Sauna on the Ice at Twilight with Spreke Opplevelser

Photo: Andreas Kokkvoll / Spreke Opplevelser

Things to Do at Lake Mjøsa and on Budor

We've selected the places we'd choose ourselves. Local favorites just 1 hour from Oslo and 30 minutes from Gardermoen, perfect for families, friends, and groups, all year round.

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Heidi says

We actively explore the region—together with family, friends, and partners. That’s why we know where the strawberries are sweetest in July, which hill the kids will want to sled down again and again, and where it’s worth taking a detour.

That's why we don't recommend everything. Just the places we ourselves would send our friends and family to.

Here's how Heidi chooses →

Heidi's Selection

Suitable forSeason

Photo: Visit MjøsaAll year round

Food and Drink

Atlungstad Distillery

The distillery by Lake Mjøsa has been producing aquavit since 1855. In the fall, they still distill aquavit just as they always have.

Heidi saysTake the guided tour, and stay for dinner at Spiseriet, which overlooks the water.

About 40 minutes from Mjøsli and Budor
Guided tours on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. during the summer and fall; groups by appointment
The cafeteria is open year-round

Read more about Atlungstad Distillery →

See Atlungstad →

Fredheim Farm Store with a view of Lake Mjøsa

Photo: Visit MjøsaAll year round

Food and Drink

Fredheim Farm Store

Voted Norway's best farm stand in 2021. Meat, eggs, baked goods, and local produce straight from the farm in Stange.

Heidi saysDo your grocery shopping here before you get to the cabin, and dinner will be all set.

Approx. 35 min from Mjøsli, 40 min from Budor
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Learn more about the Fredheim farm stand →

See Fredheim →

Summer

Food and Drink

The Mjøsa Front

Hamar's new waterfront promenade at Skibladnerbrygga, featuring food trucks and summer activities right by the water.

Heidi saysBuy something tasty from a food truck and sit down by the water on a warm evening.

Approx. 40 min from Mjøsli, 35 min from Budor
Summer, outdoors

Dog Sledding with Huskies

Drive your own dog sled across Hedmarksvidda with Hedmarksvidda Husky. In the summer, you can go on a sleigh ride or visit the kennel.

Heidi saysThis is the trip guests keep talking about long after it's over.

Winter: at Budor, about 55 minutes from Mjøsli
December through Easter, starting at 1,500 kr
Children are welcome

See dog sledding →

Canoe Trip on the Svartelva River in Løten

Photo: Spreke OpplevelserSpring to Fall

Animals and Nature

Beaver Safari

An evening canoe trip on the Svartelva River in Løten, with beavers and other wildlife along the riverbank. With Spreke Opplevelser.

Heidi saysBring warm clothes and be quiet, and the beaver will come.

Approx. 35–40 min from Mjøsli, 25 min from Budor
April through fall, about 2 hours
Starting at 990 kr; children ages 3 and up pay half price

Tangen Zoo

A small petting zoo where visitors can get up close to the animals. Children can also be zookeepers for a day.

Heidi saysJust a short distance from Mjøsli, and a day the kids will remember.

About 15 minutes from Mjøsli
Reopening in May 2027

Sauna and ice bath

A wood-fired sauna and a cold dip with Spreke Opplevelser. At Rokosjøen in the winter and at Budor in the summer.

Heidi saysHot, cold, and hot again. You'll sleep well afterward.

Approx. 50 min from Mjøsli, 35 min from Budor
Approx. 2 hours, up to 6 people

Read more about Saunas and Ice Baths →

See sauna and ice bath →

A view up into the pine tree canopies during a forest bath

Photo: Spreke OpplevelserAll year round

Well-being

Forest Bathing

A peaceful, guided experience in the forest with Spreke Opplevelser. Sensations, breathing, and silence—no pressure to perform.

Heidi saysGreat for a group of friends or a team that needs a break.

Groups of 6–12
By appointment

Learn more about forest bathing →

See forest bathing →

Winter

Active and Outdoors

Budor Ski resorts and ski lessons

A family-friendly ski resort right on your doorstep at Budor, offering ski lessons for all ages.

Heidi saysIf you live at Budor, you can step right out onto the slopes.

Right next to Budor, about 55 minutes from Mjøsli
Day pass: 400 kr (2025/26); children ages 0–6: free

Learn more about the Budor ski resort and ski lessons →

See Budor alpine →

Winter

Active and Outdoors

The sledding hill at Budor

The sledding hill at Budor, with speed, snow spray, and plenty of runs down the hill.

Heidi saysThe best laughs of the winter, for kids and adults alike.

Right next to Budor
Starting at 100 kr per trip

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

Guided snowshoe hike at Budor in the moonlight with Karset Activity Farm.

Heidi saysSilent snow, moonlight, and something warm in my cup. Rarely beautiful.

Starts at Budor
Winter 2027, starting at 345 kr

See snowshoe hikes →

Wakeboarding at Seaside Cablepark in Hamar

Photo: Visit MjøsaSummer

Active and Outdoors

Seaside Cablepark

Water skiing and wakeboarding on a cable system on Lake Mjøsa, in the heart of Hamar. Suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.

