Aer Lingus Norway FAM Day 2: Lillehammer to Hamar
- Sharon Jordan
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Day 2 of the Aer Lingus Norway Familiarisation Trip took the group from Lillehammer to Hamar: which was pitched as a potential one day addition to Eastern Norway Itineraries.
On initial impression Hamar stands out as a place to combine outdoor activities, lakeside scenery, medieval heritage, a historic paddle steamer and Norwegian aquavit. And that’s exactly what our itinerary was for the day.
Located around 60 minutes by train north of Oslo, Hamar is compact and easy to get around by foot or local taxi, all the main attractions are centred around Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. A lake that is a hive of activity in the summer season, where local and international visitors flock to.
We began the day at a cable park which has a a 150-metre zip line over the lake and lots of paddle boats and activities for the family. I’d set aside a two hours to complete all that needs to be completed here.
From the cable park we continued on to stop for a beer in the local square. Outdoor dining and bars are sprinkled along here - and guess what? There’s even an Irish Bar!
After cooling down we continued along Hamar’s lakeside path and looking in at the summer houses of the wealthy with complete envy.
Continue to Domkirkeodden, Hamar’s main heritage attraction. The museum brings you through the area’s Viking and medieval history through the remains of Hamar Cathedral, historic buildings and archaeological collections. The cathedral ruins, protected beneath their distinctive glass structure, are a particular highlight. This is Viking heritage at its best. And we were treated to a traditional musical piece that sounded very Irish!
Check it out on our socials.
A complete highlight for us was a lake sailing on the DS Skibladner, a historic paddle steamer that has operated on Lake Mjøsa since the nineteenth century. The cruise offers a relaxed way to experience the lake and with a local beer in hand and a captain that was willing to let the group take the helm it was an exceptional experience and one I would definitely recommend.
There is nothing quite like a trip on the water to bring people together. We were even treated to a deck top serenade from our wonderful host Marita, Sales Manager of Into Norway.
We ended the itinerary at Atlungstad Brenneri, a local distillery that makes ‘Aquavit’ a famous Scandinavian spirit made from potato! We were greeted off the boat by host Stephanie, who had pre-made some delicious Aquavitz cocktails. Think Hugo Spritz on a tastier level.
Our group was thrilled to be guided by Arve Fossum an expert volunteer at the distillery who is a local wonder! There isn’t a question that this man can’t answer about Aquavitz and the industry. We were treated to an amazing dinner with wine pairing followed by an Aquavitz tasting in guide Arve’s private room with the most eclectic bottle collection I’ve ever seen! This tour is a must.
A guided tour costs NOK 220 per person and lasts approximately 75–90 minutes. And the optional tasting of four aquavits costs NOK 295 per person and lasts around 30 minutes. And is definitely worth the addition.
Follow along on social as we hit Oslo for our final city and a more cosmopolitan vibe.
Comments