Mjøsa, Lake in Hamar region, Norway.
Mjøsa is an inland lake in southeastern Norway that stretches over one hundred kilometers and reaches depths greater than four hundred meters in several places. Its shores border seven municipalities and touch important towns like Hamar, Lillehammer, and Gjøvik.
In medieval times the lake served as a waterway and defensive line, leading to the construction of a royal fortress on a small island. In the 19th century the world's oldest paddle steamer still in operation began service here and continues to carry passengers today.
The name comes from the Old Norse word mjǫs, meaning
The shores are easily accessible in many places, and several walking paths run along the waterline or through the forested slopes above. Summer offers the best conditions for excursions and boat trips, while winter may bring ice thick enough for activities on the surface.
Its water is unusually clear for such a large body and you can often see several meters down. The aquatic life includes rare fish species, among them a trout that is seldom found in other Scandinavian lakes.
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