Things to do in Ostfold, Eastern Norway: The Best Outdoor Activities

Hanko The island was once the Master of The manor Elingaard`s hunting territory. You get here by boat, or by ferry from Hankosundet. When at the ferry point, check out the old red-painted Seilerkroa (Ferry inn) built in 1883 as part of Hanko Baths. Follow the path up to the once fashionable saatorium hotel Hanko Fjordhotell & Spa, raised in 1877. Turn left between the tennis courts and you will see the old riding stables, built around 1900. Take the road to the right of the stables and on to Hanko Plads - one of two small farms on the island. Turn left at the barn, and turn right where the footpaths cross and follow the power lines. Cross the stream and turn left, walk northeast towards Karibukta. You may be lucky enough to spot some fallow deer along the path. Fallow deer from Denmark were released her about a century ago, and the island has a thriving herd. Dogs must be kept on a leash! Continue along the path as it bends to the left and you arrive at the bay near hotel, directly opposite Seilerkroa and Bloksberg, the Royal Family`s old country estate, higher up the mountainside and now owned by Princess Märtha Louise and Ari Behn. Hanko has a centre for sailing from the 1880`s. as darkness falls, you can see Kristian Blystad`s memorial to King Olav V, a sailboat lit in silhouette, out in the sound.

Oldtidsveien - The Ancient Road Along the main road between Fredrikstad and Skjeberg in the Municipality of Sarpsborg you will find the highest concentration of ancient monuments from the stone bronze, and iron ages: burial mounds stone rings and fortified hamlets. Here you will also find monumental rock carving sites that tell of our forbearers everyday life with human figures, animals, ships and wagons, weapons and tools, together with symbols in lines, circles, sun-crosses and hewn out dish shapes. The road runs through an historical landscape rich in natural beauty, with scenic farms fields and meadows, woodlands and glimpses of glittering sea. Contact Fredrikstad Tourist Office for more details on the route.

This 30 km long hiking path stretches from the Swedish border at Vammen north to Tistedal by Aspedammen. It is a continuation of the Bohusleden from Sweden and passes through an exciting and varied landscape. Olavsleden is a bluemarket trail that runs from Tistedal to Vammen at the Swedish border. The trail crosses Skarefjell where there is placed in a tower. On a clear days, you can from here see the snowmountain fare away. Olavsleden cross the highway at Aspedammen, where it partially follows the skiing trails. At Idd follow the trail hills east of Iddefjorden, where you have a great wiev over the beautiful fjordlandscape. By the cottage Braekka you will come down to the seaside. The trail continue through the Folka naturereserve, and then follow the beautiful Enningdalsriver in south direction. At the border of Vammen the Olavsleden get linked to the Bohus leden which continues through Bohuslän in Sweden.

Borge and Torsnes Asphalted roads with relatively light traffic, many people enjoy cycling and jogging here. Roughly 30 km. Start at Kongstenhallen, east of Gamlebyen. Ride towards Torsnes. After 4 km you arrive at Lunds gartneri, (garden centre), which also has a small zoo. Further on you pass the turning to Nes Herregard. Take to right at the signpost to Humlekjaer, and carry on past odegardskilen. Cross straight over at Humlekjaer cross roads, or take a sidetrip to Bevo Camping, which has a bathing beach, kiosk, and other facilities. Carry on through Thorsoskogen (Thorso Woods) until the landscape opens up at Thorso Herregard, (Manor farm). Carry on past Holm Church along the flates, past the farms at Grimstad and down to road 110 at Borge School. You will see Borge Church from here, on higher ground. Turn left, and take time out to look at the ancient dry walling on the left hand side of the road. The side road to Kjolberg a little further on takes you to one of the finest rock carving sites in Norway. Follow the main road on past Begbyhallen to the roundabout at Rakkestadsvingen. Turn left down oraveien, then turn right towards Gamlebyen.

If you want to get the most out of the Hvaler skerries, look no further! We arrange boat trips around the beautiful skerries. On board you are served a meal you may choose from fresh prawns (from Hvaler of course!) with all the trimmings or something else from our extensive menu. Contact us for a package deal tailored to your desire!

Right south by Soly marina, you can get on a trail that leads you into the Southern Jeloy protected landscape of meadows and mixed forests in Reiertangen. The trails into the Southern Jeloy go many places in close proximity to the sea in a landscape where avenues, stone fences, manor houses and gardens, is the dominant feature of the landscape. Culturally, this has its origin from the 17th and 1800s were the farm properties were bought by wealthy families in the towns and officials. The properties were later developed to country areas with parks and avenues. This is how we got the Southern Jeloy that today appears as a country landscape.