[4][5] The parish of Øier (later spelled Øyer) was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law).

On 1 January 1867, a small area of Øier (population: 40) was transferred to the neighboring municipality of Gausdal.

This name is probably given to this area because the Gudbrandsdalslågen river widens out in the central part of the municipality and creates two river-lakes (called the Jemnefjorden and Gildbusfjorden).

The official blazon is "Vert, a wooden staple argent" (Norwegian: I grønt ei sølv helder).

This means the arms have a green field (background) and the charge is a wooden staple Norwegian: hegd or helder).

The charge has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

This is a type of ring or staple that was historically made of wood and it was used to fasten a tree trunk to a rope in order to haul it over the land.

It is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the town of Lillehammer, making it very accessible to a larger population.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Øyer is made up of 21 representatives that are elected to four year terms.