Helga Aakre
THE LOCALS’ GUIDE TO FREDRIKSTAD
Top insider tips
Southeast of Oslo, you'll find the charming city of Fredrikstad, situated in beautiful surroundings by the Oslofjord, in Østfold County. The best-preserved fortress town in Northern Europe offers a rich blend of culture, history, and enjoyment.
Here’s the perfect way to spend a long weekend in Fredrikstad: a cultural Friday, a Saturday with the locals, and an urban Sunday walk.
Cultural Friday
"Fredrikstad is a big city, yet it feels small and cosy. It has a perfect location by the end of Glomma, Norway’s longest river."
Helga Aakre
Helga Aakre's top Fredrikstad culture tips:
Helga Aakre has lived in Fredrikstad for more than 20 years and has played a key part in its cultural scene through a variety of jobs and roles.
The city ferry: A free ferry runs from the fish market in the city centre to the old fortress town. Enjoy the view of the surrounding piers and maritime life. Don’t miss the mighty head sculptures by Jaume Plensa along the Phønix quayside and Håpets Katedral, a cathedral on the fortified island of Isegran.
The Fortress Town: Stroll along the ramparts, and follow the old streets to the square. Pay a visit to Bastion 5 arts and crafts centre, where you can see potters, painters, goldsmiths, and glassblowers at work. Indulge with a slice of cake at Magenta, where you can sometimes enjoy a live concert in the evenings.
Art in Cicignon: Take the ferry back across the river to Cicignon and visi thet Østfold Art Center, which features a cosy café offering delicious food and a fantastic view of the river. Continue your artistic exploration with a stop at Galleri FG in Nygaardsgata, a contemporary art gallery showcasing local craftsmanship.
Culture calendar: The city offers a whole host of cultural events. Båthuset Scene hosts revue theatre full of music and laughter, while Blå Grotte and St. Croix are culture houses that offer concerts, theatre, dance, and puppet shows. In the old town, Gamlebyen Kulturhus hosts concerts and events, both inside the venue and outside in its charming garden.
Lively debate: The debates at the house of literature are always engaging. End your evening at its rooftop bar Savoy Terrasse, which has a great atmosphere, amazing views and delicious drinks.
Nygaardsplassen square: Enjoy a night out at Nygaardsplassen square – a place I’ve totally fallen in love with! There are many bars and restaurants, and the square is surrounded by buildings with wonderful architecture. It’s not uncommon to see DJs or concerts in the square. It has an Italian-like vibe, with vintage shops and flea markets. Take a seat at Hoi Polloi, an amazing wine and Sake bar with a cool interior design.
Discover more: Explore the Hunnfeltet, an ancient graveyard six kilometres east of the city. The graveyard contains stone circles that date back to the Bronze Age. The site has a mysterious and historical atmosphere. Take a walk through the fairytale-like woods to Ravneberget Bygdeborg, a hill top fort with magnificent views of Fredrikstad, Torsnes and the sea. It’s magical!
Eat well: St. Raw can be recommended, with its tasty fresh sushi and robata grilled meat and seafood. Slippen restaurant is renowned for its kitchen. You can also buy baked goods at Nygaardsplassen square. A true delight!
Gamle FredrikstadThe Old Town - Gamlebyen Fredrikstad
The star-shaped old town of Fredrikstad was founded in 1567 and is the best-preserved fortress town in Northern Europe. The town gives you a sense of history, but it is no museum – people live and work here. The quarter is home to many galleries, artisans and cosy shops, restaurants, and cafes.
FredrikstadThe House of Literature Fredrikstad
Litteraturhuset Fredrikstad (the House of Literature) is dedicated to literature and culture. Along with many exciting events, the house also includes the restaurant Fabel with a book cafe, food bar and restaurant. Litteraturhuset Fredrikstad is run by an independent and non-commercial foundation aiming to generate interest for literature and reading.
