Østfold Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Østfold, Norway, with our comprehensive travel guide. From visiting historical sites to experiencing outdoor adventures, we have it all covered.


Introduction to Østfold

Located in East Norway, Østfold is a destination full of natural and cultural wonders. The region stretches from the Oslofjord to the Swedish border, and is home to picturesque towns, Viking-era artifacts, and idyllic countryside landscapes. Østfold is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of East Norway.

List of Places to Visit in Østfold

Whether you’re interested in cultural attractions or outdoor adventures, Østfold has something for everyone. Here is a list of must-visit places in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fredriksten Fortress: This 17th-century fortress in Halden played a crucial role in Norwegian history, and is now open to the public for guided tours.
  • The Viking Trail: This museum in Sarpsborg features exhibits and reconstructions of 5 different Viking-era sites, including a ship burial site and a chieftain’s hall.
  • Halden Prison: This maximum security prison offers group tours, providing visitors with an insight into the Norwegian penal system.
  • Moss Town and Industry Museum: This museum showcases the history of Moss as a center of sail-building and other industries, with a focus on the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of Østfold: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hvaler Islands: These small, car-free islands are a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Oslofjord.
  • Svinesund Bridge: This 704-meter-long bridge over the Svinesund strait between Norway and Sweden provides stunning views of the surrounding fjords and countryside.
  • Tusenfryd Amusement Park: This amusement park in Vinterbro is a fun-filled day for all ages, with roller coasters, water rides, and more.
  • Gjersjøen: This lake in Ski Municipality is a popular spot for swimming and fishing, with several hiking trails in the surrounding area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Østfold

For outdoor enthusiasts, Østfold offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Femundsmarka National Park: This wilderness area in the southeast of Østfold offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
  • Svartskog – Fet – Roverud: This 25-kilometer bike route offers stunning views of forests, fields, and lakes, and takes you along the Drammen river.
  • Borgåa River: This 14-kilometer hiking trail takes you along the Borgåa river, through dense forests and past several historical sites.

Best Things to Do in Østfold: Activities and Tours

Østfold is home to a variety of activities and tours that will keep you entertained during your trip. Here are some of the best options:

  • Fredriksten Fortress Ghost Walk: Explore the history and legends of Fredriksten Fortress on this spooky guided tour.
  • The Stenviksholmen kayaking tour: Paddle your way through the serene waters of the Oslofjord, with stunning views of the surrounding islands and coastline.
  • The Norwegian Aquaculture Center: This center in Tistedal provides an interactive look into the world of salmon farming, with exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.
  • Hvaler Bygdetun: This open-air museum in Hvaler showcases traditional Norwegian rural life, with a collection of historic buildings and artifacts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Østfold

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for exploring the best of Østfold:

Day 1: Arrive in Halden, visit the Fredriksten Fortress, Halden Prison, and stroll around the charming historical streets of the city.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the Viking Trail Museum in Sarpsborg, and continue on to the stunning Hvaler Islands for some relaxation by the sea.

Day 3: Explore the Tusenfryd Amusement Park, or hike in the Femundsmarka National Park.

Day 4: Take a kayaking tour of the Oslofjord, or explore the historical sites along the Borgåa River.

Day 5: Visit the Moss Town and Industry Museum, then relax by Gjersjøen lake.

Day 6: Take a bike ride along the Svartskog - Fet - Roverud route, or hike the beautiful trails in the area.

Day 7: Depart from Oslo, with memories of an unforgettable week in beautiful Østfold.

Food and Drink Scene of Østfold

No trip to Østfold is complete without sampling the local cuisine and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rakfisk: This fermented fish dish is a traditional Norwegian delicacy, originating from Østfold.
  • Rømmegrøt: This sour cream porridge is a hearty comfort food, often served with bacon and lingonberries.
  • Fenalår: This cured leg of lamb is a specialty of the region, with a distinct smoky flavor.
  • Brunost: This brown cheese is made from goat’s milk and has a sweet, caramelized taste.

Local Beverages

  • Akevitt: This Scandinavian spirit is often flavored with herbs and spices, and is a popular accompaniment to traditional Norwegian cuisine.
  • Julebrus: This Christmas soda is a traditional holiday beverage, often infused with seasonal flavors such as gingerbread and cinnamon.
  • Hansa beer: This local brew from Bergen is a favorite among Norwegians and visitors alike, with a crisp, refreshing taste.
  • Aquavit: This flavored spirit is made from potatoes or grain, and is often served chilled as an aperitif or digestif.

