Hamar
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The cathedral ruins in its protecting shell off glass. |
Hamar-kaupangen, as the old town is called, is from around 1050, the time when Harald Hardråde came with his men up Mjøsa to overthrow the kings of Oppland. A hundred years later, the bishopric was estabished and the cathedral was initiated. For 400 years, Hamar was one of the country's four-five central towns. But after the reformation, the church as well as the town was left desolate, the cobbled streets became overgrown and the munk's herbs grew wild.
It wasn't until 1849 that a new town was founded in the thickets on the banks of Mjøsa a couple of kilometers further south.
And the fact that two towns are situated side by side with 300 years between them is Norwegian history unique for Hamar. The conspicuous connection between the two town comprises of Hamardomen - the cathedaral ruins in its protecting shell of glass. It is actually called The Glass Cathedral, and right from initiation summer 1998, it has caused international sensation. |
Hamar, the busy and modern town of commerce. |
The same applies to Hamar's other striking buliding - the multipurpose hall "Viking Ship" at Åkersvika, which was opened for the Olympic Winter Games in 1994. The "Viking Ship" is also a link. It implies an ancestry even further back in time - to the first centre of power in inland Norway, which was established at the manor farm Åker around year 400. Such is the historical background for the term "An all Time Town".
Attractions
- Hamar
Olympiahall - "The Viking Ship"
Norway's great hall of sport, the most memorable building of the '94 Winter Olympics.
- Hedmarks
Museum / Folk Museum
One of the country's finest medieval museums centred around the famous cathedral ruins. The ruins have been enclosed in a protective glass and steel constructions which has been nicknamed The Hamar Dome.
- Norwegian
Railway Museum
- The
Kirsten Flagstad Museum
Birthplace of the world-famous opera singer
- The
Norwegian Emigrant Museum
- Skibladner
"Skibladner" is the pride of the inland. Launched in 1856, she is the world's oldest paddle steamer in scheduled service.
- Ankerskogen Swimming Pool -
the best swimming facilities in Northern Europe!
An obvious choice for activity while visiting Hamar, would be a swim in our grand leisure centre. This fantastic centre includes northern Europe's largest swimming pool, 50 meters long with salt water and the countrys's best diving facitities. There is also a special pool for rheumatics and other disabled people. I addition there is a baby pool, water chutes, jucuzzi, saunas and solarium and a cafeteria. The pool has adjoining halls wiyh keep-fit studios, tennis and badminton courts.
- Bowling
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Bowling at all levels, 14 modern lanes.
- Gåsbu Nature Trails
Sport and outdoor centre in Vangsåsen, 15 km from Hamar. The cross-country skiing tracks here serve as a reserve venue for the Holmenkollen Ski Festival. Extensive network of tracks.
Hamar - figure and facts
- Number of inhabitants: 27.000
- Land disposal: 351 km²
- Lowest altitude above sea level:
123m
- Highest altitude above sea level:
925 m
- Distance from Oslo to Hamar: 127 km
- Distance from Oslo Airport Gardemoen to Hamar: 80 km