Saturday with the locals
"I love the friendly people and atmosphere in Fredrikstad! That’s the main reason why my partner and I moved here from Oslo."
Vegard Dahlin Skau Hansen
Vegard Dahlin Skau Hansen
Vegard’s tips for a Saturday with the locals in Fredrikstad:
Vegard is a freelance film and TV composer who enjoys good food, running, and all the small joys of life. Even after more than ten years, Vegard remains enamoured with Fredrikstad.
Cool people: The people and the atmosphere in the fortress town, known as the "old town", is very unique. Everyone says hello, and people chat with one another, even with strangers. The surroundings are beautiful and everything you need is just a short walk away.
A perfect start to my Saturday: … is to go for a run along the Glommastien, a path along the Glomma River, to the picturesque old town where I love to relax in the calm atmosphere. It's truly unique to stroll along the ramparts. I love sitting on a bench and simply taking in the view of the Glomma, Norway's longest river, and the cobblestone streets. Did you know that hens strut around freely in the old town?
Saturday market: On Saturdays, we usually head to the market in the old town square. I don’t necessarily buy anything, but I like to browse. I might find an old 78 record, or a guitar that needs a new home, or maybe an old school poster that I can use to decorate my home.
Go shopping: There are plenty of small niche stores in the old town. If you like retro clothes, it’s worth paying a visit to Emm K. Sister Soul.
Lunch break: My favourite café is Mormors Café. On sunny days I usually order food to go and enjoy it on a bench by the ramparts.
Oasis: On the city side of Fredrikstad, Café Cicignon is one of my favourites. I can also recommend the veggie burgers at St. Croix. Bakfickan is also a great place to eat. If we’re out celebrating something, we head to Mother India, whose Tæps bar is also an incredibly cool place!
Meet the locals: I really like to hang out at Café Magenta. The garden at the old town culture house is also a wonderful place to spend a summer evening.
Cosy shelter: Stay in the suite at Gamlebyen Hotell, the Old Town Hotel! It's a unique apartment with its own amazing, private backyard!
Talk like a local: Det årnær sæ is a local saying that means “everything will work out”. It became almost a rallying cry during the COVID pandemic.
Sunday city stroll
"Enjoy your morning coffee on one of the wonderful beaches close to the city. Listen to the sound of the waves crashing as you stroll along the seaside to the city and explore artworks and sculptures. Afterwards, you can continue on to the forest."
Tora Klevås
Tora Klevås
Tora Klevås’s tips for urban Sunday strolls
Tora Klevås is the head of Fredrikstad Municipality's culture department and lives in Hvaler, south of Fredrikstad. She loves nature and enjoys an active lifestyle. She loves spending her free time in the skerries, where you’re likely to spot her on a sailboat or kayak, or lounging in a hammock.
Activities: Fredrikstad has become a city rich in both cultural events and outdoor activities for the whole family, all year round, since it's close to nature and the sea. Visit the parks or the outdoor pool in Kongsten, have a picnic at the Vollane ramparts, and check out the skatepark in the city centre. Feel free to use the city bikes to get around.
City tour: A free ride on the city ferry is a must. It takes you to the most important parts of the city, including the old fortress town, Isegran, the city centre, and the library. Take your family on an art safari or visit Bjørneløypa, a trail in the forest beside Fredrikstad.
Cosy café: The café at St. Croix is a lovely, family friendly place. At the weekends, drop-in workshops and concerts are often held in this beautiful building. Be sure to try their vegetarian lunch. TÆPS is Fredrikstads largest beer bar, serving the best burgers in town!
Winter activities: In winter, you can go ice skating by the gangbrua, pedestrian bridge, or in Stjernehallen, an indoor ice hockey arena. Try the skatepark or enjoy concerts!
More things to do: There is a wonderful Christmas market held in the old town in December. Don't forget to check out the libraries and the cinema in Fredrikstad, with fun events for all ages!
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