Gjøvik is a municipality and town in Innlandet county, Norway, located in the traditional district of Toten. It serves as the administrative center of the municipality and is positioned on the western shore of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake. Established as a municipality on January 1, 1861, Gjøvik has grown into a regional hub for education, industry, and culture, with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) campus playing a key role. The town is known for its blend of urban amenities and natural surroundings, including access to hiking, skiing, and lake-based activities. In 2025, Gjøvik hosted significant events like the Speidernes Landsleir national Scout jamboree, drawing over 10,000 participants from Norway and abroad, and continued its focus on sustainability through carbon accounting and green infrastructure projects.
Gjøvik Municipality covers an area of 671.12 square kilometers, with 628.91 square kilometers of land and 42.21 square kilometers of water, representing about 6.3% water coverage. It ranks as the 169th largest municipality in Norway by area. Situated at coordinates approximately 60°47′N 10°41′E, the town lies along the western banks of Lake Mjøsa, which dominates the landscape and provides scenic views and recreational opportunities. The terrain includes hilly areas, forests, and rural districts like Biri, Snertingdal, and Vardal, with the highest point being Ringsrudåsen at 842 meters above sea level. Borders include Lillehammer to the north, Østre Toten and Vestre Toten to the south, Søndre Land and Nordre Land to the west, and Ringsaker across the lake to the east. The Hunnselva river flows through the area, and the geography supports diverse activities from lakeside pursuits to mountain hiking. Recent infrastructure surveys in 2025 focused on geological risks for highway development through the city, highlighting ongoing urban planning in this dynamic landscape.
The name Gjøvik originates from the Old Norse "Djúpvík," meaning "deep inlet," referring to its position by Lake Mjøsa. Historically part of Vardal parish, the area saw early industrial development with the establishment of a glassworks in 1807 by Caspar Kauffeldt, attracting workers from Valdres and western Norway. Gjøvik separated from Vardal in 1861 to become an independent municipality and town, starting with a population of 626. Expansions followed, annexing parts of Vardal in 1921 (723 residents) and 1955 (1,372 residents), and a major merger in 1964 incorporated Biri, Snertingdal, and most of Vardal, boosting the population to 23,608. The coat of arms, adopted in 1960, depicts a white swan on a blue field, symbolizing the paddle steamer Skibladner, the "white swan of Mjøsa." An earlier 1922 design featured a linden tree and river motifs, representing local forests and the founding glass industry. In recent history, Gjøvik has emphasized green transitions, with 2025 marking advancements in carbon accounting and emission-free construction sites as part of Norway's climate neutrality goals.
As of 2025, Gjøvik Municipality has an estimated population of 31,175, making it the 35th most populous in Norway. The population density stands at 49.6 inhabitants per square kilometer, with a 3.7% growth over the past decade. The town of Gjøvik itself accounts for a significant portion of this figure, with the broader municipality including villages like Biri, Bybrua, and Hunndalen. Demonyms are Gjøvikenser or Gjøvikensar, and the official language form is Bokmål. The community is multicultural, with notable immigrant groups from Poland (453), Eritrea (334), Somalia (309), Syria (265), and Iran (225). Gender distribution is roughly balanced, and average age reflects a mix of young families and older residents, supported by educational institutions like NTNU. Projections for 2025 indicate stable growth, driven by regional appeal and sustainable development initiatives.
Gjøvik's economy has roots in 19th-century industry, starting with the glassworks and evolving into manufacturing, notably O. Mustad & Son's global fish hook production. Today, key sectors include technology, food processing, and construction materials, with major companies like dolphitech (ultrasonic technology), Hoff Potetindustrier (potato products), Hunton Fiber (wood fiber insulation), and Natre Vinduer (windows). The town functions as a port for the tourist steamer Skibladner and hosts events that boost local commerce. Media includes the newspaper Oppland Arbeiderblad, and hospitality features hotels like the Grand and Strand. In 2025, Gjøvik advanced its green economy through projects like the TransformAr initiative addressing urban flooding and the goal of emission-free construction by year-end, positioning it as a pioneer in carbon accounting and climate adaptation. The municipality's dynamic economy supports around 30,000 residents with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Gjøvik offers a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions. Key sites include the Vitensenteret Innlandet science center, open weekends and holidays, providing interactive exhibits on science and technology. Lake Mjøsa is central, with the historic paddle steamer Skibladner offering cruises and docked in the harbor. Museums highlight local heritage, while churches like Gjøvik Church (1882, Gothic Revival with Asta Nørregaard's altarpiece), Biri Church (1777), Bråstad Church (1963), and Engehaugen Church (1994) showcase architectural history. Outdoor activities abound, including hiking in hidden trails, cross-country skiing (with events like the Norwegian Cup in 2025), and birdwatching. The Gjøvik region, including Toten and Land, features local food experiences, galleries, and cultural events. In 2025, attractions were enhanced by the national Scout jamboree and a J60 tennis tournament, drawing international visitors. Other highlights include cozy cafes, historic landmarks, and unique boutiques, making it ideal for countryside escapes.
Gjøvik experiences a humid continental climate, with comfortable summers and long, freezing winters. Average temperatures range from -6°C in January (coldest month) to 17°C in July (warmest), with extremes occasionally reaching -20°C in winter or 30°C in summer. Precipitation is consistent year-round, totaling about 800-900 mm annually, often as rain in summer and snow in winter, with cloudy skies predominant. Summers are wet and mild, ideal for outdoor activities, while winters bring snowfall and opportunities for skiing. The location by Lake Mjøsa moderates temperatures slightly, but climate change impacts, such as increased urban flooding, are addressed through 2025 projects like TransformAr for waterway management. Overall, the weather supports seasonal tourism, with clear days offering stunning lake views.
Gjøvik stands out for its lakeside setting and commitment to sustainability, exemplified in 2025 by becoming a carbon accounting pioneer and commissioning the newest ERTMS signaling system on the Gjøvik railway line for improved efficiency. The town's rich cultural life includes hosting major concerts (e.g., Toto, Robbie Williams) and events like the 2025 Scout jamboree and Norwegian Cup skiing races. Educational institutions, such as NTNU's campus, foster innovation, while industrial heritage in glass and manufacturing evolves into modern green tech. Twinning with international cities promotes global ties, and infrastructure like the upgraded railway enhances connectivity to Oslo (two hours away). As part of Norway's pathways to climate neutrality, Gjøvik's ambitious goals for emission-free sites by 2025 highlight its forward-thinking approach, blending history, nature, and progress in a thriving community.