Eiktunet

Eiktunet is an open-air local history museum on a hill above Lake Mjøsa in Gjøvik, Norway. Part of Mjøsmuseet since 2006, its buildings show how people lived and farmed in this area in past centuries.

What is Eiktunet?

It is a museum without exhibition halls. Visitors walk between historic buildings that were moved here and set on a slope with a wide view over Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, and the surrounding countryside. A visit is a stroll from farmstead to farmstead at whatever pace you choose.

Where does it come from, and why that name?

The museum was founded in 1954 to preserve buildings from the former municipalities of Vardal and Snertingdal. Over time, objects from Biri were added to the collection. The name comes from the former farm Eik, on whose land the museum stands.

What can you see?

The collection holds around 35 buildings from the region, dating from 1650 to 1850. Some sources give a slightly lower count of 33, so the exact figure depends on how buildings are counted. These are rural structures relocated from their original sites and gathered in one place to keep them from being lost. If you are interested in traditional timber building in the Mjøsa region, this is a chance to see it up close.

A café in a historic building

The café is housed in the Sevald building, which dates from the 1750s. It is a spot to rest after a walk, inside a structure that is itself part of the collection.

Events through the year

Eiktunet is more than a set of buildings. Seasonal events include midsummer celebrations, a Christmas market and a Halloween event. If you want to see the museum in a livelier mood, plan your visit around one of these dates.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Eiktunet? At Øverbyveien 108, 2825 Gjøvik, on a hill overlooking Mjøsa.

Is the site open all year? The outdoor area is open at all times. Fixed opening hours for the museum itself apply only in summer.

Can groups visit outside the season? Yes, groups can book a visit year-round.

How long does a visit take? Because everything is outdoors, it is up to you. A walk among the buildings with a coffee break is a sensible plan for part of a day.

Is it part of a larger institution? Yes, since 2006 Eiktunet has been part of Mjøsmuseet.

Who is it for?

People who enjoy everyday history, traditional timber architecture and quiet walks with a lake view. It makes a good stop during a stay in Gjøvik, especially in the warmer months, when the museum keeps set opening hours and you can sit down in a historic interior at the café.