The Halden Canal
Family fun and adventure awaits
Experience the secret canal in the backwaters of Halden, hidden deep in the forests by the Swedish border in the south east of Norway.
The Halden Canal stretches almost 80 kilometres from Tistedal, just east of Halden, to Skulerud in the north and is one of Norway's oldest canals.
There are a lot of fun activities to try, both in the surrounding areas and along the canal itself. Here are some excellent tips on what to see and do:
1. Canal tours
One of the best ways to explore the Halden Canal is of course by boat.
In the summer, you can enjoy a tour through the idyllic nature on board the M/S Brekke, where you'll also experience Brekke sluser, Northern Europe's tallest locks!
In summer, the boat tours start by the Brekke locks.
It's also possible to charter the steamship DS Turisten for a fun day on the canal, or you can join a mini canal tour with DS Hans. DS Hans have two trips a day, with departures from Ørje.
Keep in mind that boat trips on the canal are popular, so book in advance!
2. Via ferrata
Try Europe's longest suspension bridge in a via ferrata at the Via Ferrata Halden Canal! This exciting climbing trail also includes a 250-metre-long zipline.
Bringing the family? No worries. This via ferrata is also suitable for children over 10, so get ready for some family fun!
3. Canoeing and kayaking
Are you looking for a truly unique experience? Paddle the canal from north to south through the lock points! Canoes can be rented in Ørje.
You can also rent canoes at other places in the area, including Joval Farm, which can also help you transport your canoe back after your trip.
4. Fishing in the canal
Catch some big pikes on a guided fishing tour in the canal!
Both the canal and the many lakes and rivers surrounding it are great for fishing. You might have even more fishing luck with a guided tour.
5. Tasty cycling tours
The canal is fun, but don't forget the area around it as well!
There are several cosy eateries and farm shops with local treats along the canal. Why not rent a bike and indulge in a tasty detour?
The Tourist Information Office in Ørje offers bike rental, and there's a great selection of biking routes by the canal from which to choose.
If you want to go biking on water, that's also an option!
6. Explore Ørje
The small village of Ørje is a must-visit destination when you are in the area.
See the Ørje locks, learn some fascinating history at the canal museum, and visit the gallery in Ørje Brug.
If you're visiting in spring, you should also check out the cosy spring market in May. While the play SOOTspelet is staged here every summer.
Ørje also has cosy cafés and restaurants.
Discover more lovely things to see and do in Ørje.
7. The Strømsfoss lock point
Further south in the canal, between the lakes Øymarkssjøen and Aremarksjøen, you find the Strømsfoss lock facility, which was built at the same time as the Ørje locks at the end of the 1850s.
See the locks, visit the National Mill Museum and Strømfoss Gallery, and have a lunch break at Mølleren's Hus, the Miller's House, where you can sample delicious waffles, porridge, and Miller's bread!
8. Sleep on the canal
In its early days, the Halden Canal was used to float timber down the waterway. In the same way, the unique floating accommodation FLO is designed to be able to move through the canal system!
Get close to beautiful nature by spending a night in this unique floating cabin. Fall asleep to the sound of gentle ripples on the water and wake up to birds chirping.
More accommodation options close to the canal:
Treetop cottages by the border, farm stays at Bøensætre Husmannsplass, the glass igloo Hvilepust, the Norwegian Trekking Association's tower cabin Haukenstower, the forest cabins at Hafsrød, the Flagghytta log cabin, and the Stubbe cabins.
While you are in the area, don't miss the idyllic small town of Halden!
Visit the mighty Fredriksten Fortress, have fun in the climbing park, and explore the islands in the Iddefjord.