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Photo: Øyvind Holmstad, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Vang church at Ridabu just outside the centre is one of Norway's biggest church buildings, seating about 1,000 persons - bigger than Hamar cathedral downtown and nicknamed Hedmark cathedral. It is a popular concert venue known for its light interior and wide octagonal centre space. Until Hamar cathedral was built in 1866 this was the parish church of Hamar. Vang church stands prominently on a small hill just east of road E6. The basic design is octagonal as was popular in Norway at the time (1810) and the centre space is more than 500 square meters without any supporting columns for the roof. Huge but hidden beams span the 25 meters in each direction. One visitor at the time noted that the church is perfectly symmetrical and all details are designed according to mathematical principles. Vang church was designed and built by Abraham Pihl, the local priest and well-known polyhistor. Pihl was royal astronomer in the kingdom of Denmark (including Norway), mechanical engineer, optician, farmer and watchmaker. The famous German geologist Leopold von Buch visited Pihl and was impressed by Pihl's technical and scientific knowledge, and noted that Pihl was the most unusual and remarkable men in Norway.
Vang Church is a parish church of the Church of Norway in Hamar Municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. It is located in the village of Ridabu. It is one of the churches for the Vang parish which is part of the Hamar domprosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Hamar. The white, stone church was built in a octagonal design in 1810 using plans drawn up by the architect Abraham Pihl. The church seats about 1,000 people.
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Norsk utvandrermuseum
Museum showing emigration from Norway, with a collection of six buildings (amongst them a church built in 1896 in Minnesota).
The Viking ship, Hamar Olympic Hall
The Viking Ship, officially known as Hamar olympiahall (Hamar Olympic Hall), is a modern speed skating arena, and was built for the 1994 Olympic Winter Games. Its name comes from its appearance: an upside-down Viking ship. It regularly hosts major speed skating events, such as world championships. Also known for hosting The Gathering each Easter, a computer gathering mainly for young people which has had over 5,000 participants. Each spring and fall, the Vikingship also hosts a very popular 3-day long market for second-hand/ antique goods. The Viking Ship is near Åkersvika, a nature reserve, known for its rich bird life. At the parking lot there is a "bird tower", where you can get a good view of the bay.
Hamarkameratene
HamKam were promoted in 2021, so they now play soccer in Eliteserien, Norway's top tier. Let's see how long it lasts this time - HamKam are the perennial yoyo club, oscillating between the top and second tiers. Watch the emotions of the normally reserved Norwegians yoyo-ing along with them. Their home ground Briskeby Arena (capacity 7600) is 1 km northeast of city centre. The playing season is Mar-Nov.
Museum dedicated to Norway's most famous opera singer, Kirsten Flagstad.
Ankerskogen svømmehall
The main pool is one of Norway's largest, 25x50m. Part of this pool is roped off and has all sort of special floats for kids. There's also a specially heated pool for rehabilitation, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub (cost 10 kr per round), a shallow outdoor pool which is open in summertime. Also a 65-m slide which kids love. There are huge windows all around the pool, so in the winter you can swim while you watch the snow blowing outside. The changing rooms have saunas. You need a 10 kr coin to operate the lockers, or bring your own lock. Ankerskogen also has indoor tennis courts and a Nautilus gym. You'll also find a cafeteria here. The centre was due to be renovated starting in 2010, but they planned on staying open to the public the whole time.
Skibladner is the world's oldest preserved paddle steamer, and sails on lake Mjøsa during the summer.