A Norwegian coastal town with an imposing 17th-century fortress overlooking its harbor. Local cafes and shops line the cobblestone streets near the historic waterfront.
Halden sits at the mouth of Tista River where it meets the Iddefjord in southeastern Norway. You'll spot the 17th-century Fredriksten Fortress on the hilltop as you approach the town. In the center, boats line the harbor during summer months, while local fishermen cast their lines from the docks. The surrounding area includes the Halden Canal, where you can watch boats rise 27 meters through Northern Europe's highest lock system.
Getting to Halden
Trains run regularly from Oslo to Halden, with the journey taking about two hours. If you're driving from Sweden, take the exit after the Svinesund Bridge and follow signs to the town center. The coastal route from Strømstad takes about 30 minutes by car or bus.
Exploring Fredriksten Fortress
The fortress stands on a hill above Halden, with bastions and underground passages from the 1600s and 1700s. You can walk through the corridors and climb to the ammunition tower to understand how soldiers defended the town. Between June and August, around 300,000 people visit the fortress, which hosts outdoor concerts on its grounds.
Walking Through Town Center
The Tista River flows through the middle of town. You can walk along promenades on both banks, where small shops and cafes occupy the cobblestone streets of the pedestrian zone. From the town bridge, you'll see rows of red, yellow, and white wooden buildings reflecting in the water.
Hiking and Nature Activities
You'll find marked trails for hiking and orienteering in the surrounding forests. During autumn, you can pick wild berries and mushrooms. The Iddefjord and lakes like Femsjøen are good spots for fishing, while kayakers paddle around the fjord's islands. Look for trail markers near Prestebakke and Kornsjø for day hikes.
Exploring Halden Canal
Take the MS Brekke boat through Norway's oldest canal system. The boat passes through the Brekke locks, rising 27 meters as you travel through the forested landscape. The canal dates from the 1800s and includes multiple locks and water control systems.
Visiting Rød Manor House
The manor house looks much as it did in the 1700s, with its original furniture and decorations still in place. Walk through two different gardens: a symmetrical Baroque garden with geometric patterns and an English landscape garden with winding paths. Guides explain the building's architecture and its connection to local merchant families.
Summer Events
The Tons of Rock festival brings hard rock and metal bands to the fortress each June. In August, you can try local and international meat-free dishes at the town's vegetarian food festival. Musicians perform throughout summer at the fortress, local churches, and the student union building.
