The diagonal division of the shield shows green and white to symbolise the dark forests around the (light) city.

The arms included the statement Vis et voluntas (meaning "force and will") on the lower part of the shield.

The official blazon is "Azure, a swan naiant argent" (Norwegian: På blå bunn en svømmende sølv svane).

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

[11][12] Along with Hamar, Lillehammer, Brumunddal, and Moelv, Gjøvik is one of the many towns bordering Norway's biggest lake, Mjøsa.

The town administration of Gjøvik also includes the suburb area Hunndalen and the rural districts of Biri, Snertingdal, and Vardal.

Gjøvik owes much of its early growth to the local glassworks, which were established there by Caspar Kauffeldt in 1807.

In the early 19th century, there was considerable immigration there from Valdres and Western Norway, aiding Gjøvik's growth.

The village of Gjøvik was granted kjøpstad status in 1861, making it a town and self-governing municipality.

[14] Today dolphitech, Hoff Potetindustrier, Hunton Fiber, and Natre Vinduer are some of the industrial companies operating from Gjøvik.

Defunct newspapers include Oplændingen and Velgeren (Labour Democrat/Liberal), Samhold (Liberal, later Agrarian) and Ny Dag (Communist).

There have been three notable concerts held in Gjøvik's history, which starred Toto, Robbie Williams and Bryan Adams (June 2011).

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Gjøvik is made up of 41 representatives that are elected to four year terms.