Where to Stay in Østfold: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Østfold offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  • Strømstad Spa & Resort: This luxurious hotel and spa in Strømstad, Sweden offers stunning sea views and top-notch amenities.
  • Quality Hotel Fredrikstad: This modern and comfortable hotel in Fredrikstad offers convenient access to all the city’s attractions.
  • Urtegården Guesthouse: This quaint guesthouse in Hvaler is surrounded by beautiful gardens and provides a peaceful retreat for visitors.
  • Halden Vandrerhjem Fredriksten: This affordable hostel in Halden offers basic but comfortable accommodations for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Østfold: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring home some local souvenirs or products, here are some ideas:

  • Rakfisk: This fermented fish dish can be purchased in jars at local markets or specialty food stores.
  • Handmade Crafts: Østfold is home to a variety of artisans and craftspeople, producing everything from pottery to textiles to woodcarvings.
  • Norwegian Sweaters: Traditional Norwegian sweaters, or “Lusekofte”, are a classic souvenir to bring back home.
  • Bunads: These intricate traditional Norwegian costumes are unique to each region of the country, and make for a truly special souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Østfold

Norwegian culture is known for its emphasis on simplicity, nature, and community. In Østfold, this is evident in the region’s many festivals and traditions, such as the Halden Festival, the traditional Christmas market in Gamlebyen, and the Viking Festival at Borre.

Best Time to Visit Østfold

The best time to visit Østfold depends on your interests and preferences. Summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter (December to February) offers the chance to experience traditional Norwegian winter sports and activities, such as skiing and ice-skating.

Do’s and Don’ts of Østfold

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Østfold, here are some tips on what to do and what not to do:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions, and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
  • Try the traditional local cuisine and beverages.
  • Use public transportation and be mindful of your environmental impact.
  • Embrace the Norwegian spirit of hygge (coziness and comfort) in all your activities.

Don’t:

  • Engage in disruptive or disrespectful behavior in public places.
  • Ignore the importance of preserving the environment and natural resources of Østfold.
  • Criticize Norwegian social norms or customs.

Safety and Health

Østfold is a safe and healthy destination for travelers. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and healthy trip:

Safety in Østfold

  • Petty crime can occur in tourist areas, so be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.
  • Observe traffic rules and be aware of the dangers posed by both pedestrians and vehicles.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially on outdoor activities.

Health in Østfold

  • Health services in Norway are of high quality, but can be expensive for visitors without travel insurance.
  • Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease are a risk in wooded areas, so take precautions against tick bites.

Getting to Østfold: Transportation Options and Logistics

Østfold is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options. Here’s what you need to know:

Airports Near Østfold

The closest airport to Østfold is Moss Airport Rygge, which has frequent domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Østfold

Several bus companies operate in Østfold, providing connections to neighboring regions and cities.

Other Options

Trains and trams also operate in Østfold, providing convenient access to towns and attractions throughout the region.

How to Get Around in Østfold

Buses, trains, and boats are all available in Østfold to help travelers explore the region. Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer more flexibility.

Where to Go Next from Østfold: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Norway and the Nordic region, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Oslo: Norway’s cosmopolitan capital city is just an hour’s drive from Østfold, with a wealth of attractions and activities to discover.
  • Gothenburg, Sweden: This vibrant and historic city is just a short hop across the border, offering a unique blend of Scandinavian and Continental European culture.
  • The Swedish Archipelago: This chain of islands off the coast of Sweden’s Bohuslän region is a stunning natural paradise, with quaint fishing villages, sandy beaches, and unique flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in exploring Norway’s cultural heritage or taking in its natural beauty, Østfold has it all. From Viking-era artifacts to stunning fjord landscapes, this region of East Norway is a destination not to be missed. Use our comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect trip to Østfold.

Typical polished cliffs coastline at Hvaler Typical polished cliffs coastline at Hvaler Østfold county within Norway Østfold county within Norway Typical landscape of interior Østfold Typical landscape of interior Østfold Ytre Hvaler is the national park of Østfold, with coral reefs and water with much more salinity than most of Scandinavia. Ytre Hvaler is the national park of Østfold, with coral reefs and water with much more salinity than most of Scandinavia. Mackerell is very popular to fish from the fjords and eat on open-top sandwiches in tomato sauce Mackerell is very popular to fish from the fjords and eat on open-top sandwiches in tomato sauce As home of the Mills factory, most of the consumed margarine, mayonnaise and caviar in Norway is made in Østfold. As home of the Mills factory, most of the consumed margarine, mayonnaise and caviar in Norway is made in Østfold. The 52-seat fixed menu restaurant Curtisen inside Fredriksten fortress, is widely considered as the best restaurant between Oslo and Gothenburg. The 52-seat fixed menu restaurant Curtisen inside Fredriksten fortress, is widely considered as the best restaurant between Oslo and Gothenburg. Skjærhalden is the capital of the archipelago between the four cities of Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, Halden and Strömstad and have direct buses to Oslo every hour. Skjærhalden is the capital of the archipelago between the four cities of Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, Halden and Strömstad and have direct buses to Oslo every hour.


    Fredrikstad
    Hvaler
    Moss
    Mysen
    Sarpsborg