A 16th-century Norwegian coastal town with a preserved star-shaped fortress, military museums, and historic cathedral along the eastern shore of Lake Mjøsa.
Fredrikstad lies at the mouth of Norway's longest river, the Glomma. In the 17th-century fortress town, you can watch glassblowers craft delicate pieces in their workshops, walk along 400-year-old stone walls, and take free ferry rides across the river. Beyond the city, the 833 islands of Hvaler archipelago spread into the sea, while the Old Town's weekly summer flea markets fill cobblestone streets with vintage furniture and local crafts.
Getting Around Fredrikstad
A free city ferry connects downtown Fredrikstad with the Old Town and Isegran island. Local buses run every 15-30 minutes between the city center and surrounding areas. Trains from Oslo depart hourly and take about one hour to reach Fredrikstad station. You can walk to most places in the compact city center within 15 minutes.
Exploring the Old Town (Gamlebyen)
Star-shaped fortress walls from the 1600s surround streets lined with wooden houses, craft workshops, and small museums. In Bastion 5, you'll find glassblowers and potters creating their works, antique shops with vintage items, and cafes serving fresh cinnamon pastries. From June to August, vendors set up stalls at the weekly flea market, selling local crafts and antique furniture on the cobblestone streets.
Art and Culture Scene
The Østfold Art Center exhibits contemporary Norwegian art in its riverside location, while No13 Contemporary focuses on crafts and design exhibitions. At the Fredrikstad Museum, located in a 1600s mansion, you can learn about the city's shipbuilding industry and early trading routes. Blå Grotte and St. Croix host regular concerts, theater performances, and puppet shows throughout the year.
Hvaler Islands
The Hvaler archipelago spans 833 islands and islets. Many smaller islands remain car-free, and you can reach them by ferry or private boat. Marked trails cross the coastal landscape, making them ideal for cycling and hiking. At Ytre Hvaler National Park, which includes both land and underwater areas, you can go diving or fishing. In the town of Skjærhalden, local fishmongers sell fresh seafood, including the local specialty - Hvaler shrimp.
River Life and Maritime Activities
A riverside promenade along the Glomma leads past restaurants and cafes in central Fredrikstad. On Isegran island, you can visit Norway's only traditional boatbuilding school and see an exhibition about local sailing traditions. The island's coastal culture park maintains historic boats and teaches traditional shipbuilding techniques through hands-on workshops.
