In Halden, historic traces lead not only through museums and around a fortress, but also out into the landscape: along marked trails, by the fjord and beside the Halden Canal. A trip lets you experience different sides of the area, from urban history to longer stretches by the water.

Trails with different characters

The Borgleden starts at the Swedish border near Halden and runs through Østfold to Oslo. The trail is well marked and can be hiked from early spring to late autumn. If you’re looking for a shorter loop through the town, there is a 3.9-kilometre historic walking route that takes about an hour. It passes several memorial sites and combines exercise with Halden’s history.

Near Kornsjø, the circular walk around Løksvannet follows a well-marked trail, with several rest areas along the way. Trail conditions may vary. The marked cultural trail at Kornsjø station offers a different perspective on the area’s history: four information boards cover the history of the station and its former activities. Important cultural heritage sites to see there include the turntable and the engine shed.

Fortress and cultural history

At Fredriksten Fortress, you can explore ramparts, bastions, magazines and deep passageways. There is also a walking trail with 13 stops in this historic setting. Current visitor arrangements may vary; check the applicable opening arrangements before your visit. The exhibitions at the Fredriksten Museum cover the period from the 1640s through 1905.

History also takes many forms beyond the fortress. Rød Herregård is one of Norway’s best-preserved manor houses. The museum at Fayegården offers insights into Halden’s urban history, while Fredrikshalds Teater is considered Norway’s oldest surviving Baroque theatre. Halden Prison Museum focuses on life behind prison walls, while Smaalensbanen Model Railway features detailed models. These places explore different themes, from urban history and architecture to prison life and railway models.

Canal, coast and cycling routes

The Halden Canal is an 80-kilometre journey through locks, lakes, nature, local food and living cultural history. It runs from Halden in the south to Aurskog-Høland in the north. Boat trips, paddling opportunities, lock locations and nature experiences are among the options along the canal. Operating times are seasonal; check the latest information if you’re planning a specific boat trip.

You can also experience the area from different perspectives by bike: routes pass through the town centre, along the fjord and the Halden Canal, and through natural landscapes. A cycling route along the Halden Canal runs from Kornsjø in the south to Rømskog in the north, extending beyond Halden. Seasonal cycling conditions may vary. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you’d rather explore the town and fjord or take a longer route through the landscape.

Finding your way around the centre

Cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants and cafés shape the centre of Halden. River promenades and a guest harbour make it easy to find your way by the water. If you have particular shops or restaurants in mind, it’s worth checking the latest information from the businesses themselves.

Halden is accessible by train, bus, car or boat, and you can get around using these modes of transport. This makes it easy to plan your visit around your interests, whether you’re focusing on culture and urban history, marked trails or the Halden Canal.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Halden, Kornsjø, Sponvika, Hobøl, Skiptvet, Våler, Trøgstad, Fredrikstad.

For the full travel overview: Østfold.