The Skibladner paddle steamer at a glance
The Skibladner is the paddle steamer of Lake Mjøsa. It was built at Motala Verksted in 1854 to 1856 and entered service on 2 August 1856. It is considered the oldest paddle steamer in the world still operating in scheduled service. Every line starts and ends in Gjøvik, and the steamer calls at lakeside towns such as Hamar, Moelv and Lillehammer.
The steamer sails in summer only. The 2026 season ran from 23 June to 16 August, and the Skibladner returns in 2027. If you are reading this in autumn or winter, there are no scheduled trips. Check the timetable for 2027 before you plan a date. The rest of this page shows how the 2026 season worked, so you know what to expect next summer.
Skibladner trips and lake tours
Boat trips, tickets and guided days around Lake Mjøsa, with live prices and availability.
Skibladner timetable and routes in 2026
Three lines, each on two fixed weekdays. Monday has no scheduled trips.
North route: Wednesday and Saturday
From Gjøvik via Hamar and Moelv to Lillehammer. Port times in the 2026 timetable: Gjøvik 09:30, Hamar 11:15 and Lillehammer 15:00. The last Gjøvik time of the day is 20:00.
Lillehammer →South route: Tuesday and Friday
From Gjøvik via Kapp, Hamar and Evjua to Eidsvoll. Eidsvoll shows 14:40, and the day ends in Gjøvik at 19:30.
Hamar →Central route: Thursday and Sunday
Gjøvik, Brumunddal, Hamar, Atlungstad and Nes. Brumunddal is the stop for the timber tower.
Mjøstårnet →The times are timetable times at each pier, not promises about how long you can stay ashore. Check the stops for your day when you book, and be at the quay at least 15 minutes before departure.
Skibladner tickets and prices 2026
Adult one-way fares in NOK for the 2026 season.
| Trip | One way in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Gjøvik to Moelv | NOK 285 |
| Gjøvik to Hamar | NOK 345 |
| Gjøvik to Lillehammer | NOK 345 |
| Hamar to Lillehammer | NOK 395 |
| Gjøvik to Eidsvoll | NOK 395 |
| Return trip | NOK 100 extra |
| Bicycle | NOK 120 |
| E-bike | NOK 180 |
| Children under 12 | Free |
Check the fare for the central route stops (Brumunddal, Atlungstad, Nes) when you book. For most visitors, one way between Gjøvik and Hamar or Lillehammer at NOK 345 is the simplest choice: it covers a long stretch of the lake from the home port. Gjøvik to Moelv at NOK 285 is the cheapest fare.
Restaurant and food on board
The steamer has a restaurant and a kiosk. The 2026 menu offered breakfast for NOK 225, with a children's portion at NOK 100. Breakfast starts at 09:30 on line days. Lunch starts at 13:00, and the salmon dish with a strawberry dessert cost NOK 525, with a children's portion for NOK 265 up to and including age 15.
A fare and a meal are separate purchases. Book ahead, especially for the restaurant, because a ticket bought on the spot does not guarantee a seat.
Rules on board
Good to know before you buy.
Booking
Book ahead. A spontaneous purchase comes without a seat guarantee.
Accessibility
For safety reasons the operator does not carry wheelchairs. Ask the operator before you plan a trip if you need step-free access.
Animals and smoking
Animals are allowed only as service dogs, and smoking is not allowed on board.
What to do when the steamer is not sailing
The lake is worth a visit in every season.
Outside the summer season, the train is a good way to see the shore. The RE10 follows the east side from Hamar to Lillehammer, and the guide to getting there gives timetable examples. In Hamar you can visit the museum at Domkirkeodden, and Lillehammer has the Olympic Park and the open-air museum, both described in things to do in Lillehammer. The steamer's season also shapes the best time to visit the lake, which the weather page covers.
Skibladner: frequently asked questions
When does the Skibladner sail?
In summer. The 2026 season ran from 23 June to 16 August, with no scheduled trips on Mondays. The Skibladner returns in 2027, so check the timetable for 2027 before you book.
How much does a Skibladner ticket cost?
In 2026 a one-way fare was NOK 285 from Gjøvik to Moelv, NOK 345 from Gjøvik to Hamar or Lillehammer, NOK 395 from Hamar to Lillehammer and from Gjøvik to Eidsvoll. The return trip added NOK 100. Children under 12 travel free.
Can I take a bicycle on the Skibladner?
Yes. A bicycle cost NOK 120 and an e-bike NOK 180 in 2026. That pairs well with the cycle route around the lake. See the road trip page.
Is food included in the ticket?
No. The fare and a meal are separate purchases. Book the restaurant ahead, because a ticket bought on the spot carries no seat guarantee.
Is the Skibladner the oldest paddle steamer in the world?
It is considered the oldest paddle steamer in the world that still operates in scheduled service. It entered service on 2 August 1856.
Is this the official Skibladner website?
No. mjosa.org is an independent guide with no connection to the Skibladner operator, its restaurant or any municipality.