Heidi saysGive it a try, even if you've never stood on a board before. It's the most fun.

Approx. 40 min from Mjøsli, 35 min from Budor
Summer, depending on the weather
Starting at 100 kr

Learn more about Seaside Cablepark →

See Seaside Cablepark →

The glass hall above the cathedral ruins at Domkirkeodden

Photo: Frederik Garshol / Visit MjøsaAll year round

History and Culture

Anno Domkirkeodden

The cathedral ruins under glass, an open-air museum, and a new history center by Lake Mjøsa in Hamar.

Heidi saysTake a walk in the garden by the lake afterward. It's one of the most beautiful places in Hamar.

About 40 minutes from Mjøsli and Budor
Open year-round

Eidsvoll 1814

The house where the Constitution was drafted in 1814. The tour takes you right into the room where it all happened.

Heidi saysThe perfect choice on a rainy day—and closer than you think.

About 25 minutes from Mjøsli
Adults 180 kr, children free
Indoors

The Railway Museum

Norwegian railway history in Hamar, featuring old locomotives and the Tertittoget train in the summer.

Heidi saysThe children get to drive the train, and the adults get just as excited.

Approx. 45 min from Mjøsli, 40 min from Budor
Starting at 145 kr
Indoors

Skibladner

The world's oldest paddle steamer still in regular service, celebrating 170 years in 2026. Take the boat from Hamar and enjoy Lake Mjøsa from the water.

Heidi saysTake the boat to Atlungstad and have dinner at Spiseriet before taking the boat back.

From Hamar, about 40 minutes from Mjøsli
Summer season, starting at 285 kr
Children under 12 are free

Learn more about Skibladner →

View the schedule →

Travel times are approximate and calculated from the cabins listed at Mjøsli and Budor. Prices and hours of operation are subject to change, so always check with the operator before you go.

Heidi's Daily Plans

Ready-made suggestions for a full day, with times and stops.

A winter day in BudorSkiing, sledding, and huskies—a whole winter day without getting in the car.A summer day by Lake MjøsaPaddlewheel steamboat, aquavit, and strawberries—Lake Mjøsa at its best.A rainy day with the kidsGreat indoor spots when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Heidi's Quick Tips

Small places we love—worth a detour.

The Office Wine BarA small wine bar in Hamar with a sommelier and wine tastings.Knutstad & HolenThe fish shop in Matkvartalet in Hamar, featuring shrimp, oysters, and the catch of the day.Espa BollelandThis year’s goal is 2.1 million Espa buns. Stop by on your way to Mjøsli.Søndre EltonA strawberry stand with a view of Lake Mjøsa in the summer. Waffles with strawberries.

November and December

Christmas by Lake Mjøsa

Christmas markets, mulled wine, and festively decorated farmyards. We'll list this year's Christmas markets around Lake Mjøsa here once the dates are set.

Larsen's Christmas Market in the backyard, Strandgata 53 in Hamar: November 28–29, 2026.

Groups, corporate outings, and conferences

We combine lodging, meals, and activities into a single package, with one point of contact throughout the entire process. Customer service is available every day, all year round.

Request a quote

Here's How Heidi Chooses

Local. Run by people who live here, using local ingredients and drawing on local history.
We've tried it ourselves. We only recommend things we've done ourselves or know well.
It's a short drive. About an hour's drive from the cabins.
No paid spots. No one can buy their way onto the list. We update it four times a year.

Questions and Answers

What can you do at Lake Mjøsa?

At Lake Mjøsa, you can take the paddle steamer Skibladner, go water skiing at Seaside Cablepark in Hamar, visit the Atlungstad Distillery and Anno Domkirkeodden, and shop at local farm stands in Stange. In the winter, Budor —with its downhill skiing, toboggan run, and dog sledding—is just a short drive away.

What can families with children do near Mjøsli and Budor?

Popular choices for families include Tangen Zoo, the Railway Museum, the sledding hill and the ski resort at Budor, the beaver safari, and dog sledding. All of these are marked with “Family” on the page.

What can you do at Mjøsa when it's raining?

Some great indoor options include Eidsvoll 1814, the Railway Museum, Anno Domkirkeodden, and dinner at Spiseriet in Atlungstad.

Do I have to book the activities through Villa Heidi?

No. You book directly with each provider via the link on the card. For groups, company outings, and conferences, you can ask Villa Heidi for a package quote.

How far is it from the cabins to the activities?

The travel times listed on each map are approximate and calculated using Mjøsli and Budor. Most attractions are between 15 and 60 minutes away.

How far is it from Oslo?

The cabins at Mjøsli are located 1 hour from Oslo and 30 minutes from Gardermoen. Budor is located about 1.5 hours from Oslo. Everything on this page is perfect for a weekend getaway from Oslo.

Last updated October 24, 2026.

Want to see even more? Visit Visit Mjøsa and Visit Greater Oslo.

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