olympic Park, Maihaugen and the lakefront.
Mjøstårnet
The timber tower, its hotel and restaurant.
Hamar
Domkirkeodden, the railway museum and Vikingskipet.
Gjøvik
Fjellhallen, Gjøvik gård and the steamer base.
Helgøya
Norway's largest inland island, farms and quiet roads.
Where to stay
Bases for a loop around the lake.
Lake Mjøsa road trip: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive around Lake Mjøsa?
There is no single driving time, because it depends on your starting point, the roads you pick and how many stops you make. Two to three days with stops is a comfortable plan.
How long is the cycle route around Lake Mjøsa?
The Mjøstråkk is 234 km long and has 7 stages. It starts and ends at Minnesund and Eidsvoll, and you can begin at any point and ride in either direction.
Can I travel around the lake by steamer?
Not in one go. The Skibladner sails three routes in summer, each starting and ending at Gjøvik. You can combine a sailing with a drive or a bike ride.
Is there a new bridge over Lake Mjøsa?
Not yet. The new E6 section between Moelv and Roterud, with a new bridge, is still being planned. You cross on Mjøsbrua today.
Is this an official website?
No. This is an independent guide to Lake Mjøsa. It is not run by a municipality, a tourist board, a museum or a transport company.