The Halden Canal

Inside the forests in the border regions is the Halden Canal. This exciting waterway with the Northern Europes highest locks Brekke, stretches from Skulerud in the north to Tistedal in the south, almost 80 km.

The Halden Canal is hidden deep inside the forests in the border region, well worth a visit! These idyllic and exciting waterways, running parallell to the national border to Sweden, stretches from Skulerud in the north to Tistedal in the south, a length of almost 80 kilometres. Here you may paddle or boat throught idyllic lakes and impressive locks - in a stunning landscape peppered with interesting heritage sites.

The history
The Halden Canal is the older of the two canals in Norway (the second one is in Telemark). Halden Canal was built between 1852 - 1860. Brekke locks are furthest south, finished in 1924. Brekke comprise 4 locks with an overhead clearance totalling 26.6 m. The 3 locks at Ørje have an overhead clearance of 10 m. All locks can be passed by boats that are up to 24 m length, 6 m wide and 1.6 m deep.

At Ørje locks there is a memorial to the canal builder Mr Engebret Soot (1786 - 1859). Close by Ørje locks lies the old Ørje Brugs area and the Halden Waterways' Canal Museum. A steamship actively in use from 1862 carries the name of the canals builder - "DS Engebret Soot". The ship is restored and can be chartered for cruise on the canal. Throughout the history as many as 25 steamships have trafficated the canal. Today 6 of them are still to be seen in the canal. The history of the Halden Canal is interestingly described in the Canal Museum (Haldenvassdragets Kanalmuseum), as is the cultural relics in the area and the nature in and around the canal.

Passengerboats in the canal
D/S Engebret Soot (steamship) is available for charter - 30 persons.
DS Engebret Soot was built in 1862, probably the oldest
propellrun boat in the world still in active use. Booking: 908 30 597.