Sarpsborg was founded 1,000 years ago by Saint Olaf II of Norway, and is situated beside the Sarpefossen waterfall, which has one of the highest flow rates in Europe. The city has one of the country's coolest science centres for children - and the most days of sunshine of any place in Norway.
Ever since the ice receded and made the area habitable, people have settled in Sarpsborg. But the city itself was founded by Saint Olaf when he sailed up the Glomma, Norway's longest river, in 1016. The huge waterfall Sarpefossen halted his expedition and he therefore chose the location as his capital.
Sarpefossen in Glomma has one of the highest flow rates in Europe, and has been likened to Niagara Falls. The power generated from the waterfall has played a key role in the industrial and urban development of the city, focused primarily around the company Borregaard, today a world-leading bio-refinery.
Sarpsborg is located in the heart of Østfold,between Oslo in the west and the Swedish border in the east. Explore its fascinating history at the Borgarsyssel Museum. No trip is complete without visiting Kulåsparken in the heart of the city (which also has some great play areas for the kids!).
In addition to beautiful nature and good options in the centre with restaurants, culture and shopping, there is a historic buzz about the city. In fact, no place in the country has more registered ancient petroglyphs (over 3,000 years old!) than Sarpsborg.
Families with children will find a lot of good reasons to visit Sarpsborg. INSPIRIA is one of Norway's National Science Centres, where visitors are encouraged to learn through interactive exhibitions in maths, science and technology. Or visit the spectacular planetarium - an indoor starry sky! There is even a cool pump track for skateboards, bikes and scooters right outside.
At Eventyrfabrikken, 'the Adventure Factory', you are met by a suspension bridge, pipes you can crawl through, ball pools, trampolines, pedal cars, and bouncy castles, and much more fun stuff fun within it's 2,000 square metres!
Get in-depth travel information and inspiration on Sarpsborg's official website.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
SarpsborgSarpefossen
The waterfall is about 23 meters , and the flow of water is immense, coming from Norway's largest river Glomma. There are three power stations in Sarpsfossen; Borregaard, Hafslund and Sarp power station. Borregaard supplies power to more than 25000 households , which is more than the entire Sarpsborg city. The bridge over the waterfall was originally built in 1854, and was then described as "a great work over the Norwegian Niagara". The present bridge is from 1942.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
SkjebergRestaurant Salt
Welcome to Restaurant Salt in Høysand! Come and enjoy the beautiful view of Skjebergkilen with good food and drinks. Enjoy Nordic cuisine with inspiration from the southern European food culture. Our menu is based on the best of what the seasons has to offer. The building dates from 1897 when a bathing hotel was run here. The Norwegian-Swedish king Oskar II has eaten and spent the night at the seaside hotel.
SarpsborgKaffeforretningen Sarpen
Kaffeforretningen Sarpen is an intimate eatery in the middle of the pedestrian street in Sarpsborg, and have a large variety of simple snacks and dinner dishes. We have smoothies, shakes, as well as a large and exciting coffee and tea menu. We also sell coffee and tea in bulk so you can brew coffee and tea at home. On weekdays, Kaffeforretningen Sarpen is a nice lunch and coffee bar. On Friday and Saturday evenings Sarpen is transformed into a bar with a cozy atmosphere and a tasty evening menu.
SarpsborgBorg Bierstube
Welcome to Borg Bierstube Your beer house in the middle of Sarpsborg! We have a seasonal German-inspired menu with high-quality local ingredients, skilled and committed chefs who want to give you a high-level dining experience. All our starters and main courses are served with stone oven baked sourdough bread and butter.
SkjebergPalma Kiosk & Coffee Shop
In the middle of the beach in Høysand, surrounded by volleyball courts and playgrounds ,is the beach kiosk Palma Kiosk & Kaffebar. Here Palma serves its homemade donuts, lactose-free soft drinks, Loaded Fries, organic coffee from LIPPE and everything you need to have a Palm-tastic day at the beach. Enjoy your ice cream or coffee at the beach, on the lawn or in one of the chairs around the kiosk. Welcome!
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Getting here and around
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