It is located in the western part of the municipality along the river Glomma, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) east of the town of Hamar.

The town is the regional centre for commerce and industry for the middle Østerdalen valley and the northern part of Solør.

In 1563, Norwegian troops stopped the Swedish advance at Elverum, which provided a strategic point since it lay on both north-south and east–west trade and travel routes.

It was renamed Christiansfjeld Fortress in 1685 by King Christian V of Denmark during his visit to Hammersberg Skanse on June 14.

The area of population east of the river called Leiret (literally 'the camp') adjacent to Christiansfjeld Fortress was built up by soldiers as well as the merchants and craftsmen who settled nearby.

The Oppland Regiment had a history which included courageous involvement in combat from the Swedish wars of the 17th century through the German invasion of Norway in 1940.

[3] In the Danish-Norwegian period, Elverum was the location for a bailiff (fogd), a judge (sorenskriver), a church provost (prost), and numerous military officers.

It is recorded as existing in the 17th century, and in 1765 the owner of Gaarder obtained special market privileges from the king, to take place six miles north of the population center of Elverum on his estate.