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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