10 tips – Fredrikstad and Hvaler

Fredrikstad and Hvaler are two generous neighbours that complement each other: culture and urban energy on one side of the fence, sea and coast on the other. Together they form the perfect destination – all year round and in all sorts of weather. Here are some tips to enjoy Fredrikstad and Hvaler.

1) Drive a train at Gamlebyen Model Train Center

The centre is the largest in Scandinavia. It’s packed with fun – a whole world of tiny trains, cars, houses, people and landscapes, all fashioned with a dash of humour. There is a miniature model of Gamlebyen. Open at weekends and in school holidays.

2) Take a dip

Fredrikstad and Hvaler are great for swimmers, whether you choose the outdoor pools at Kongsten with its diving tower, paddling pool and water slide, or one of countless beaches. Kroksand on Hvaler and Foten in Fredrikstad have both been awarded the international certificate of quality, the Blue Flag.

3) Boat trips and island hopping

The coastal islands of Fredrikstad and Hvaler should be seen from a boat. From Skjærhalden, take a trip to Strømstad on Vesleø II, or go island hopping with the local ferry. Around Hvaler that’s a great experience, you will be spoilt for choice.

4) Play crazy golf in a model of Gamlebyen, the historic old town

Just outside Gamlebyen is Aktivitetsbyen Gamle Fredrikstad. The new Adventure crazy golf course has 12 holes that take you past models of all the Old Town’s most famous historic buildings. Will you manage to get past the cannons on the fortress wall on the way to Kongsten Fort? You can also try your skill at Football Golf.

5) Visit the best-preserved fortress town in Northern Europe

Wander the ramparts of Gamlebyen, Fredrikstad’s Old Town. Explore the moats, cannons, historic buildings, shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés. Remember: the shops in the Old Town are open on Sundays all year.

6) Explore The Glomma Trail by bike

By bike along Glommastien (The Glomma Trail) there are great places to stop: Roald Amundsen’s Birthplace, the Hans Nielsen Hauge Museum, Hafslund Manor Farm, Sarpefossen waterfall and Oldtidsruta.

7) Visit Norway’s first marine national park

Ytre Hvaler National Park is Norway’s first marine national park, and has its Visitor Centre at Skjærhalden. Here there are fascinating exhibitions describing the flora and fauna of the national park, especially the marine life underwater. The centre has also a Lilliput Centre in Skjærhalden harbour with an activity programme for children all summer.  

8) Discover our ancient history

Go time-travelling along Oldtidsruta (The Ancient Trail). This round-trip takes you to Norway’s largest collection of heritage sites from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, with burial mounds, stone circles, megaliths and rock carvings. Visit also Fredrikstad Museum, Elingaard Manor Farm and Kystmuseet on Hvaler – history for all ages.

9) Camera! Lights! Action! – at Norway’s best cinema

Fredrikstad Cinema has been named the best in the country for several years running.

10) A river cruise

With the City Ferry you get a miniature cruise on the Glomma river, with stops at Gamlebyen, Isegran, Kråkerøy, Sentrum and Gressvik. 

The Ancient Trail

Norway’s most concentrated collection of cultural monuments from the Bronze and Iron age.

By driving along highway 110, you will find many cultural and historical monuments dating back to the Bronze and Iron Age. From Skjeberg in the south, via Fredrikstad in the west, up to Hafslund, Sarpsborg in the north and Solbergkrysset on the E6, there are many such monuments.

The historical round trip will show you ancient burial mounds, large rocks spread into rings, ancient refuges and monumental rock carvings depicting our ancestors’ way of life and religious beliefs.

Please note that most of the rock carvings are covered during the frost season (November to March).

Solberg

At Solberg you will see many rock carvings depicting the creation of the Nordic religion from the Bronze Age. Here you will see four wheeled carry wagons, both a large and small tree, dreadful Gods, sun pictures and more. The field is situated along the highway and is easily accessible.

Helleristninger på Solbergfeltet, figurer i rød farge på fjell.

Hornnes

Follow the small path through the forest to see a sight of the 22 beautiful sun ships that are travelling through the sky to meet the Sun god. This rock carving site is from the early Bronze Age peiod and shows the most important symbol from that time, the ship.

Storedal kultursenter (culture centre)

A few kilometres from the highway you will find the sound sculpture ”Ode til lyset” by Arnold Haukeland and music by Arne Nordheim. The site also has an amphitheatre, a study garden and a rock carving exhibition for the blind.

Gunnarstorp

The steep field at Gunnarstorp is full of burial monuments from the Iron Age. A 3 metre high and 30 metre wide burial mound from the later Bronze Age period, probably more than 3000 years old, triumphs on top of the field. Further on into the forest you will find some large rock statues placed in a circle.

