Unspoilt nature and beautiful coastal getaways meets art, culture and history in the Østfold region. Are you ready to explore?
The region of Østfold in south-east Norway stretches along the eastern side of the Oslofjord all the way to the Swedish border. Visit charming towns and villages like Sarpsborg, where you can see prehistoric rock carving sites and feel the spray from the majestic Sarpefossen waterall, and Fredrikstad, one of the best preserved fortified towns in Northern Europe, where there is a vibrant cultural life.
A short drive from Fredrikstad lies the island paradise Hvaler and Ytre Hvaler national park. Hundreds of islands and islets welcome you to spend relaxing summer days on a boat, a beach or with a fishing road on the shore.
In the border town of Halden you can visit Fredriksten Fortress, go kayaking or take a cruise on the Halden Canal.
The thriving community of Moss offers a delightful combination of seaside activities and cultural inspiration.
In the rural surroundings of Indre Østfold, vast areas of unspoilt nature await, with excellent fishing spots and the lakes Lyseren and Øyeren. Norway’s longest river Glomma also flows through Østfold..
Get in-depth travel information on Østfold’s official website.
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Things to do | Where to stay | Food and drink | What’s on | Getting here and around
Destinations in Østfold
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Gamle FredrikstadKongsten fortress
Kongsten Fort is among Fredrikstad's many unique cultural monuments, and is part of Fredrikstad Fortress - Old Town. From Kongsten there is a fantastic view of the city and the district, and it is an excellent destination for an excursion with a picnic basket within walking distance of the Old Town.
TorpRoald Amundsens Discovery Trail
Learn more about Roald Amundsen and test your skills as a polar explorer. In the beautiful countryside around Roald Amundsen's birthplace you can solve puzzles inspired by the great polar hero. Spin the compass needle and solve fun and educational tasks. You can try the Discovery Trail all year around and when there is snow during the winter, the trail becomes a true challenge for a aspiring polar explorer!
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.
Popular hikes
Try some of the best hikes in Østfold.
TistedalThe Troll path - Ormtjernhytta
Discover the nature, animal tracks - maybe even the mystery creatures of the Trolls - at Ormtjernhytta (sports cabin) in Halden! The Troll path is a walking trail of 1 kilometer in forested terrain - suitable for the whole family (child carrier recomended for the smallest children). Walking trails to the sports cabin from Ertemoen (3,2 km), Kruseter (2 km), and from the turnpike (0,8km). Parking at the cabin only in the season's opening hours.
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.
Gamle FredrikstadAktivitetsbyen - Fredrikstad Motel & Camping
Accommodation and activities right by the Old Town, the best-preserved fortified town in the Nordics. Idyllic, rural and historic surroundings with a short distance to a large bathing facility and the city's vibrant shopping center and nightlife.
GressvikStrømtangen lighthouse
Stay in your own lighthouse at Strømtangen. Accommodation takes place in the lighthouse itself and in an annex next door and is suitable for families and friends who want a unique experience by the sea. From the living room there is an exceptionally beautiful view of the Oslo Fjord. The old lighthouse is now part of the residence with entrance right from the living room. Without a doubt this is the most popular room in the whole house. The lighthouse was first lit in 1859 and has been inhabited until 1977. The lighthouse on Strømtangen is available from April to October.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Events in Østfold
From festivals and concerts to shows and exhibitions. See what’s on!
Book nowØrje30.05.2026 - 31.05.2026The big canal tour Ørje - Tistedal - padletour
Halden Padleklubb and the Haldenvassdragets Kanalselskapet invite paddlers to the Canal Tour in the Halden canal 3-4. June 2023. This is an unforgettable paddling trip through one of Norway's most beautiful and traditional waterways, the Halden canal. There will be no timing as this is a trip without time pressure. We start the paddling trip through the locks in Ørje on Saturday. We paddle to Strømsfoss and through the locks there, where we spend the night and have dinner together at the beautiful Strømsfoss mill. The next day, the trip continues to Brekke locks, with a kayak through Europe's highest lock system - almost 27 meter and on to the finish at our clubhouse in Tistedal. Price from 850,- NOK Hope to see you on the Haldenkanalen
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Østfold’s official website.
Plan your trip to Østfold with Entur.
By plane
Oslo Airport and Torp Sandefjord Airport are the closest airports.
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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.
By bus
Several local and express busses take you between Oslo and Østfold.
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By boat
Østfold has a long coastline, and travelling by boat is a great way to explore the region.
A car ferry takes you across the Oslofjord between Moss and Horten in Vestfold.
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.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
Discover the Oslo region
More travel ideas
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