A large client base
is, of course, sport
associations who
come for the ice
rink in Vingskipet,
the arena just
across the road.
A
modern
hostel
The hostel Hamar Vandrer-
hjem Vikingskipet was built
in 1994, when the Winter
Olympics were held in
Lillehammer. It is a part of the
network Norges Vandrerhjem/
Hostelling International which
includes another 80 hostels in
Norway.
67 rooms and 180 beds. The hostel has been
rebuilt and extended a number of times since
the opening. Today it is the perfect base for
those who want to get active in Hedmark
and the Hamar region.
– All rooms have their own private
toilet and shower, and in the slightly larger
apartments there is also a small pantry for
self-catering, says Ole Røhnebæk, who runs
the business. A large client base is, of course,
sport associations who come for the ice rink
in Vingskipet, the arena just across the road.
Trill Rundt, guided bike rides that
awaken your senses, is only one of the
activities that you will find nearby. The
pilgrim route to Trondheim passes here,
which makes the hostel an attractive place to
stop for hikers who need a good night’s sleep,
new supplies and who would like to enjoy a
bit of civilisation before they head on.
Mjøsa is the largest lake in Norway and
here you will find Skibladner, the oldest
paddle steamer in the world which has been
restored and is still in use for boat trips on
the lake.
– I can also recommend a visit to
Domkirkeodden and the Hedmark Museum,
says Ole, as well as the Norwegian Railway
Museum. The train service has always been
important to the region and here you get to
see the railway engine Dovregubben, which
struggled up and down the Bergen Line for
many years.
Ankerskogen Svømmehall is one of
the biggest swimming pool facilities in
Scandinavia. Among other things, you
will find a 10-metre-high diving tower, a
water slide, children’s pools, Jacuzzis and a
50-metre-long swimming pool for exercising
and competitions.
– A real adventure in other words, Ole
says.
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