Østfold is a bright borderland where the land is flat and the coast is filled with islands. You find yourself among the ancient rock carvings of Sarpsborg and the streets of Fredrikstad. The landscape is a mix of farmland and a sunny coast perfect for a relaxed drive. It is a place of gentle hills and open skies that lead toward the Swedish border.
Exploring here feels relaxed and full of light. You find small harbors in Haugesund and Halden where the boats are packed tight and the seafood is fresh from the water. The roads take you past the Halden Canal and through scenic coastal villages. It is the perfect region for those who want a calm road trip with plenty of spots to stop for a swim.
The route follows the Hvaler Islands where you can hop from one sunny rock to another over a series of bridges. You find quiet nature reserves and coastal paths that are easy to walk. The landscape is approachable and full of warmth. Østfold is a place of summer vibes and easy travel where the sea is always close by.
Østfold highlights
- Fredrikstad Walk through the best preserved star fortress in Northern Europe with its moats and gates. The cobblestone streets are filled with history and cafes.
- Hvaler Islands Hop across the bridges to these sunny islands for a perfect coastal escape. The rocky shore and sandy beaches are a top summer destination.
- Halden Canal Explore the locks and waterways that once moved timber through the deep forests. You can take a boat trip through the historic lock system.
- Fredriksten Fortress Visit the massive castle on the hill in Halden where a Swedish king once fell. The view over the city and the fjord is grand.
- Ancient Trail Follow the road past the largest collection of Bronze Age rock carvings in the country. You find stone circles and burial mounds along the way.
- Moss Waterfront Enjoy the galleries and cafes in this historic harbor town on the Oslofjord. The city is a gateway for the ferry across to the west coast.
- Isegran Island Explore the old shipyard and fortifications where the city of Fredrikstad began. It is a quiet park with beautiful views of the river.
- Sarpsfossen Waterfall See one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe as it thunders through the city. The sheer volume of water is an impressive sight.
- Linneberget Viewpoint Hike to the top of this hill for a panoramic view of the forest and the coast. On a clear day you can see all the way to Sweden.
- Ytre Hvaler National Park Discover the first marine national park in Norway with its unique underwater life. The coastal trails offer great birdwatching and sea views.
The local Four
History of Østfold
Østfold is the bright gateway where the ancient past is still visible in the stone. Bronze Age travelers carved thousands of images into the rocks around Sarpsborg showing ships and sun symbols from three thousand years ago. This region has always been a crossroads for people moving between the south and the north. It was a land of early farmers and solar worshipers who saw the potential in the fertile plains.
In the 1600s the city of Fredrikstad was built as a star-shaped fortress to guard the mouth of the river Glomma. It became a vital military hub during the many wars with Sweden as the border shifted back and forth across the fields. The thick stone walls and moats were designed to be impenetrable and they remain some of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe. Walking the cobblestone streets feels like stepping directly into the age of muskets and sails.
Further south the fortress of Fredriksten in Halden witnessed the fall of the Swedish King Charles XII in 1718 which ended an era of northern empire. The region’s history is a mix of high-stakes military drama and industrial innovation along the timber canals. It was here that the first steps toward a modern industrial Norway were taken among the sawmills and stone quarries. Østfold is the place where the ancient and the modern meet under a wide horizon.