Mjøsas ark
The Mjøsmuseet exhibition Mjøsas ark in the former Kapp Dairy (Kapp Melkefabrikk), about Lake Mjøsa over 8,000 years, from the Stone Age and Viking Age to drinking water and the environment today.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Mjøsas ark is Mjøsmuseet’s exhibition in the buildings of the former Kapp Dairy (Kapp Melkefabrikk) in Østre Toten. On around 500 square metres visitors are taken on a journey through the history of Lake Mjøsa over the last 8,000 years, with finds from the Stone Age and the Viking Age, rock carvings and stories about how the lake is used today and how its drinking-water source is protected.
The factory buildings were formerly a dairy, in which steam power drove the production of condensed milk, sold as Vikingmelk (Viking Milk). Milk from the area around Lake Mjøsa was boiled down and canned here. This was the first factory the Nestlé group bought outside Switzerland, and production lasted from the late 19th century until 1928.
The exhibition is also suitable as a venue for smaller cultural events. Mjøsmuseet is a regional museum for the west side of Lake Mjøsa, Gjøvik and Toten, and the Peder Balke centre at Billerud is located nearby.
Highlights
- Lake Mjøsa’s history over 8,000 years on 500 square metres
- Finds from the Stone Age and the Viking Age, including a Viking sword
- Rock carvings and stories about Lake Mjøsa as a drinking-water source
- The old dairy where Vikingmelk was produced
Permanent exhibition
- Mjøsas ark – A journey through 8,000 years with finds from the Stone Age and the Viking Age, rock carvings and stories about the use of Lake Mjøsa today and the protection of the drinking-water source.
- Operated by
- Mjøsmuseet AS
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 110 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children under 18 enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · A companion with valid documentation enters free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | NOK 100 per personPrice per person for fixed tours for groups of 10 people or more. |
Booked tours cost NOK 100 per person on weekdays (minimum price NOK 1,500) and NOK 110 per person at weekends and in the evening after 17:00 (minimum price NOK 1,650). Tickets are bought on site by card, Vipps or cash.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
The museum describes the visit as suitable for the whole family.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The summer restaurant Barbarossa (Båtkroa på Kapp) lies right by Lake Mjøsa and the museum; for the rest of the year food is served at Toscana restaurant and pizzeria a little further up the street.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | It is easy to combine the visit with Amtmannsgården Steinberg on Toten or the Mjøssamlingene at Minnesund. Groups can book all year. |