Steinringfeltet at Hunn (stone rings)

Many people see this as the most spectacular cultural monument on the route. Here you will find a number of graves from the Iron Age, consisting of large stone blocks placed in rings. You will also find some smaller graves and burial mounds scattered over a large area, creating a very special atmosphere.

The mass grave field at Hunn

There are mass graves from both the early and later stages of the Iron Age here. A large amount of findings made by archaeologists have been made here. Through the area is a cave passage, several thousands of years old. On the map it is shown as a deep ditch.

Ravneberget

At Ravneberg you will find many early houses, dating back to 400 AD. Walk up to the top of the stone ring field, following the path to the left up the terrain until you reach the top of Hunnfjellet (mountain).

Skilt som viser vei til Ravneberget og Hunnfeltet i Fredrikstad.

Begby (Gullskår and Skolefeltet)

Here you will find two large, great rock carving fields from the early stages of the Bronze Age. There are various motives, including a ship shaped like an animal, wagons, sun symbols and people. You will find two of the most remarkable rock carvings here; Begbymannen and Danseren.

Opstadfeltet (The field at Opstad)

This is a large stone ring field from the Iron Age. Here you will find stone remains of a street parade. The field has recently been examined by archaeologists. From the field, you can take a short cut to Kalnes agriculture school and take a look at the beautiful rock carvings situated right by it.

Gravfelt på Opstad i Sarpsborg, steiner i ringformasjon med informasjonsskilt i fokus.

Hafslund

On the field outside Hafslund Manor Park you will find a small island with many rock carvings. The motives span from ships, to foot traces and sun symbols. Back in the park you will see large burial mounds from the Iron Age.

Bjørnstadskipet

This is one of Northern Europe’s largest single standing rock carving. It is a large and beautiful ship depiciting two twin Gods with raised axes looking into the horizon. The ship is 4,5 metres long and is carved vertically in a small grove in the forest.

Accessibility in Fredrikstad and Hvaler

Plan your visit to Fredrikstad and Hvaler, regardless of mobility level. Find information on accessibility for activities, attractions, accommodations, and transportation.

Fredrikstad and Hvaler welcome everyone and are continuously working to become a more accessible destination for all visitors.

Gamlebyen (The Old Town)

Gamlebyen is one of the best-preserved fortress towns in Northern Europe, with history dating back to the 1600s. As an old town, it is not fully adapted for all accessibility needs. The streets and sidewalks are cobblestone, with some level differences and uneven surfaces in several areas.

For wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, or visual impairments, getting around can be somewhat challenging. However, the area around Bastion 5, where you will find Café Magenta and several galleries, has gravel paths, an accessible restroom, and nearby parking.

Gamlebyen is a charming district to visit, and with some planning, many can still enjoy the experience.

Accessibility in Gamlebyen

Parking

There are accessible parking spots in Kasernegaten and Kirkegaten near the church. More information can be found on Fredrikstad Municipality’s parking pages and in this map.

Dining Options

Restaurants and cafés in Gamlebyen with wheelchair-friendly access:

Attractions

Fredrikstad Museum (Tøihuset) – Accessible with ramps and elevators. The museum’s exhibits are universally designed.

Transportation

City Ferries

Accessibility: The ferries are free and have good universal design. Wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility can easily board.

The ferries Connects Isegran, city center, Gamlebyen, and Gressvik.

Trains & Public Transport

Hotels

Quality Hotel Fredrikstad

Quality Hotel in Fredrikstad is a beautiful and modern hotel right in the center of Fredrikstad.

Scandic City Hotel Fredrikstad

Scandic City Hotel is Fredrikstad's most venerable and traditional hotel, restaurant and experience house. With its perfect location in the middle …

We are currently reviewing and updating our accessibility information.

Accessible Attractions

Fredrikstad Museum

Learn more about the history of Fredrikstad and the people and events that shaped the city at Fredrikstad Museum in the Fortress town.

Hans Nielsen Hauge's Memorial Museum

Was this where he saw the light? Not good to say. But it is certain that one of Norway's greatest revival preachers experienced something very spec…

Roald Amundsen's birthplace

Roald Amundsen was born in Fredrikstad. Young Roald got a taste for adventure here, the proud sailing ships of the family shipping firm were berthe…

Visitor Center Outer Hvaler National Park

Visit the national park visitor center and improve your understanding of the ocean while having fun!

Wheelchair-Friendly Beaches

Foten beach

Foten is one of the best sand beaches in Fredrikstad and has the environmental certification Blue Flag. Foten is used all year, but is especially p…

Kroksand beach

Near Skjærhalden center is “the city beach” Kroksand, suitable for the whole family.