Østfold, Norway – Historical landmarks, summer holidays

Forests, islands and a fortified town

Between Oslo and the Swedish border you’ll find Østfold, a county that is rich in history, as well as a popular summer destination.

The region of Østfold is teeming with historical landmarks. The rock carvings around the city of Sarpsborg go back thousands of years to just after the last Ice Age. The city itself, located by Europe’s largest waterfall Sarpefossen, was founded by Norway’s patron saint in 1016 and was for a time Norway’s Capital.

Now, the county’s largest city is Fredrikstad, where the history is visible in its charming fortress town. A half hours drive away, close to the Swedish border, the large and beautiful fortress of Fredriksten tower above the city of Halden. Their history aside, both cities are also full of life and modern culture.

In Inner Østfold you’ll find large, untouched areas of forests that are great for hiking, biking and camping. Lakes such as Lyseren and Øyern, as well as Norway’s largest river Glomma, are ideal for fishing and canoeing. The history enthusiast should visit the largest inland fortress Høytorp at Mysen.

Østfold is wonderful in the summertime. Relax at the beaches around Moss, or explore tiny coastal villages like Sponvika. The island paradise of Hvaler, consisting of hundreds of islands, islets and reefs, is linked to the mainland by bridges and tunnels. Here, you can swim, explore, relax, and enjoy the food and the culture.

Østfold is amongst the nation’s oldest inhabited regions, with petroglyphs (rock drawings) and burial mounds all over the area. Today, many manufacturing facilities are situated here, including the world's most advanced biorefinery, Borregaard in Sarpsborg.

The Østfold region is easy to get to both by car and public transportation.

Find more inspiration on Østfold’s official website.

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visitostfold.com

The harbour in Halden.
Photo: Halden Turist

Cycling in Østfold.
Photo: Terje Rakke

Rømskog Spa & Resort.
Photo: Visit Østfold

Fishing in Hvaler.
Photo: Terje Rakke

The old town in Fredrikstad.
Photo: Walter Schoffthaler

Playing at the beach in Moss.
Photo: visitoslofjord.no

Fredrikstad fortress.
Photo: Walter Schøffthaler

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Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information at Østfold’s official website.

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By train

The railway from Oslo to Gothenburg is running more or less in parallel with the E6, and a railway between Ski and Sarpsborg covers the inner part of Østfold.

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By bus

There are several local and express bus departures from Oslo to Østfold. NOR-WAY Bussekspress and TIMEkspressen operates daily between Oslo and Østfold. Flybussen will take you directly form Oslo airport Gardermoen to the Østfold region.

Check out Østfold’s official website for more information.
By boat

The county of Østfold has long coastlines and travelling by boat is a good way to explore the region.

There are several options for getting around by boat. Find more information on Østfold’s official website.
By car

Østfold is located strategically between Oslo and Sweden. The main highway E6 between Oslo and Gothenburg runs as a motorway through the county.

The main highway E18 between Oslo and Stockholm runs through Østfold in a southeast-northwest direction.

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By plane

Oslo Airport is the busiest airport near Østfold, and from there you can take Flytoget (the Airport Express train) to Oslo S (Oslo Central Station), or Flybussen directly to the Østfold region.

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Østfold