Ringsaker: Medieval Traces, Mjøsa and Active Excursions

Ringsaker combines medieval buildings and burial monuments with nature destinations, alpine activities and distinctive places along Mjøsa. When planning a holiday, families therefore need to consider what they want to focus on: should a day centre on cultural history, a hike lead to viewpoints, or should climbing be an experience in its own right? These differences can also help you choose the right area for a holiday apartment.

Medieval Traces and a Distinctive Burial Mound

Ringsaker Church is one of Norway’s most authentic and best-preserved medieval churches. Its oldest parts date from the first half of the 12th century. Sveinhaugen, a 21-metre-high burial mound, lies southeast of the church. Another historic site is the ruins of Mjøskastellet on Steinsholmen in Mjøsa. They are the remains of one of Norway’s largest known medieval towers. The church, burial mound and tower ruins offer different cultural and historical experiences to consider when choosing your excursion destinations.

Hiking Destinations, Elevations and Alpine Runs

The accessible hiking programme “10 topper i Ringsaker” leads to destinations at mountain peaks, viewpoints and other natural highlights in different parts of Ringsaker. It therefore encompasses more than one type of destination: you can choose a peak, a viewpoint or another natural highlight. At 1,090 metres, Tuva is Ringsaker’s highest mountain. If you are considering alpine activities instead of a hiking destination, Sjusjøen Alpine Center has eight runs, a chairlift and three smaller lifts. The upper station is at an altitude of 954 metres. These details make the different options clear without combining hiking and downhill runs into a single excursion.

Discover Climbing and Cultural Heritage Sites in Different Ways

Helgøya Climbing Park is suitable for families and has 14 courses, 20 ziplines and a total of 160 climbing elements. “Helgøyastupet” was introduced there as a 14-metre jump. If you prefer cultural heritage sites as excursion destinations, you can follow the accessible “10 på hjul” programme: its routes lead to various cultural heritage sites in Ringsaker and can be completed by bicycle or, if needed, by car. This lets you explore different interests without having to commit to just one way of getting around.

Relaxation by Mjøsa and a Restored Garden

Mjøsparken is a large recreation and leisure area in Brumunddal, on Lake Mjøsa. Mjøstårnet, the world’s tallest wooden building, stands right beside it. It was built by local entrepreneur Arthur Buchardt, has 18 floors and is 85.4 metres tall. On Helgøya, Hovelsrud Visitor Garden has been restored to its 1840 appearance. During the summer months, Hovelsrud offers guided tours and walks in the garden on Sundays. A pop-up shop sells farm products, vegetables from the kitchen garden and plants. Another useful landmark for finding your way is Prøysenhuset, five minutes by car from the E6 at Rudshøgda.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of these experiences you want your holiday to centre on: cultural history, hiking, alpine runs, climbing or relaxation by the lake. The locations help you match your interests to an area: Brumunddal is home to Mjøsparken and Mjøstårnet, Sjusjøen to the Alpine Center, and Helgøya to the climbing park and Hovelsrud Visitor Garden. Check which places fit your planned holiday days and use that to guide your further search. For additional location information, see the pages for Tingnes, Nes På Hedmark, Brumunddal, Sjusjøen, Moelv, Mesnali, Lismarka and Furnes.

For the broader travel overview: Hedmark.