Under the mighty Fredriksten Fortress on the shores of the Iddefjord, near the Swedish border, lies the idyllic small town of Halden.
Halden
A charming town
surrounded by nature
Experience historic steam ships and Europe's
highest lock system on the Halden Canal.
Or how about seeing it from a kayak or on a bike?
Cobblestone streets, cosy shops and restaurants, river promenades, and a charming guest harbour – the atmosphere in Halden in Eastern Norway is warm and relaxed.
One of the city’s main attractions is the 17th century Fredriksten Fortress, attracting almost 300,000 visitors during the summer months. The fortress’s walls, bastions, ammunition tower, dark passageways, and museum tell the fascinating story of the town’s history.
If you want an active holiday, Halden offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Explore the islands of the Iddefjord and go fishing, kayaking, and hiking. You can also embark on an adventurous journey on the Halden Canal – Norway’s oldest channel system – on board the MS Brekke. Along the way, you’ll experience the Brekke locks, the highest in Northern Europe.
The climbing park at Ekås farm offers fun challenges for kids and adults alike. Try more than 200 obstacles in several exciting courses, as well as ziplines, an outdoor climbing wall, and a base jump from a 13-metre high tower!
Want more action? The Via Ferrata Haldenkanalen features Europe’s longest suspension bridge! The 124.3-metre long bridge towers 15 meters over the Halden Canal by the Brekke locks. If you still have your nerves under control, challenge yourself in an exciting climbing trail and a 250-metre long zipline!
Find more inspiration on Halden’s official website.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Book nowTistedalVia Ferrata Haldenkanalen
Via Ferrata is Italian and originally means iron path or railway. A traditional Via Ferrata consists of fixed installations in the form of iron bars and wires that are bolted to the rock. The technique makes the area more accessible to everyone regardless of climbing skills. The facility is suitable for children aged 10 and up. More information about the practicalities can be found on viaferratahaldenkanalen.no. Remember to reserve and book a harness well in advance.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
HaldenHalden Guest marina
When you pass under the Svinesund bridges at the entrance to Halden, you are in the borderland between Norway and Sweden. By boat, you can quickly get from Svinesund, Sponvika and Hvaler, into Halden Guest Harbor, which is located in the center of the city and at the foot of Fredriksten Fortress.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Halden with Entur.
By car
Halden is located just under 2 hours drive from Oslo.
34 kilometres from Strömstad, and 138 kilometres from Gothenburg, Halden is a convenient destination to reach from Sweden.
By plane
Oslo Airport is Norway’s main hub for air travel, and is located around 2 hours by car or shuttle from Halden.
Torp Sandefjord Airport lies about 30 minutes by car from Halden.
By boat
Ferries from Strömstad in Sweden dock in Sandefjord in Vestfold. Travel time from Sandefjord to Halden is 30 minutes by car.
By train
There are frequent train departures between Oslo and Halden. Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
There are also several daily train departures between Oslo Airport and Halden.
By bus
Express buses serve the route between Oslo and Halden with several daily departures.
There is a wide selection of bus routes in Østfold, including Halden.
