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.
Plan your trip to Sarpsborg
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.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Sarpsborg with Entur.
By plane
Oslo Airport is situated 134 kilometers north of Sarpsborg, and from there you can take an express train or bus to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S ). From Oslo you can reach Sarpsborg by train or bus.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations
By road
There are daily bus departures between Oslo and Sarpsborg.
Ad: Vy express - travel with bus throughout Norway
The motorway, E6, passes through Sarpsborg, so getting here by car is easy. Travel time from Oslo is about one hour.
By train
The Østfold railway runs between Oslo and Fredrikstad via Sarpsborg several times a day. The journey from Oslo to Sarpsborg takes about one and a half hour.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.