FREDRIKSTAD AND HVALER

Perpetual bliss

A map of Norway with a red dot on Fredrikstad.
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Just over an hour south of Oslo lies Fredrikstad, the largest city in the southeastern region of Østfold.

Situated right on the coast, it is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Northern Europe. Explore everything the historic old town has to offer, from cobbled streets to local shops and charming cafés.

A little further south, you'll find the Hvaler archipelago and Ytre Hvaler National Park. It's a fantastic place for island hopping, kayaking, diving, fishing and swimming.


Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

The entrance to Gamlebyen "old town" in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway
The cozy streets of Gamlebyen "old town" in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway
Niche shops in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway

Let the cobbled streets lead you back in time and into the charming old town of Fredrikstad.

It is the best-preserved fortified town in Northern Europe, and the atmosphere here is as vibrant as ever.

The scent of cinnamon pastry follows you around as you visit local glassblowers, galleries, and art studios …

… and hunt for treasures in the quirky antique and second-hand shops.

The weekly flea market during summer is a must for passionate treasure hunters!

And for a touch of modernity in historical surroundings, you can stop by the popular Old Town Model Train Centre.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Hankø - a charming island

    Hankø - a charming island

    Oldtidsruta (Ancient monuments)
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    Oldtidsruta (Ancient monuments)

    Gamlebyen
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    The Old Town - Gamlebyen Fredrikstad

    The Old Town Model Train Centre
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    The Old Town Model Train Centre

    Island hopping Hvaler
    Skjærhalden

    Island hopping Hvaler

    Isegran
    Kråkerøy

    Isegran

    Stone Art Hvaler (StenKunstHvaler)
    Skjærhalden

    Stone Art Hvaler (StenKunstHvaler)

    Cycle routes: Glommastien (The Glomma path)
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    Cycle routes: Glommastien (The Glomma path)

Find more attractions in Østfold
The beautiful coastline of Hvaler, Eastern Norway
A romantic setting on the beach in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway

Just west of Fredrikstad lies the Hvaler archipelago, with its 833 islands and islets.

Explore them by car …

… or watch the shorefront glide by from the local ferry.

Go island hopping for private bike rides and hikes on the car-free islands.

Serenity and fresh ocean air surround you wherever you go.

And so does perpetual sunshine. The islands in the outer Oslofjord are blessed with more sunny weather than any other place in Norway.

The beautiful seaside scenery is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Spent in the idyllic harbours or on the islets of Ytre Hvaler National Park.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • Fredrikstad Motel og Camping
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    Aktivitetsbyen - Fredrikstad Motel & Camping

    Quality Hotel Fredrikstad
    Fredrikstad

    Quality Hotel Fredrikstad

    Book now
    Scandic City Hotel Fredrikstad
    Fredrikstad

    Scandic City Hotel Fredrikstad

    Book now
    Gamlebyen Hotel
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    Gamlebyen Hotel

    Book now
    Hankø Fjordhotell & Spa
    Gressvik

    Hankø Hotel & Spa

    Book now
More accommodation alternatives in Østfold
A family is buying shellfish at Skjærhalden fiskemottak, Eastern Norway
Sunset over the pier in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway
People walking on the pier in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway

What to pack in your picnic basket?

Seafood and real Hvaler shrimp from the local fishmonger Skjærhalden.

So fresh. And so tasty.

More culinary experiences await you in Fredrikstad.

Take your pick of these mouth-watering temptations!

Round off your meal with a stroll through the downtown area.

Urban development has turned Fredrikstad into a cultural haven with charming town squares and pedestrian zones …

… and a scenic promenade along the river Glomma, with a wide selection of social establishments.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • Slippen Restaurant
    Kråkerøy

    Slippen Restaurant

    Havnelageret - 2
    Fredrikstad

    Havnelageret Gastropub

    Majorens Kro og Stue
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    Majorens Kro og Stue

    Mormors Café
    Gamle Fredrikstad

    Mormors Café

Find more restaurants in Østfold
Byferga ferry outside the city of Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway
A couple looking at sculptures in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway

Go for a river cruise on the local ferry – entirely free of charge!

Let it take you from the city centre to the old town, and further to the culture park on the fortified island Isegran. Followed by a trip to behold …

… Jaume Plensa’s mighty head sculptures along the Phønix quayside.

Mild winters make Fredrikstad and Hvaler popular destinations all year round.

Come experience it for yourself!

Fredrikstad has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Fredrikstad & Hvaler logo, Østfold, Norwayvisitoestfold.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Fredrikstad and Hvaler with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

Discover more

M/S Victoria passing Sundkil Bridge in Telemark, Norway
Eastern Norway
Interiour of The Norwegian Opera and Ballet, Oslo, Norway
Art and culture
Girl hiking in the Melfjellet mountain in Helgeland
Hiking
  • Islands in Oslo, Eastern Norway, in summer
    Go island hopping in Oslo
    A street in Fredrikstad
    The locals’ guide to Fredrikstad: top insider tips
    The Steamer D/S Turisten on the Halden Canal in Eastern Norway.
    The Halden Canal

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room - Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
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    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
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    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
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    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
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    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
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    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
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    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
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    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.