Things To Do in Hamar
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Hamar Attractions
Sailing on Norway's Oldest Paddle Steamer -- The best way to travel to Hamar is aboard the world's oldest paddle steamer, Skibladner (tel. 61-14-40-80), which calls not only at Hamar, but also at Eidsvoll and Lillehammer, among other points. The ship was built in 1854 and is still in good shape, stretching 50m (164 ft.) long and measuring 5m (16 ft.) wide. It has a cruising speed of 12 knots and sails from the middle of June to the middle of August. Onboard is a luxurious 70-seat restaurant that's fully licensed and serves regional specialties. The most popular route is between Hamar and Lillehammer, taking 4 hours and costing NOK230 ($46/£23) per person one-way.
- Sports Venue
Hamar Olympiahall
This modern sports arena hosted events during the 1994 Winter Olympics. While that seems like a long time ago, folks around here will be talking about it for years to come. The arena is built in the shape of a Viking ship, lying within walking distance of the town center. Today it is… Hedmark Kunstnersenter (Hedmark Artists' Center)
This restored center for the arts offers changing exhibitions featuring regional artists, mainly painters and sculptors. Check with the tourist office to see what's currently showing. The center is beautifully situated by Lake Mjøsa, west of town, which makes for an idyllic walk…- Religious Site
Hedmarksmuseet & Domkirkeodden
West (1.5km/1 mile) of the town center, the ruins of the nearly 1,000-year-old Hamar Cathedral jut out into Lake Mjøsa. The sight can be reached by a scenic walk, or you can take bus no. 6 leaving from the Hamar Library, costing NOK60 ($12/£6) one-way. These ruins are evocative and…
Hamar Nightlife
For the largest drinking and dining venue in town, refer to Bykjeller'n.
The well-attended Irishman Pub, Strandgata 31 (tel. 62-52-33-92), draws a lively crowd, usually in the 30- to 50-year-old bracket, to its 1930s-era precincts. The decor? Classic Irish pub, down to the pictures of famous Irishmen lining the walls. Recorded music plays in the background except on Friday, when live music is heard. On one night, the singers owed massive inspiration to The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Of course, Guinness and Irish whiskeys rule the night. Open Sunday and Monday noon to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday noon to 12:30am, and Friday and Saturday noon to 2:30am.
