What to do and see in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway: The Best Nature & Parks

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.

The peninsula’s history is thought to have started with small fortifications which were built during the 13th century. Until 1680 Isegran was Norway’s only sea based military harbour. At Isegran you will find the Fredrikstad museum where many exhibitions are held. From Cafè Galeien you can take in the beautiful view of Gamlebyen (The Old Town) and Vaterland in the south. Here you will find a maritime centre which builds and restores wooden boats.

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!

Krakeroy - Here you will find the best cycle tracks in the municipality. Start in Smertulia the open park area about 500 m south of Krakeroy Bridge. take Solliveien past Krakeroy School and the Athletics Stadium. Turn left along cycle lane to Krakeroy Church and ride south to Lunde. The three old buildings here were once schools the eldest date from 1858. (Side road at Lunde to odegardsstua - a typical Krakeroy house from 1800`s). Continue southwards along the cycle lane, cross the main road at the signpost to Tangen, (open air swimming) Return the same way, but at Enhus take the main road back past Rod School and Ekheim, an impressive property from the timber baron`s era once owned by the Kjaers family. (Today, privat property). From Ekheim take the gravel road towards Rodsmyra bac to Solliveien.

Rolvsoy Round trip: Cycle trip along cycle tracks or lightly trafficked roads, roughly 25 km. Start at Rabekken, just north of Fredrikstad, on road 109. On the right near the railway is Hans Nielsen Hauges Minde, birthplace of Hans Nielsen Hauge. Adjacent to the road is ostfoldhallene the largest shopping centre in the municipality. Pass Rolvsoy Church, turn left at Greakerbridge, and take the cycle track (road 112) along Visterflo, a beautiful extension of the Glomma delta, teaming with bird life. Turn left up the hill past Nylende football pitch, past Gretteland to Liane and turn left. Continue by road through Veumskogen. At Evenrod, the road carries on to Skihytta (the Ski Cabin) From here, floodlit ski trails run eastwards to Borgashatten and then its downhill to Rolvsoyhallen (unmade road). Follow Hatteveien and Rakollveien past the Town hall, Hauge School and Haugeasen School to Rabekken.