Østfold stretches along the eastern side of the Oslofjord, from Moss to the Swedish border. The region offers a wide variety of ways to explore it: maritime landscapes, cycling routes and historic places. You can decide whether nature, activity, history or a mix of all three should be the focus of your trip.
Coast, islands and hiking trails
Ytre Hvaler National Park encompasses 354 km² of coastline and archipelago. It is Norway’s first marine national park; 96 percent of its area lies underwater. There are also opportunities to explore the landscape on land: the park has a network of trails suitable for hiking. These include the coastal trail Kyststien. Information is available for those interested in kayaking, with suggestions for trips in or near the national park. The Hvaler Islands also offer idyllic seaside experiences.
The coastal landscape can therefore be explored from different perspectives: on foot along one of the hiking trails, or with a view of the sea. The figures for the national park also give an idea of its marine character: most of its area lies underwater. If you want to focus your trip on the coast and nature, the hiking trails, Kyststien and the Hvaler Islands are useful starting points for planning.
Cycling through Østfold
Unionsleden is a 350-kilometre cycling route from Moss in Østfold to Karlstad in Värmland, Sweden. Two branches run through Indre Østfold. The route therefore extends beyond the region and connects two countries along its way. The Great Østfold Bike Tour offers a different kind of cycling: it can be ridden as a leisurely multi-day trip with stops and overnight stays, or as a shorter sporting challenge. These two formats offer different experiences — more time for a trip with stops, or a shorter, more athletic challenge.
History and special places
In Fredrikstad, Gamlebyen offers a glimpse into the city’s history: King Frederik II founded the old town in 1567. Today, it is considered the best-preserved fortified town in the Nordic region. Gamlebyen is also home to Scandinavia’s largest model railway exhibition. A free city ferry takes you along the river from the city centre to the historic old town. Check the timetable before travelling, as operating details may change.
Halden also combines history with experiences at the locks. The Halden Canal is Norway’s oldest canal with locks; it opened in 1849 and lies in Østfold and Akershus. At the Brekke locks, Via Ferrata Haldenkanalen includes a 124.3-metre suspension bridge 15 metres above the Halden Canal, a climbing course and a 250-metre zipline. Seasonal operating details may change; check them before your visit. Canoes can also be rented at the Brekke locks. Rental availability may change, so it is advisable to check in advance.
Halden is also home to Fredriksten Fortress, with more than 350 years of living history. The exhibitions at the Fredriksten Museum cover the period from the 1640s through 1905. The museum’s historical perspective therefore spans the 1640s to the beginning of the 20th century, adding a clearly defined period to the fortress’s long history.
Culture, nature and local specialities
Galleri F 15 is located at the Alby estate on Søndre Jeløy, in the heart of the local landscape protection area. Also on Søndre Jeløy is Naturhuset, an information and interpretation centre for nature and cultural history. The two places have different focuses: one is a gallery on an estate, while the other is dedicated to nature and cultural history. Alby Kafé serves freshly baked pastries, including the famous Albykringla. The offerings may change.
Sarpsborg adds science and rock art to the region’s attractions. At the INSPIRIA Science Center, visitors can experience, explore and learn about the world of science. Sarpsborg is also home to Bjørnstadskipet, the largest vertical rock carving in the Nordic region, measuring 4.5 metres. In the same city, a science visitor centre and a striking example of Nordic rock art sit side by side.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Sarpsborg, Trøgstad, Råde, Marker, Rakkestad, Manstad, Aremark, Eidsberg, Askim, Rømskog, Spydeberg, Hvaler, Halden, Fredrikstad, Hobøl, Våler, Rakkestad, Rygge, Moss, Skiptvet.
For the main travel overview: Norway.
